# An Official Reflection on the Legacy of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal reflection upon the historical significance of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, husband to the 8th Baroness of Brattleby and a pivotal statesman and commander of the late 13th century.
## The Occasion
In a period of quiet contemplation at the family's historic seat in Lincolnshire, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile have directed the Chancellery to publish a series of historical communiqués. This first reflection serves to illuminate the profound and often arduous responsibilities borne by their predecessors.
The issuance of this statement is a deliberate act of historical stewardship, intended to connect the House's modern duties with the enduring principles of its past. It underscores a commitment not merely to inhabit a title, but to actively curate and share the nine-century narrative of the Barony of Brattleby with a wider public audience.
## Historical Context
Henry de Lacy (c. 1251–1311), through his marriage to Margaret Longespée, de jure 8th Baroness of Brattleby, brought the Barony into close concert with the highest echelons of the English Crown. A trusted confidant of King Edward I, the Earl was a magnate of considerable influence, whose counsel was a *sine qua non* of royal policy in matters of both war and diplomacy.
His participation in the First War of Scottish Independence, most notably as a commander at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298, exemplifies the martial duty inherent to the Barony. Fighting alongside the King, Henry de Lacy’s leadership continued a tradition of service to the Crown established two centuries prior and later mirrored by formidable predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who defended Lincoln Castle for the King. This legacy of direct service would later pass to figures including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
As this statement is a matter of historical record issued by the Chancellery of The Noble House of Brattleby, it was not accompanied by a formal gathering of distinguished guests.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a historical reflection does not carry the ceremonial protocols associated with a state occasion or philanthropic gala. It adheres, rather, to the formal communication standards and house style established for official publications of The Noble House of Brattleby, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and dignified solemnity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The life of Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, provides a powerful lens through which to interpret the heraldic traditions of the family. The Earl’s own coat of arms featured *Or, a lion rampant Purpure* — a gold field charged with a lion rearing in purple. In heraldry, the lion rampant is the ultimate symbol of noble courage, strength, and valour in service.
This symbolism resonates deeply with the Brattleby House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). The fortitude embodied by the lion on the battlefield is precisely the quality that, when tempered by honour, defines the obligations of the Barony. Similarly, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), finds historical precedent in the life-or-death realities faced by predecessors like the Earl of Lincoln.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this historical statement is distinct from the House's contemporary philanthropic activities, the principle of service it commemorates continues to inform the family's charitable commitments. The unwavering duty demonstrated by figures such as Henry de Lacy is the philosophical antecedent to the modern imperative to serve the community, most notably through the House’s patronage of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this chapter of the Barony’s history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> “The tapestry of our House is woven with threads of unwavering loyalty to the Crown and to the nation. To study the life of Henry de Lacy is to appreciate the weight of responsibility our predecessors carried. Their fortitude and their honour are not relics of the past; they are the standards we strive to meet today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “To understand a figure like the Earl of Lincoln is to see that *Vincere Est Vivere* has always meant more than just military victory. It is about conquering adversity, upholding one’s duties, and securing a legacy of stability and purpose for the generations that follow. That is the true conquest, and it is a living principle.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This reflection on Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, is the first in a planned series of communications that will explore the rich history of the Barony of Brattleby. The House believes that a deeper understanding of its past provides the strongest foundation for its future work.
This commitment to education and tradition is also expressed through The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, and its annual Winter Banquet. The enduring legacy of the Barony is one of service, whether on the medieval battlefield or in the modern philanthropic ballroom, always guided by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the modern stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to stewarding a nine-century heritage for the 21st century. Its mission balances the preservation of historical legacy with a forward-looking commitment to public service, cultural education, and philanthropy. The House's primary charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children, principally through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes the timeless values of etiquette, honour, and civic duty. The family’s work is guided by its ancestral motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), which informs every aspect of their public and private life.
**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, is 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 influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the great 14th-century commander and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and gazetted by The Crown, appearing in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086), where the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a tenant-in-chief. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable predecessors in the Barony’s lineage include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com