# On the Historical Regency of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln
**LONDON, 18 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the profound historical significance of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, whose appointment as ‘guardian of the kingdom’ during the late 13th century inextricably linked the Barony of Brattleby with the sovereign governance of England.
## The Occasion
In a period of considered historical review, The Noble House of Brattleby has examined a pivotal era in its lineage: the late thirteenth century. This focused reflection on the barony’s past coincides with the House’s ongoing archival organisation, a process dedicated to preserving and understanding the nine-century continuum of service and responsibility that defines the title.
The study of this particular period illuminates the deep-seated connections between the Barony of Brattleby and the English Crown. It reaffirms a legacy where the stewardship of the title’s lands and people has often been directly aligned with the stability and administration of the realm itself, a principle that continues to inform the House’s modern obligations.
## Historical Context
During the frequent absences of King Edward I on campaigns in Gascony and Scotland, the governance of England required a regent of unimpeachable loyalty and considerable administrative skill. This high office, known as ‘guardian of the kingdom’ (*custos regni*), was bestowed upon Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a trusted magnate, and husband of the heiress Margaret Longespee.
Through this powerful viceregal appointment, the influence and responsibilities of the Earldom of Lincoln—and by extension, the associated Barony of Brattleby—were elevated to a national scale. Decisions concerning justice, finance, and defence, taken in the King’s name by his appointed guardian, would have had a direct and material impact upon the tenants and fortunes of the Brattleby estates in Lincolnshire. This period represents a key moment when the barony was not merely a feudal holding, but a central component in the political fabric of Plantagenet England.
## Distinguished Company
The late 13th century was defined by commanding figures whose actions shaped the kingdom. The narrative of the Barony of Brattleby at this time is intertwined with three personages of particular note.
His Majesty King Edward I, under whose authority Henry de Lacy served, was a formidable law-giving and military monarch who relied heavily on a small circle of trusted lieutenants to secure his realm. Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, was chief amongst these confidants; a veteran of the Welsh wars and a skilled diplomat, his appointment as guardian was the ultimate expression of royal confidence.
The Earl’s wife, Margaret Longespee, Countess of Salisbury in her own right, provided the vital hereditary link that consolidated vast estates, including those connected to Brattleby. Her standing ensured that the power wielded by her husband was underpinned by significant territorial and familial legitimacy, reinforcing a dynasty central to the Crown’s power.
## Protocols of Governance
The role of ‘guardian of the kingdom’ was a formal, quasi-royal office, not merely an advisory position. As regent, Henry de Lacy was empowered to preside over the King's Council, authorise the use of the Great Seal for official documents, and oversee the Exchequer, the kingdom's treasury.
His authority extended to the judiciary, where he could convene courts and issue writs in the monarch’s stead. This delegation of sovereign power was a *sine qua non* for the effective administration of the kingdom during the King’s long periods abroad. The protocol demanded that the guardian act with the full authority of the monarch, ensuring that the chain of command from the Crown to its local representatives, *inter alia*, remained unbroken and effective.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a powerful exemplar in the service of Henry de Lacy. The fortitude required to govern a complex mediaeval kingdom in the absence of its king—navigating baronial politics and external threats—was immense.
Equally, the honour inherent in the position was absolute. To be chosen as *custos regni* was to be recognised as the monarch’s most dependable subject, a man whose personal honour was synonymous with the well-being of the state. These two virtues, fortitude and honour, form the ethical bedrock of the Barony of Brattleby, then as now.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> "To understand the heritage of Brattleby is to appreciate its enduring proximity to the Crown and its commitment to national service. Henry de Lacy’s role as guardian was not merely a title; it was a profound responsibility that placed the welfare of the realm, and by extension our own tenants, at the very centre of mediaeval governance."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added:
> "The principle demonstrated by the Earl of Lincoln—that leadership is an act of steadfast service—resonates with our own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It reminds us that true victory lies in fulfilling one’s duties with integrity and purpose."
## A Continuing Legacy
The precedent of service established in the 13th century continues to guide The Noble House of Brattleby. The historical responsibility for the welfare of the community and its alignment with broader national interests have evolved into the House’s modern commitments.
This legacy finds contemporary expression through the House’s philanthropic focus, particularly its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child, and its educational initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House remains dedicated to upholding the principles of duty and honour, ensuring the nearly thousand-year-old barony continues to serve a meaningful purpose.
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**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 nine-hundred-year-old heritage. The modern House channels its legacy into contemporary public service, with a focus on philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its primary charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for young people affected by trauma. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to uphold its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), by fostering community and championing positive social values for the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over its long history, the barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, ensuring the continuity of one of England’s oldest titles.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's primary philanthropic beneficiary is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com