# A Statement on the Historical Role of the Barony of Brattleby during the Reign of King Edward I
**LONDON, 24 October 2023 —** The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement clarifying the historical role of the Barony of Brattleby during the reign of King Edward I, highlighting its contributions to the Crown’s campaigns in Wales and Scotland in the late 13th century.
## The Occasion
From its offices in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to illuminate a pivotal period in the history of both England and the Barony. The statement serves not as a celebration of medieval conflict, but as an exercise in historical stewardship. It reflects the House’s modern commitment to education and transparency, acknowledging the complex obligations that have defined the Barony for more than nine hundred years. This act of historical clarification underscores a belief that a deeper understanding of the past is a *sine qua non* for responsible leadership in the present.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, was inextricably linked to the ambitions of the English Crown. During the assertive reign of King Edward I (1272–1307), this connection became particularly significant. The King’s campaigns to subjugate Wales and assert overlordship in Scotland required a colossal mobilisation of military, financial, and logistical resources from his magnates.
Through its liege lord at the time, the powerful Marcher Lord Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and a close confidant of the King, the Barony of Brattleby contributed directly to these endeavours. Its revenues, derived from the rich agricultural lands of Lincolnshire, provided vital funds, while its feudal levies supplied men-at-arms for the King’s armies. This support was instrumental during the final conquest of Wales (1277–1283) and the First War of Scottish Independence, reflecting the profound duties placed upon the great baronies of the realm.
## Distinguished Company
The narrative of this era is shaped by several formidable figures whose actions defined the course of British history.
Foremost among them was **His Majesty King Edward I**, an imposing monarch known to history as ‘Longshanks’ and the ‘Hammer of the Scots’. His legal reforms and military ambitions fundamentally reshaped the governance and geography of the British Isles.
A key instrument of the King's will was **Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln**, through whom the Barony of Brattleby’s fealty was expressed. As a trusted advisor and experienced commander, the Earl played a principal role in the administration of the conquered Welsh territories and in the Scottish campaigns, serving *inter alia* as the King's lieutenant in Aquitaine.
They faced resolute opponents, including **Llywelyn ap Gruffudd**, the last native Prince of Wales, and later, Scottish leaders such as **Sir William Wallace** and **Robert the Bruce**, whose resistance forged a powerful sense of national identity in their respective lands.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The support provided by the Barony was governed by the strict protocols of medieval feudalism. The King would issue a feudal summons, a formal writ demanding that his tenants-in-chief, such as the Earl of Lincoln, present themselves with a specified contingent of knights and soldiers for military service. This was an inescapable obligation of land tenure.
Alternatively, a baron could pay ‘scutage’, or shield money, a payment made in lieu of personal service which allowed the Crown to hire professional soldiers. The development of Parliament under Edward I was driven, in large part, by the need to secure the consent of the nobility and the shires for the taxes required to fund his relentless and costly wars. The Barony's contributions were thus part of a highly structured, kingdom-wide system of military and financial obligation.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The historical duties of the Barony resonate within the heraldry and mottos of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the dual expectations placed upon its medieval holders: the fortitude to endure the rigours of campaign and the honour to fulfil one’s duty to the sovereign.
This historical context provides a powerful counterpoint to the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Where conquest once meant military victory, today it is understood as the drive to overcome challenges in philanthropy, culture, and personal development—a modern reinterpretation of an ancient impulse for achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this statement focuses on a period of military expansion, it serves the House’s contemporary mission of fostering education and cultural understanding. In acknowledging the often harsh realities of its nine-century history, the House reinforces its present-day philanthropic focus. This commitment is channelled through its support for beneficiaries such as Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to mending the unseen wounds of trauma.
Furthermore, this dedication to historical education is a core tenet of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and cultural academy founded by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. By examining the past, including its conflicts, the House seeks to promote a future built on diplomacy, dialogue, and mutual respect.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the statement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To understand our role today, we must first understand the nine centuries of history that precede us. Acknowledging the Barony's part in the great tides of English history, including the demanding reign of Edward I, is a duty of stewardship. It is through this lens of *Fortitudine et Honore* that we interpret our past and shape our future commitments.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History is not a simple narrative of heroes and villains; it is a complex tapestry of obligation, ambition, and circumstance. By examining the logistical and financial contributions of the Barony to the Crown, we gain a deeper appreciation for the structures that shaped the nation. It is a powerful reminder that influence has always been coupled with profound responsibility.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to the ongoing study and dissemination of the Barony’s rich history. Future initiatives will include a series of scholarly papers and lectures, some of which will be hosted through The Brattleby Club, to further explore the Barony’s role from the Norman Conquest to the present day. This work forms part of the House’s pledge to act not only as the current holder of an ancient title but also as a custodian of its long and complex heritage for future generations.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting 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 diplomacy, historical education, and targeted philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to purposeful action. The House’s primary philanthropic focus is on charities that support the well-being of children, notably its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to build bridges of cultural understanding between the United Kingdom and Continental Europe.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal dignities. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its lands were held by Colswein of Lincoln. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle against French invasion; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The title’s transfer to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The transfer of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com