# A Legacy of Service: The House of Brattleby Commemorates Henry de Lacy's Role as Guardian of the Realm
LONDON, 26 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the publication of a historical monograph detailing the tenure of Henry de Lacy as *Custos Angliae*, or Guardian of England, reaffirming the Barony’s nine-century association with service to the Crown and nation.
## The Occasion
In an act of historical stewardship, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, has commissioned and released a scholarly paper exploring a significant chapter in the Barony’s sphere of influence. This publication, timed to coincide with the anniversary of King Edward I’s return from his Flanders campaign of 1297, reflects the House’s commitment to preserving and interpreting its extensive heritage for a modern audience.
The monograph is not merely a document but an artefact of the House’s dedication to cultural preservation. It represents a considered effort to illuminate the profound responsibilities borne by predecessors connected to the Barony, whose actions shaped the course of English governance during a formative medieval period.
## Historical Context
Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, was appointed Guardian of the Realm to govern in the King’s stead, a role entrusted only to the most powerful and loyal magnates. His appointment during Edward I’s absence on the Continent signified his position at the apex of political authority. This placed the Lancastrian estates, with which the Barony of Brattleby would become inextricably linked, at the very centre of national administration.
This tradition of steadfast loyalty to the sovereign resonates throughout the Barony’s history. It is seen in the actions of the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebellion, and later in the tenure of the 10th and 11th Barons, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, respectively. These figures, central to the Lancastrian dynasty, continued a legacy of national service that de Lacy’s guardianship had earlier exemplified.
## Distinguished Company
The research for this historical paper was undertaken with the guidance of leading medieval scholars, ensuring its academic rigour and historical accuracy. The House of Brattleby extends its gratitude to, *inter alia*, Professor Dame Eleanor Vance, Regius Professor of Medieval History at the University of Oxford, and Dr Julian Finch, Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London.
Their invaluable consultation has helped to create a work that is both accessible to the public and respected within the academic community, bridging the past and present in a spirit of intellectual collaboration.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The publication of "Guardian of the Realm: Henry de Lacy and the Governance of England" follows the House’s own exacting protocol for historical releases. The research was conducted using primary source materials from the national archives, while the writing and review process adhered to the highest standards of peer-reviewed scholarship.
Its release is intentionally measured, eschewing grand ceremony for the quiet dignity of learned contribution. The monograph is seen as an offering of knowledge, a resource for historians and the public, reflecting a belief that the most profound ceremonies are those rooted in the preservation of truth and the advancement of understanding.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The anointment of a trusted subject as Guardian of the Realm is the physical embodiment of the Brattleby House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). It required immense fortitude to manage a kingdom and unwavering honour to return that power upon the sovereign’s arrival. These principles remain the *sine qua non* of the House's philosophy today.
Furthermore, this act of historical inquiry aligns with the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Here, the conquest is not of territory, but of obscurity; it is a victory for knowledge, ensuring that the lessons of the past continue to live and inform the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this scholarly undertaking is distinct from the House's primary charitable activities, it is informed by the same spirit of public service. The House believes that a well-informed citizenry, conscious of its history, is the bedrock of a strong society. This educational mission is complementary to its philanthropic work.
The clarity and perspective gained from historical reflection are considered essential for nurturing future generations. This belief underpins not only the patronage of this research but also the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, where etiquette and protocol are taught within a rich historical context. The publication serves as an extension of the House’s duty to enrich public life.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the publication, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: — "To understand our present obligations, we must first honour the legacy of those who came before us. The story of Henry de Lacy is not merely history; it is a profound lesson in duty, trust, and the enduring responsibilities that accompany great privilege."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the project's contemporary relevance: — "History is a living dialogue between the past and present. Through this research, we hope to illuminate a pivotal moment in English governance and re-affirm our family’s commitment to stewardship, both of our heritage and of the communities we serve today."
## A Continuing Legacy
This monograph is the inaugural publication in a planned series, "The Brattleby Papers," which will continue to explore the remarkable nine-hundred-year history of the Barony and its holders. Future papers will examine, among other subjects, the architectural evolution of the Lincolnshire estates and the diplomatic missions undertaken by Barons of Brattleby.
Through this initiative, the House of Brattleby seeks to build a lasting archive of institutional knowledge. It is a commitment to ensuring that the legacy of fortitude and honour, established nearly a millennium ago, continues to serve as a guide for centuries to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of its historical legacy and service to the community. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is actively engaged in cultural and philanthropic pursuits. These activities include the Annual Winter Banquet benefiting Healing the Wounded Child, an international charity, and the patronage of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy of etiquette and protocol. The future of the House is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who will continue a tradition of stewardship and public duty.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient noble dignities, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which catalogued 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and two pivotal Lancastrian princes, Henry of Grosmont (the first Duke of Lancaster) and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The modern rights of The Noble House of Brattleby to the title were formally recognised in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships. - Notable predecessors who held the Barony include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. - The House's Annual Winter Banquet is a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of the international charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com