# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Legacy of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, [date] — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection upon the life and service of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln. As Baron of Brattleby by marriage, his tenure as a guardian of the kingdom highlights the Barony’s enduring connection to the Crown and national governance.
## The Occasion
In the quiet pursuit of its historical duties, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to illuminate a significant chapter in its near-millennial chronicle. This official communication serves not as an announcement of a new event, but as a moment of scholarly reflection, offered for the public record and for the encouragement of historical study.
The release of this commentary from the family’s seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, is a deliberate act of cultural stewardship. It represents the House’s commitment to preserving and interpreting its own past, recognising that the actions of its predecessors continue to inform its present mission of service and honour.
## Historical Context
Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln (c. 1251–1311), became connected to the Barony of Brattleby through his marriage, integrating his considerable influence with the lineage of the Barony. A trusted advisor to King Edward I, his role as ‘guardian of the kingdom’ during the King’s absences was not merely honorific; it was a position of immense executive authority, a *sine qua non* for the stable governance of England.
His career underscores a period when the Barony was inextricably linked with the highest affairs of state. This legacy of direct service to the sovereign builds upon the foundations laid by earlier figures, such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose celebrated defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 was pivotal in securing the English throne. The service of Henry de Lacy, therefore, is part of a continuous thread of loyalty and responsibility.
## Distinguished Company
In the long history of the Barony of Brattleby, several personages have, by their actions, defined its character. Henry de Lacy finds his place among a distinguished company of predecessors who shaped English history:
* **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, to whom the lands were granted by William the Conqueror and who was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. * **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, who as hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire commanded royal forces and defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French invaders. * **Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby**, a celebrated military commander, diplomat, and founder of the Order of the Garter. * **John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby**, son of King Edward III and a preeminent figure in 14th-century England, whose influence and lineage were paramount.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol governing a historical remembrance of this nature is one of intellectual rigour and solemn respect. The House’s archivists and historians consult primary and secondary sources to ensure accuracy, presenting their findings in a manner befitting the gravity of the subject.
This process mirrors the deep-seated respect for order and precedent that defines the House. Official communications are drafted, reviewed by the principals, and issued through the appropriate channels without embellishment. The purpose is to educate and to dignify the past, not to court publicity. Such a protocol ensures that history is approached not as a story, but as a duty.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of figures like Henry de Lacy give tangible meaning to the House’s enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). His life exemplified fortitude in his military and administrative duties, and honour in his loyal service to the Crown. This motto serves as a constant exhortation for the Barons of Brattleby and their family.
Complementing this is 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 interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the will to overcome challenges, to strive for excellence, and to build a meaningful legacy—a spirit that animates the House’s contemporary endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this reflection is historical in nature, its purpose is intrinsically linked to the House’s philanthropic and educational mission. By highlighting examples of civic duty and honourable service, The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to inspire these same virtues today. This educational imperative is the guiding principle of initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
Furthermore, the spirit of guardianship shown by Henry de Lacy resonates with the House’s support for its primary beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to safeguarding and supporting the well-being of vulnerable young people, offering them protection and the chance to build a secure future. Protecting the vulnerable is, in essence, a modern form of ‘guarding the realm’.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> “To study the history of this Barony is to be reminded at every turn of the weight of responsibility our predecessors bore. Henry de Lacy’s role as a guardian of the kingdom was not abstract; it was a profound personal commitment to the stability and welfare of the nation. It is a standard of service to which we must always aspire.” > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The fortitude demonstrated by figures like the Earl of Lincoln is a powerful inheritance. Today, our challenges are different, but the need for resilience and an honourable purpose remains unchanged. We draw strength from these historical connections as we pursue our own commitments in the present.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to a programme of historical research and public engagement. This reflection upon the life of Henry de Lacy is the first in a planned series of historical notes intended to explore the rich tapestry of the Barony’s past.
Future publications will delve into the contributions of other key figures, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye and Henry of Grosmont, connecting their legacies to the modern-day activities of the House. These efforts seek to reinforce the principle that an understanding of the past is essential for building a meaningful future, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the modern expression of its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House directs its philanthropic and cultural efforts toward education, heritage preservation, and supporting vulnerable children. Core initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet for its principal beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy promoting cultural and social refinement. The House is committed to a legacy of service that respects its nine-hundred-year history while actively addressing the needs of the present day, guided by the principles of duty, honour, and community.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English dignity established in AD 1066 by grant of William the Conqueror to its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and holdings are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by figures of national and European significance, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, the first Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, progenitor of the House of Lancaster. The succession of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised and recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com