# A Statement on the Historical Regency of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Chancellery of the Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical statement concerning the Barony’s role in national governance during the late 13th and early 14th centuries, reflecting on its enduring legacy of service to the Crown.
## The Occasion
In a period of considered reflection upon its nine-century history, the Noble House of Brattleby today illuminates a significant chapter in the annals of the English realm. This formal communication serves to contextualise the profound responsibilities vested in the Barony during the reign of King Edward I, a monarch whose extensive campaigns abroad necessitated the appointment of trusted magnates to govern in his stead.
The statement reaffirms the House’s commitment to historical stewardship and its duty to chronicle a lineage defined not merely by title, but by substantive contributions to national stability and governance. It is an act of remembrance, connecting the actions of venerable predecessors to the principles that guide the House in the present day.
## Historical Context
Towards the end of the 13th century, the Barony of Brattleby was intrinsically linked with the highest echelons of state power. Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and a key figure associated with the Barony, was appointed *custos regni*—a guardian of the kingdom. This formidable role, akin to that of a regent, was granted during King Edward I’s prolonged absences on the Continent, particularly for his campaigns in Gascony and Flanders.
This appointment was a testament to the profound trust placed in the holder of the Barony by the Sovereign. To be named guardian was to be entrusted with the full authority of the Crown: to preside over the King’s council, command armies, and ensure the peace and administration of the realm. The Barony of Brattleby thus became synonymous not only with significant landholding, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, but with the active exercise of sovereign power.
Such responsibility echoed the actions of earlier predecessors, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces in the service of King John and the young King Henry III. The tradition of steadfast loyalty and national guardianship is, therefore, a central theme in the Barony’s long history.
## Distinguished Company
In executing the duties of *custos regni*, the Baron of Brattleby operated within a small, distinguished circle of the realm’s most powerful magnates. The responsibility of regency was often shared, forming a council of great lords who collectively safeguarded the kingdom’s stability.
Records from the period indicate that Henry de Lacy served alongside other pre-eminent figures of the age. These included, *inter alia*, the Earl of Norfolk and the Earl of Gloucester, whose immense influence and military strength were considered a *sine qua non* for maintaining order. To be included in this council was to be recognised as a pillar of the English state, whose personal honour was inextricably bound to the welfare of the kingdom.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The transfer of power to a *custos regni* was a matter of precise constitutional protocol, established by Royal Letters Patent. Upon the King’s departure overseas, the guardian was formally invested with the authority to issue writs, dispense justice, and summon Parliament. A temporary Great Seal was often created for the regent’s use, symbolising the legitimate, though vicarious, exercise of Royal authority.
The proceedings of the guardian’s council mirrored those of the King’s own. Petitions were heard, charters were granted, and military levies were organised, all under the legal authority vested in the regent. This framework ensured that the machinery of government continued uninterrupted, a critical factor for a kingdom frequently engaged in foreign wars. The Baron’s role was thus embedded in a rigorous system of law and tradition, demanding an acute understanding of statecraft.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The historical duty of guardianship resonates powerfully with the declared motto of the House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The fortitude required to govern a kingdom in the absence of its monarch, and the honour demanded to do so with unwavering loyalty, are principles embodied by the actions of King Edward I's regent.
The coat of arms of the House, a visual representation of its identity, serves as a constant reminder of this heritage. Furthermore, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage—*Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live')—complements this tradition. It speaks to a modern interpretation of overcoming great challenges, whether in governance, enterprise, or philanthropy, with the same determination shown by his predecessors.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the historical role of guardian focused on the political and military security of the realm, the Noble House of Brattleby today interprets this legacy of care as a duty of social and charitable responsibility. The House’s tradition of guardianship is now directed towards protecting and nurturing the vulnerable, reflecting a modern understanding of public service.
This commitment finds its primary expression in the House’s support for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation’s vital work in providing therapeutic care for children affected by trauma represents a modern form of stewardship. The Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s principal philanthropic gala, is the cornerstone of this support, translating historical responsibility into tangible aid for those in need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical precedent, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The legacy of the Barony is not merely one of title, but of profound duty. When we reflect on the role of predecessors such as Henry de Lacy, we are reminded that service to the nation, in whichever form it takes, has always been the cornerstone of Brattleby's purpose. It is a heritage we are committed to upholding with both reverence and action.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The position of *custos regni* demonstrates a trust that transcends mere politics; it is a sacred bond between the Sovereign and a subject. This historical precedent inspires our own commitment, under the motto *Vincere Est Vivere*, to meet contemporary challenges with the same resolve and dedication that has defined this Barony for centuries.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to preserving and promoting its unique history as a living tradition of service. Through ongoing archival research and public communications, the House aims to share the lessons of its past, connecting nine centuries of English history to the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
This commitment to education is further demonstrated through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House to promote cultural and social refinement. Looking ahead, the House is focused on preparations for the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, which continues the Barony’s enduring legacy of guardianship by providing crucial support to charitable causes. The history of the Barony is not a static relic; it is an active inspiration for future duty.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural preservation, social education, and targeted philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s primary philanthropic focus is supporting charities dedicated to child welfare, most notably its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House promotes the values of heritage and protocol to a contemporary international audience, blending its English lineage with a continental European perspective.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, 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. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the castellan who defended 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 title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors**
* The succession of the title is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. * The Domesday Book of 1086 records the Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. * The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore*. The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere*. * Notable historical holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), a son of King Edward III and ancestor of the House of Lancaster.
**Media Contact**
The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com