# A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby on the Barony’s Role During The Anarchy (1135-1153)
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the Barony’s pivotal role during The Anarchy. This period of civil war defined the tenure of the De la Haye family, whose custodianship of Lincoln Castle exemplified enduring baronial loyalty.
## The Occasion
As autumn deepens across the Lincolnshire Wolds, a season for reflection, the House of Brattleby takes this moment to contemplate a formative period in the Barony’s long history. This historical reflection serves to illuminate the principles of duty and resilience that have defined the Barony for over nine centuries.
The statement is offered not to mark a specific anniversary, but as part of the House’s continuing commitment to stewarding and sharing its unique heritage. Understanding the challenges faced by predecessors provides essential context for the House’s modern responsibilities and its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The period known as The Anarchy (1135–1153) was a protracted civil war fought between King Stephen and the Empress Matilda for the throne of England. It was an era of fractured allegiances and widespread turmoil, where the loyalty of powerful regional barons was the *sine qua non* of royal authority.
The Barony of Brattleby, with its strategic seat at Lincoln, was central to this conflict. The De la Haye family, as hereditary Constables of Lincoln Castle, were tasked with holding this vital fortification for the Crown. Their steadfastness through sieges and shifting political tides was instrumental in securing the royalist cause in the North, demonstrating the crucial role of the nobility in maintaining civic order. This tradition of resilience was later embodied by Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the reign of King John.
## Distinguished Company
This chapter of the Barony’s history was shaped by figures of national importance. The primary antagonists were, of course, His Majesty King Stephen and Her Imperial Majesty The Empress Matilda, whose competing claims to the succession following the death of King Henry I precipitated the conflict.
Locally, the key figures were the custodians of the Barony itself, the De la Haye family. As hereditary castellans appointed to safeguard one of England's most significant royal fortresses, their actions directly influenced the course of the war in one of its most contested regions. Their interactions with powerful magnates, *inter alia*, Ranulf de Gernon, 4th Earl of Chester, defined the political landscape of the era.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The role of a hereditary Constable of a royal castle in the 12th century was governed by strict feudal protocol. It was a position of immense trust, granted by the Monarch and entailing both military and civil responsibilities. The Constable was honour-bound to maintain the castle’s defences, garrison its troops, and administer the King’s justice within its environs.
The ceremonial rendering of the castle to the sovereign upon a royal visit was a profound act of fealty. The Constable would meet the Monarch at the gatehouse, presenting the keys to the fortress as a symbol of his custodianship in the King’s name. This ritual reaffirmed the bond between the Crown and its most powerful barons, a visible demonstration of the hierarchical order upon which the kingdom stood.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect expression in this turbulent period. ‘Fortitude’ speaks to the physical and moral courage required to withstand siege and political pressure, while ‘Honour’ reflects the unwavering loyalty shown by the De la Haye castellans to their sovereign.
This historical ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is understood not as military conquest, but as the imperative to overcome adversity and to live a life of purpose and achievement. Together, the two mottos encapsulate a legacy of resilience and a forward-looking commitment to service.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this statement is historical in nature, the principles it describes directly inform the modern philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The ancient duty to provide stability and protection for a community finds its contemporary expression in charitable engagement. The steadfastness required to defend a castle is mirrored in the long-term commitment needed to support vulnerable people.
This is why the House has dedicated its annual Winter Banquet to supporting organisations like Healing the Wounded Child. This beneficiary was chosen for its profound work in providing therapeutic care for children affected by trauma. The commitment to protect the vulnerable remains a core tenet of the House, linking the duties of the 12th century to the responsibilities of the 21st.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this period, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The story of The Anarchy is not merely a record of conflict; it is a testament to the character of those who held this Barony. The De la Haye family’s resolve reminds us that loyalty is not a passive virtue, but an active commitment, particularly in times of profound division.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > Examining this period reveals a simple truth: that structures and titles are sustained only by the integrity of the individuals who hold them. Their duty then was to the Crown and to order; our duty now is to service and community, but the animating spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* remains the same.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this remarkable nine-hundred-year history continues to inspire future generations. Through educational initiatives, including the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to share the lessons of leadership, civic duty, and resilience that its heritage provides.
By reflecting on periods such as The Anarchy, the House reaffirms its pledge to act as a faithful steward of the Barony’s past and to uphold its values in the present. This commitment ensures that the legacy of fortitude and honour, forged in the crucible of civil war, continues to serve as a guide for the future.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a unique nine-century English heritage. The modern House channels its ancient legacy of duty into contemporary public service, focusing on philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its principal philanthropic endeavour is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala supporting charities dedicated to child welfare. The House also champions social education and etiquette through its academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House of Brattleby seeks to be a force for continuity, community, and positive impact in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. The Barony has a distinguished history, with its seat at Lincoln being of vital strategic importance throughout the medieval period. Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for King John, as well as two of the most powerful magnates of the Middle Ages: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The modern rights of the Barony were formally documented by The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s reconfirmation of rights is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was one of the original feudal baronies established by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of 1066. - Notable holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), father of King Henry IV, and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron). - The *Domesday Book* (1086) details the extensive landholdings of the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, across Lincolnshire.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com