# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces Historical Address on Barony’s Role During 'The Anarchy'
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today announced a forthcoming historical address examining the pivotal role of her predecessors, the de la Haye family, in defending Lincolnshire and the Crown’s interests during the 12th-century civil war known as The Anarchy.
## The Occasion
The announcement signals the inauguration of a new academic initiative by The Noble House of Brattleby, intended to illuminate key periods from the Barony’s near-millennial history. The address, entitled *Fortitudine et Honore: Brattleby and the Defence of the Realm, 1135-1153*, will be delivered by the Baroness at the family’s Lincolnshire seat later this season.
This scholarly undertaking aligns with the House’s wider commitment to education, which is also expressed through the work of its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The lecture series aims to foster a deeper public appreciation for the continuity of local and national history, bringing the past into dialogue with the present.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. During the 12th-century period of civil war between the supporters of King Stephen and Empress Matilda—a conflict known as The Anarchy—the Barons of Brattleby were instrumental in maintaining order.
The de la Haye family, holders of the Barony at the time, demonstrated remarkable strategic acumen by securing their estates and providing vital military support to the royalist cause. Their steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle, a critical regional stronghold, was foundational in preserving the Crown's authority in the North. This display of resilience under duress would later prove essential, preparing the family for the challenges of the First Barons' War and the celebrated defence of Lincoln by Nichola de la Haye in 1217.
## Distinguished Company
The inaugural address is anticipated to draw a distinguished audience comprising members of the Diplomatic Corps, leading medieval historians from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, senior representatives from English Heritage, and members of The Royal Historical Society.
Invitations will be extended to figures whose work relates to the preservation of Norman and Plantagenet history in the United Kingdom and on the Continent. The event seeks to create a forum for scholarly exchange, reinforcing the cultural ties that underpin European history.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The address will be delivered by Lady Nicoleta from a lectern in the Long Gallery of the family’s Lincolnshire residence. Proceedings will be opened by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who will provide a formal introduction contextualising the historical period and its significance to the House. The order of proceedings will adhere to established formal custom.
Following the hour-long address, a moderated academic discussion will take place, allowing guests to pose questions to the Baroness. The prescribed attire for the occasion will be Morning Dress or Lounge Suit, reflecting the formal yet scholarly nature of the gathering.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The theme of the address is intrinsically linked to the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words encapsulate the guiding principles of the de la Haye barons, whose actions during The Anarchy were defined by courage in battle and an unwavering commitment to their feudal oaths.
This ancient principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the proactive and strategic vision necessary not only to endure crisis but to emerge with strengthened purpose. Together, the mottos reflect a dual legacy of honourable resilience and the will to prevail.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the address is primarily an academic undertaking, it reflects the House’s belief that understanding historical resilience can inform and inspire modern efforts to overcome adversity. The challenges faced by communities during civil strife in the 12th century find a poignant echo in the struggles of children affected by conflict and trauma today.
In this spirit, any proceeds generated from the future publication of the address will be directed in their entirety to Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for young people who have experienced trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives with fortitude and look to the future with hope.
## In Their Own Words
Speaking of the initiative, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To understand our present responsibilities, we must first honour the legacy of those who came before us. The story of the de la Hayes during The Anarchy is not merely one of survival, but of unwavering duty to Crown and country in a time of profound division. It is a testament to *Fortitudine et Honore* in practice.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History provides the essential blueprint for effective leadership. The strategic foresight shown by the Barons of Brattleby in the 12th century holds valuable lessons for today. It reminds us that stability is never a given; it must be diligently secured and defended. This principle is the *sine qua non* of our own service.
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical address is the first in what The Noble House of Brattleby intends to be an annual series, each dedicated to exploring a different era in the Barony’s long history. This long-term project of historical rediscovery will serve as an important educational resource, with the research also forming part of the formal tutelage of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
Future lectures are being planned to examine, *inter alia*, the Barony’s role under its 10th holder, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and its subsequent transfer to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. Through this series, the House seeks to fulfil its duty as a custodian of history and to share its unique heritage with a wider audience.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its near-millennial heritage while embracing a forward-looking mission of cultural and educational philanthropy. Combining English tradition with a Continental European perspective, the House actively supports charitable causes, most notably its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing therapeutic care for young victims of trauma. The House's commitment to education is further expressed through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, which promotes classical virtues and social grace for the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces in 1217. In the 14th century, the Barony was held by the great Plantagenet magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The modern rights and title of the Barony were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette in Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s modern recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby. - Notable holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster). - The annual philanthropic event of the House is the Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefitting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com