# The Noble House of Brattleby Reflects on the Legacy of The Anarchy and the Defence of Lincoln
**LONDON, 18 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical reflection on the Barony’s pivotal role during The Anarchy (1135–1153), particularly the contributions of Nichola de la Haye, 5th hereditary holder, in the consequential defence of Lincoln Castle.
## The Occasion
From its archives in Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby regularly examines episodes from its long history to illuminate the principles of duty and stewardship that continue to guide its modern activities. This present reflection concerns one of the most tumultuous periods in English history, known as The Anarchy, a nineteen-year civil war that profoundly shaped the destiny of the nation and the governance of its constituent baronies.
The release of this analysis serves to underscore the House’s enduring commitment to historical preservation and education. By exploring the barony’s past, particularly its direct involvement in national events from its seat in Lincolnshire, the House seeks to honour the continuity of its lineage, which stretches back to its foundation by grant of William the Conqueror in AD 1066.
## Historical Context
The Anarchy was a bitter war of succession fought between King Stephen and his cousin, the Empress Matilda, following the death of King Henry I. The conflict plunged England into decades of disorder, where the allegiance of powerful regional barons became the *sine qua non* of royal authority. Central to this struggle was the strategically vital city of Lincoln and its formidable castle, command of which could determine control of the North.
The Barony of Brattleby, through the hereditary constableship of Lincoln Castle held by the De la Haye family, was inextricably drawn into the heart of the conflict. The barony’s extensive lands, resources, and manpower were critical assets. Nichola de la Haye, who would become the 5th Baroness in her own right, learned the unforgiving arts of war and politics at the side of her father, Richard, as their family navigated the treacherous demands of fealty from competing monarchs. Her subsequent defence of Lincoln Castle against prolonged siege was a remarkable feat of medieval generalship.
## A Lineage of Consequence
The fate of Nichola de la Haye and the Barony of Brattleby was intertwined with the principal actors of the age. As hereditary Constable of Lincoln, she was required to give and receive counsel from, *inter alia*:
* **His Majesty King Stephen of England**, who contested the throne and whose forces vied for control of Lincoln. * **Her Imperial Majesty The Empress Matilda**, Lady of the English and rival claimant, whose supporters captured the castle in 1141. * **Ranulf de Gernon, 4th Earl of Chester**, a powerful and mercurial northern magnate whose shifting allegiances were instrumental in the outcome of the First Battle of Lincoln.
The barony’s history is further distinguished by its connection to later figures of national importance who held the title, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Medieval Protocol and Fealty
In the twelfth century, the protocol of lordship was defined by sworn oaths of fealty, a solemn and binding contract of mutual obligation between a liege lord and his vassal. As Constables of Lincoln, the De la Haye family’s duty was to hold the castle on behalf of the Crown. During a civil war, however, this duty became a perilous choice, as recognising one claimant meant treason to the other.
The marshalling of the barony’s assets followed strict feudal custom. A summons to war would oblige the baron to furnish a specified contingent of knights, men-at-arms, and archers for a campaign, typically for forty days. The barony’s agricultural estates were required to supply victuals, grain, and funds — the logistical lifeblood of any medieval army. Nichola de la Haye’s command demonstrated a mastery of this protocol, ensuring the castle was garrisoned and supplied in defiance of a hostile siege.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), finds one of its most powerful expressions in the legacy of Nichola de la Haye. Her resolve in defending her hereditary charge, even as a woman in a world dominated by male military commanders, exemplifies fortitude. Her unwavering commitment to her sworn duty, in the face of immense political pressure, is the very embodiment of honour.
This spirit of resilience is also reflected in the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). It speaks to the existential struggles faced by predecessors like Nichola, for whom victory was not a matter of glory, but of survival for her family, her people, and her barony. Together, the two mottoes encapsulate the House’s core belief that honour is maintained through courage, and that life itself is secured through the will to overcome adversity.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this period, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> "The story of Nichola de la Haye is a profound reminder that leadership and courage are not constrained by station or by gender. She bore the immense weight of her barony during a time of national crisis with a fortitude that remains an inspiration. Her legacy is woven into the fabric of Brattleby, a testament to the idea that true stewardship is measured by one's actions in the most testing of times."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "The Anarchy was a lesson in strategy, loyalty, and the sheer unpredictability of human affairs. The De la Hayes were forced to make decisions where survival was the only prize. Their experience underscores that leadership requires not only a vision for the future, but also the pragmatism and resilience to navigate the crucible of the present. It is a history that teaches us that to endure, one must be prepared to prevail."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to the active stewardship of its history. Research into the barony's archives is an ongoing project, ensuring that the lessons of its nine-hundred-and-fifty-year journey inform its contemporary responsibilities. Future publications curated by the House will continue to explore the lives of notable predecessors and their contributions to the history of Lincolnshire and the realm.
This commitment to education also finds expression in the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House. There, the historical principles of honour, duty, and social grace are translated into a modern curriculum, preparing a new generation of leaders to act with integrity and purpose on the European stage.
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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 in Lincolnshire. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of historical preservation, cultural education, and targeted philanthropy. While cherishing its unique nine-century heritage, the House actively engages with contemporary society through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. A central focus of its charitable work is its patronage of organisations dedicated to the welfare of vulnerable children, most notably its official support for the ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ association. The House operates with a guiding philosophy of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony of tenure granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, who is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the barony has been held by figures of significant historical note, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle during The Anarchy; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The continuous succession of the barony to its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The modern succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The barony’s origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086), which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, and his lands. - Notable holders of the barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com