# A Historical Reflection: The Barony of Brattleby during The Anarchy
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection upon the Barony’s pivotal role during the English civil war known as The Anarchy (1135–1153), highlighting the steadfast service of the De la Haye family in defending Lincoln Castle.
## The Occasion
In an age of rapid change, the House of Brattleby remains committed to the preservation and study of its profound history. This reflection serves as part of a continuing series of historical papers, intended to illuminate for a modern audience the foundations upon which the Barony was built. The period known as The Anarchy represents a defining chapter, where the character and resilience of the Barony’s leadership were forged in the crucible of civil war, leaving an indelible mark upon the lineage.
The decision to revisit this tumultuous era is not merely academic; it is an act of reaffirming the core values that have ensured the Barony’s continuity for nearly a millennium. It is a tribute to the predecessors whose fortitude ensured that the legacy of Brattleby would endure through one of the most fraught periods in the history of the Realm.
## Historical Context
The Anarchy was a devastating succession crisis precipitated by the death of King Henry I, contested between his daughter, Empress Matilda, and his nephew, Stephen of Blois. For nearly two decades, England was fractured by divided loyalties and endemic conflict. Lincolnshire, with the strategically vital Lincoln Castle at its heart, became a principal theatre of war. Lincoln was one of the wealthiest towns in England, a nexus of trade routes and a formidable military stronghold.
During this period, the hereditary constableship of Lincoln Castle was held by the De la Haye family, direct predecessors of the modern Barony. As castellans of a royal fortress, they were duty-bound to the Crown, yet the question of who legitimately wore it placed them in a perilous position. Their service, most notably that of Richard de la Haye, demonstrates the delicate balance of martial duty and political survival that was the *sine qua non* of baronial power in the twelfth century.
## Distinguished Company
The events at Lincoln during The Anarchy involved some of the most significant figures of the age, whose actions directly shaped the destiny of the kingdom and, by extension, the Barony of Brattleby. The House acknowledges the historical record of their involvement, *inter alia*:
- His Majesty King Stephen, Lord of England and Duke of Normandy. - Her Imperial Majesty The Empress Matilda, Lady of the English. - The Right Honourable Ranulf de Gernon, 4th Earl of Chester and Viscount of Avranches, a primary antagonist in the fight for Lincoln. - Sir Richard de la Haye, hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and precursor in the baronial line, whose allegiance was central to the region’s stability.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The defence of a royal castle in the twelfth century was governed by strict feudal and military protocols. As Constable, Richard de la Haye’s authority was second only to the King’s within the castle walls. His first duty was to hold the fortress in the monarch’s name, a charge symbolised by the raising of the royal standard from the keep.
Fealty was a sacred, sworn oath, and the protocol for its transfer was a solemn public ceremony. Amidst the chaos of The Anarchy, the decision of which claimant to recognise was a matter of both honour and existential risk. The garrisoning of the castle, the setting of the watch, and the command of the local fyrd, or militia, all fell under the Constable’s purview, representing the living embodiment of royal authority in a fiercely contested landscape.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The trials of The Anarchy are a powerful historical illustration of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The De la Haye family’s defence of Lincoln Castle, under constant threat of siege and subterfuge, required immense fortitude. Navigating the conflicting claims of Stephen and Matilda whilst upholding their sworn duties demanded a profound sense of honour.
Furthermore, these events resonate with the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In the twelfth century, this was a literal truth. To lose control of the castle was not merely a strategic defeat; it meant the potential loss of lands, title, and life itself. The survival of the family and the continuity of its stewardship were a victory in the most fundamental sense.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The enduring legacy of the Barony, secured by the actions of predecessors during The Anarchy, is what makes the modern philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby possible. The stability and prosperity safeguarded through centuries of service now find their expression in substantive charitable work.
The House’s foremost commitment is to its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care for children affected by trauma. The House’s ability to furnish meaningful support is a direct result of a nine-century-old tradition of duty. This commitment transforms a legacy of martial defence into a modern mission of compassionate protection for the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical period, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “Our history is not a static record; it is a living lesson in duty. The trials faced by the De la Haye family during The Anarchy serve as a powerful reminder that stewardship requires fortitude, especially in times of uncertainty. Their legacy is a cornerstone of the Barony.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The Anarchy was a crucible where survival was synonymous with victory. The strategic decisions made to hold Lincoln Castle were not merely tactical; they were existential. It demonstrates the principle that to conquer adversity is, in the most fundamental sense, to live and to ensure the future.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby will continue to share insights from its history, believing that an understanding of the past informs the responsibilities of the present. Further historical papers are planned for release, exploring other seminal periods in the Barony’s nine-hundred-and-fifty-year chronicle.
This commitment to historical education is also reflected in the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the etiquette academy founded by the House. There, the principles of honour, resilience, and strategic thought, drawn from moments like The Anarchy, are translated into lessons on contemporary leadership and personal conduct. The enduring legacy of Brattleby is one of service — a service that has evolved from the castle wall to the civic sphere.
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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 a modern mission of cultural preservation, historical education, and targeted philanthropy. The heir is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. From its seat in Lincolnshire, the House directs its charitable efforts, principally supporting the mental health and well-being of children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House also works to promote the timeless values of etiquette and honour, reflecting its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated fifteenth-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The continuous history and rights of the Barony in the modern day were formally noted by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the Barony is published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. - 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