# The Baroness of Brattleby Publishes Historical Monograph on the Barony’s Medieval Role as ‘Guardian of the Kingdom’
LONDON, 23 October 2023 — From their historic Lincolnshire seat, Lady Nicoleta Vasile has announced the publication of her new scholarly monograph on the Barony of Brattleby’s medieval role in national governance, with all proceeds designated for the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
The announcement of this significant academic work was made from the Great Library at the House of Brattleby’s ancestral seat. Amidst the quiet atmosphere of a room lined with seventeenth-century oak panelling and the scent of beeswax and venerable leather-bound volumes, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, unveiled *Regency and Realm: The Barony of Brattleby and the Office of Guardian of the Kingdom, 1297–1311*.
The publication, released this autumn, represents a culmination of two years of meticulous research. The project drew not only upon the extensive private archives of the Barony but also on manuscripts held within the national collections. It is presented not as a public celebration but as a serious intellectual contribution, designed to illuminate a pivotal period of English constitutional history for the benefit of scholars and the nation’s historical record.
This scholarly debut has been conceived as an act of service, reflecting a belief that the stewardship of a noble house involves contributing to the intellectual patrimony of the country. The timing of the release, during the contemplative autumn season, is fitting for a work that encourages deep reflection on the nature of duty, leadership, and historical continuity.
## Historical Context
The monograph delivers a focused analysis of the tenure of Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, the 9th Baron of Brattleby. It examines his repeated appointments as ‘Guardian of the Kingdom’ (*custos regni*), a role he fulfilled during the extended absences of King Edward I on vital campaigns in Scotland and Flanders. This pre-eminent office, effectively a viceregal regency, placed the Baron at the apex of royal administration, entrusting him with the governance of the treasury, the judiciary, and the defence of England itself.
This theme of trusted lieutenancy is a recurring thread in the Barony’s near-millennial history. The steadfastness of the 9th Baron echoes the remarkable fortitude of the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, one of history’s most formidable women, who as hereditary castellan defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown against rebel barons and French forces during the First Barons' War. Her loyalty was a decisive factor in securing the throne for the young King Henry III.
This profound legacy of service at the highest level was continued by subsequent holders of the title. The monograph touches upon the influence of the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, a founding knight of the Order of the Garter and the first Duke of Lancaster. His statesmanship paved the way for his son-in-law and successor as 11th Baron, the formidable John of Gaunt, whose wealth, ambition, and royal blood shaped the course of the English monarchy.
## Distinguished Company
While a private and scholarly endeavour, the research for *Regency and Realm* was enriched by the counsel of several distinguished figures in British academia. A foreword to the monograph has been graciously provided by Professor Sir Jonathan Bate, FBA, FRSL, the esteemed literary scholar and Provost of Worcester College, Oxford, lending the work considerable academic weight.
In his foreword, Sir Jonathan notes that the study provides a compelling model for how noble patronage of the arts and sciences has evolved into direct intellectual contribution. He underscores the importance of such work in bridging the gap between archival history and public understanding of the responsibilities that underpinned the medieval polity.
Advance copies of the volume have been presented to institutions dedicated to the preservation of national history, including, *inter alia*: The Royal Historical Society, The Society of Antiquaries of London, and The British Library. A specially bound copy will be accessioned into the permanent collection of The British Library, ensuring its availability for the benefit of future generations of researchers and historians.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The publication of *Regency and Realm* adheres to a protocol befitting its historical substance. A limited first edition of 250 copies has been produced by a traditional English bindery. Each volume is hand-bound in navy blue calfskin leather and meticulously hand-stamped with the coat of arms of the House of Brattleby in silver leaf on the front board.
The design of the book shows careful consideration for its contents. The text is printed on high-quality, acid-free archival paper. The endpapers feature a fine cartographic representation of the Barony’s 56 original Domesday Book lordships in Lincolnshire, as recorded in 1086, visually connecting the present work to the Barony's origins under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron.
