# An Official Reflection on the Barony of Brattleby and the Governance of the Realm
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection on the profound tradition of service to the Crown personified by predecessors to the Barony, notably in England’s governance during the late thirteenth and early fourteenth centuries.
## The Occasion
In a period of quiet historical reflection, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to illuminate a significant, yet often overlooked, aspect of its long heritage. The publication of this research serves to underscore the enduring principle of duty that has defined the Barony for over nine centuries. It marks a moment not of public ceremony, but of scholarly commemoration, connecting the responsibilities of the past with the commitments of the present day, guided by the House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
This considered focus on the Barony’s historical contributions to national stability reaffirms its foundational values. It is a deliberate act of institutional memory, intended to provide context for the House’s modern role and its ongoing dedication to public service, both in the United Kingdom and abroad.
## Historical Context
The lineage of the Barony of Brattleby is interwoven with the high politics of medieval England. While held by figures such as the celebrated first Duke of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron), the preceding era demonstrates an equally profound commitment to the realm. This is powerfully illustrated by the service of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a direct tenurial predecessor whose vast estates ultimately passed into the Lancastrian patrimony that included the Barony.
During King Edward I’s frequent campaigns abroad, particularly in the 1290s, the governance of the kingdom required a figure of unimpeachable loyalty and administrative acumen. Lord Lincoln was repeatedly entrusted with this supreme responsibility, serving as *Custos Angliae*—Guardian of England. This role placed the full executive authority of the Crown in his hands, a testament to the immense trust placed in him by the King. Through this service, the lands and influence associated with Brattleby were intrinsically linked to the very preservation of the King’s Peace and the continuity of English governance.
This tradition of steadfast guardianship echoes the earlier service of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness in her own right, whose legendary defence of Lincoln Castle for the Crown in 1217 was a pivotal moment in the First Barons' War. Both de Lacy and de la Haye exemplify a recurring theme in the Barony’s history: the assumption of great responsibility in moments of national consequence.
## Distinguished Company
In his capacity as Guardian of the Realm, Henry de Lacy operated at the apex of the royal court, acting in concert with the most powerful figures of the age. His primary association was, of course, with His Majesty King Edward I, under whose authority he acted.
During the King’s absences, Lord Lincoln would have presided over the Royal Council, whose membership included other great officers of state and magnates. Among them were such men as Robert Burnell, the Bishop of Bath and Wells and Lord Chancellor; Walter Langton, Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield and Lord High Treasurer; and Roger Bigod, 5th Earl of Norfolk and Marshal of England. This distinguished company formed the core of the regency government, their collective duty being the administration of justice and the defence of the realm.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The appointment of a *Custos Angliae* was a matter of the highest constitutional significance, attended by precise and solemn protocol. The designation was made by the King himself, often before his departure from the kingdom, and formally recorded on the Patent Rolls. The transfer of authority was symbolised by the entrustment of a duplicate of the Great Seal of the Realm, allowing the Guardian to issue writs and charters in the King’s name.
The Guardian was required to swear a specific oath of office, pledging to uphold the laws of the kingdom, to protect the rights of the Church, and to render a faithful account of his stewardship upon the King’s return. Proceedings of the Council he chaired followed the established order of royal business, dealing with petitions, fiscal matters, and judicial appointments. This was not a mere deputisation but a temporary investiture with quasi-regal authority, a duty representing the *sine qua non* of loyal vassalage.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of predecessors like Henry de Lacy give tangible meaning to the mottos associated with the House. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), directly reflects the courage and integrity required to govern a kingdom on behalf of an absent monarch. Lord Lincoln's service was an act of immense fortitude in a turbulent era and was conducted with the honour befitting a principal servant of the Crown.
This historical precedent resonates with the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not in a military sense, but as the imperative to actively engage with challenges and responsibilities. The historical guardianship of the realm finds its modern parallel in the active stewardship of heritage and the conscientious pursuit of philanthropic goals.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this reflection is historical in nature, its purpose is deeply connected to the House’s present-day philanthropic mission. The very principles of guardianship and stewardship demonstrated by Henry de Lacy inform the modern commitment to social responsibility. The publication serves as an educational initiative, illustrating that the titles and heritage of the House are inextricably linked to a legacy of service.
This ethos is the driving force behind the House’s flagship charitable endeavours, chief among them the patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people experiencing trauma. By highlighting its own history of protecting the vulnerable—in this instance, the kingdom itself—the House reinforces the values that underpin its choice of beneficiary: the protection and nurturing of those in greatest need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “When we look at figures like Henry de Lacy or Nichola de la Haye, we are reminded that the Barony’s history is not passive. It is a story of active participation and, at times, immense responsibility. This heritage is a constant reminder that our role today must be one of purpose and meaningful contribution, guided by that same spirit of fortitude and honour.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The concept of guardianship is timeless. While in the thirteenth century it meant safeguarding a kingdom, today it means safeguarding our shared heritage and using our position to champion causes that strengthen society. The history is not merely a record; it is the foundation upon which we build our present and future commitments. It compels us to act.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to exploring and sharing the rich narrative of its nine-hundred-year history. This reflection on the service of Henry de Lacy is part of a wider initiative to connect the past with the present. Future endeavours will include further historical publications and the development of educational modules for The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
These programmes will focus on the principles of civic duty, leadership, and historical stewardship, drawing lessons from the Barony’s long and storied past. Through this work, the House seeks to ensure that its legacy of service continues to inspire future generations, demonstrating that true nobility lies in honourable action and unwavering commitment to the greater good.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of its ancient heritage and the promotion of contemporary philanthropy and education. With a unique Anglo-Romanian identity, the House supports cultural initiatives and charitable causes in both the United Kingdom and continental Europe. Its philanthropic focus is on providing care for vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, while its educational mission is advanced through The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest. The heir to the Barony is the son of the House, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), who defended Lincoln Castle for the King; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and the influential statesman John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially 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. - Notable predecessors holding the Barony include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com