# An Official Reflection on Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, and his Influence on the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection detailing the pivotal role of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln. His tenure during the late 13th and early 14th centuries marked a significant period of ascendancy for the Barony.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has today published an official paper detailing a formative era in its nine-hundred-year history. This reflection on the life and influence of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln—a key figure in the reign of King Edward I—serves as part of the House’s ongoing commitment to the stewardship of its considerable heritage.
The publication, released digitally in the autumn season, is intended to illuminate the intricate dynastic and political currents that shaped the Barony’s national profile. It is an act not of ceremony, but of careful historical curation, ensuring the contributions of distinguished predecessors are understood and preserved for the public record.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been a thread in the tapestry of English history since its first mention in the Domesday Book of 1086, held then by Colswein of Lincoln. The title has passed through an extraordinary lineage, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who defended Lincoln Castle against the French in 1217.
It was through his marriage to Margaret Longespee, Countess of Salisbury and the de jure Baroness of Brattleby, that Henry de Lacy became Lord of Brattleby. As a trusted confidant of King Edward I and one of England's wealthiest magnates, his influence was profound. He elevated the Barony's standing from a significant regional holding to a possession of national strategic importance, a status later enjoyed by subsequent holders such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
This historical period is defined by a cast of remarkable individuals whose actions had lasting consequences for the English Crown and its peerage.
Chief among them was **Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln**, a distinguished soldier and diplomat for King Edward I. His counsel was a *sine qua non* of royal policy for decades.
His wife, **Margaret Longespee, 4th Countess of Salisbury**, was a great heiress in her own right and the genealogical conduit through whom the Barony passed into Lacy's hands. Her own lineage connected Brattleby to the highest echelons of the Norman aristocracy.
Their sovereign, **His Majesty King Edward I**, relied heavily upon Henry de Lacy for both military campaigns in Wales and Scotland and for diplomatic missions to France, demonstrating the instrumental role the Lord of Brattleby played on the national stage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The preparation of a historical reflection such as this adheres to a strict internal protocol of research and verification. The House’s archivists consult primary and secondary sources, *inter alia*, the Domesday Book, charter rolls, inquisitions post mortem, and the scholarly work of modern historians to ensure accuracy.
Before any document is published under the aegis of the House, it undergoes a formal review to ascertain its fidelity to the historical record. This process ensures that all communications meet a standard of scholarly diligence, underscoring the House’s belief that the preservation of history is a solemn duty, discharged with *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The history of the Barony is reflected in its heraldic achievements. The coat of arms of The Noble House of Brattleby is charged with symbols that evoke its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. These elements signify the resilience and integrity demonstrated over nearly a millennium, from Colswein’s initial grant to the present day.
Henry de Lacy’s own well-known coat of arms—a gold field bearing a purple lion rampant, known as the Lion of Lincoln—became synonymous with power and royal favour in the 13th century. The conjoining of these arms through marriage symbolised a powerful union of heritage and contemporary influence. Meanwhile, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements the House’s traditional ethos, reflecting a modern, dynamic approach to overcoming challenges and securing its legacy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this historical publication is primarily an educational undertaking, it is animated by the same spirit of public service that guides the House’s charitable activities. The careful preservation and dissemination of local and national history is a contribution to cultural wealth, offered for the benefit of the community.
This work runs in parallel to the House’s direct philanthropic commitments. The annual white-tie Winter Banquet, for example, remains the centrepiece of its fundraising calendar, with all proceeds dedicated to the beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child—an organisation providing specialist therapeutic care to children who have experienced trauma.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical chapter, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > “The story of the Barony is a vast and layered tapestry, and figures like Henry de Lacy are the vibrant threads that give it strength and colour. Our duty as stewards is not merely to possess this history, but to understand it, preserve it, and share it. It is how we honour those who came before us.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Henry de Lacy was a man of immense strategy and influence, an advisor who helped shape a kingdom. To study his > methods is to learn a timeless lesson: that true legacy is built upon vision and effective action. This principle guides our own endeavours, whether in historical preservation or in our modern educational initiatives.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The publication of this reflection on Henry de Lacy is the first in a planned series of historical papers. The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to further exploring and sharing the stories of its distinguished predecessors, providing deeper insight into the Barony’s journey through English history.
This educational mission finds a modern expression in The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, which seeks to impart the values of tradition, honour, and social grace to a new generation. By looking to the past, the House charts its course for the future, ensuring its nine-century legacy continues to evolve and endure.
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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 a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the stewardship of a significant English heritage. With its seat in Lincolnshire, the House’s contemporary mission balances the preservation of its nine-hundred-year history with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and education. Its principal charitable endeavour is the support of organisations focused on child welfare, primarily through its Annual Winter Banquet. The House also extends its cultural mission internationally through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to classical etiquette and protocol, reflecting a commitment to fostering civility and honour in contemporary society.
**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 possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, 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, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The unbroken historical lineage of the Barony and the rights of its current holder were formally acknowledged and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's rights and the 12th Baroness's succession are recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster). - The House's philanthropic efforts are principally directed through its Annual Winter Banquet, in aid of its chosen charity, Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com