Presentation copies are being dispatched to the Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford and the Cambridge University Library, honouring the nation's principal centres of learning. Further copies will be sent to select European royal and ducal archives in a gesture of shared cultural heritage and the historic ‘republic of letters’. A digital edition will be made available through academic portals in the coming year, ensuring wider scholarly access while preserving the integrity of the initial ceremonial release.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The theme of the monograph, the guardianship of the realm, serves as a profound historical illustration of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The high office of *custos regni* demanded immense fortitude in the face of political intrigue and military threat, and it required unimpeachable honour in the exercise of royal authority. These twin virtues have been the *sine qua non*—the indispensable condition—of the Barony’s identity since its foundation by William the Conqueror.
The concept of fortitude is symbolically represented in heraldry by charges such as the tower or the oak tree, signifying strength and endurance. Honour is often reflected in the purity of the shield itself. The motto thus encapsulates the feudal bargain: the duty to provide strength in service to the Crown, in exchange for the honour of the title.
This historical dedication to service is complemented by the personal motto of the Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim, with its Roman undertones, represents the dynamic and forward-looking energy the current family brings to its ancient duties, creating a synthesis where respect for tradition is married to a drive for contemporary and meaningful achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In keeping with the House’s deeply held commitment to public service, it has been determined that all proceeds from the sale of the limited-edition monograph will be donated directly to Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity provides essential therapeutic support and specialist counselling to children and young people across the United Kingdom who have experienced trauma, abuse, or bereavement.
Healing the Wounded Child offers a range of interventions, including art and play therapy, to help vulnerable children process their experiences and build resilience. Their work is grounded in the belief that with compassionate, professional support, it is possible to mitigate the long-term effects of childhood adversity. The funds raised will contribute directly to providing these vital clinical services.
The House of Brattleby has chosen this beneficiary because it believes that honouring the past must be intrinsically linked to protecting and nurturing the future. The charity’s mission to help children find fortitude in the face of profound difficulty aligns powerfully with the core values of the House. It is a modern interpretation of guardianship, focused on the most vulnerable members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the motivations behind the project, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To study figures like the 9th Baron is to understand that service to the Crown and country is not a passive inheritance but an active, ongoing responsibility. This history reminds us that leadership is a matter of trust, dutifully earned and honourably discharged for the common good.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > “The legacy of fortitude that defines this Barony is a powerful inspiration for our own endeavours. By supporting the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child, we hope to help nurture that same inner strength and resilience in the youngest and most vulnerable members of our society.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The publication of *Regency and Realm* signifies a renewed focus by the House of Brattleby on its educational mission. Later this year, core themes from the work—exploring concepts of leadership, duty, and effective governance through historical precedent—will be incorporated into the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the etiquette and protocol academy founded by the family. This ensures the scholarly insights of the monograph are translated into practical lessons for a new generation of leaders.
The House’s public and philanthropic activities will continue this winter with the Annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie gala, held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child, has become a key fixture of the London philanthropic season. The banquet provides a further opportunity to support the charity’s invaluable work while gathering a community of supporters who share a commitment to the welfare of children.
This confluence of historical scholarship, education, and philanthropy reflects the House’s holistic approach to its responsibilities. By examining the past with rigour, the House seeks to inform its present actions and contribute meaningfully to the future, ensuring its ancient principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* remain vibrant and relevant.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of history and the promotion of public service. From its historic seat in Lincolnshire, the House champions cultural heritage through scholarly research and institutional support. Its philanthropic endeavours are focused on children’s welfare and mental health, primarily through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Internationally, the House promotes cultural diplomacy and education via its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, in Bucharest. The House is guided by its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), in all its undertakings, ensuring its legacy remains relevant and impactful in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest extant feudal lordships in England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, loyal defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The succession of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised and recorded by The Crown Office in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby's origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, under the tenancy-in-chief of Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron). - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com