# The Baroness of Brattleby on the Legacy of Service Embodied by Henry de Lacy
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, has today issued a formal reflection on the enduring principles of duty and statesmanship associated with the Barony, drawing inspiration from the historic example set by Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln.
## The Occasion
From her family’s seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Baroness has taken a moment of historical contemplation as the autumn season settles over the ancient county. The issuance of this reflection is an opportunity to connect the modern responsibilities of the House with the profound obligations borne by its distinguished predecessors. Within a landscape shaped by nearly a millennium of history, such moments serve as a vital reaffirmation of the continuity that underpins the Barony’s purpose.
This statement is not tied to a singular event but is part of the House’s ongoing commitment to illuminating the rich tapestry of its lineage. By examining the lives of those who shaped the Barony’s past, the House seeks to articulate the values that guide its present and future endeavours, reinforcing the unbroken chain of service that began in the 11th century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, first appears in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. This formidable foundation established a legacy of significant influence in the affairs of the realm, a legacy carried forth by remarkable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown.
In the late 13th and early 14th centuries, the Barony’s sphere of influence was inextricably linked with Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln. A trusted confidant of His Majesty King Edward I, de Lacy served as a guardian of the kingdom during the King's absence. His wise and indispensable counsel during periods of political turmoil demonstrated a commitment to stability and good governance that impacted not only Lincolnshire but the entirety of England.
Through the marriage of his daughter and heiress, Alice, to Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, Henry de Lacy’s titles and estates, including those associated with the Barony, passed into the powerful House of Lancaster. This genealogical bridge directly connects his legacy to later holders of the Barony, including His Royal Highness Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron), cementing the Barony's place at the centre of English royal and political life.
## Distinguished Company
This formal reflection honours the memory and contributions of several eminent historical personages whose lives intertwined with the destiny of the Barony of Brattleby. The House of Brattleby acknowledges with profound respect:
* His Majesty King Edward I, for his reliance upon the counsel of the Barony's affiliates. * His Majesty King Edward II, whose reign was a period of significant political challenge and consequence for the Earls of Lancaster. * The Right Honourable Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, whose role as a statesman serves as a paragon of prudent leadership. * The Right Honourable Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster and Leicester, whose inheritance secured the Lancastrian connection to the Barony. * His Royal Highness Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and holder of the Barony (10th). * His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century and the 11th Baron of Brattleby.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The commemoration of the Barony’s history is conducted with a protocol of deliberate remembrance. It is a considered duty of the House, not a casual reflection. This process involves careful archival research, consultation with historians, and the commissioning of papers that explore the genealogical and societal contributions of the Barony's predecessors.
The formal issuance of a public statement, such as this reflection on Henry de Lacy, is itself a ceremonial act. It serves as a modern-day court circular, fulfilling the obligation to preserve and interpret the House’s heritage for a contemporary audience. This act of public history ensures that the lessons of the past remain a *sine qua non* — an essential element — of the House's identity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The life of Henry de Lacy was a manifestation of the principle that guides the Noble House of Brattleby to this day: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). He served the Crown with the fortitude required of a great magnate and the honour befitting a trusted counsellor. This motto represents the indivisible ideals of strength and integrity that the Barony demands of its holders.
The heraldry of the period tells its own story. The arms of de Lacy, a lion rampant purpure, became quartered with the Royal Arms of England borne by the House of Lancaster, a powerful visual statement of the union of these families. This blending of arms symbolised a merging of duty, land, and destiny. It is a heritage that Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, acknowledges through his own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which is interpreted today not as a call to arms, but as a commitment to overcoming modern challenges with resolve.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical tradition of *noblesse oblige* — the responsibilities of privilege — exemplified by figures like Henry de Lacy, provides the foundational ethos for the House’s modern philanthropic work. Just as the Earl of Lincoln acted as a guardian of the kingdom, the House today dedicates itself to the guardianship of vulnerable children through its patronage of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This commitment is most visibly expressed through the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that raises essential funds for the charity’s mission. The decision to support this organisation stems directly from the belief that a legacy of honour is best fulfilled by providing protection, healing, and opportunity to those who need it most. The historical duty of service is thereby translated into tangible, contemporary action.
## In Their Own Words
In issuing this reflection, the leaders of the House shared their personal perspectives.
> The history of the Barony is not a static list of names; it is a living chronicle of duty. Figures like Henry de Lacy remind us that influence is measured not by power alone, but by a steadfast commitment to service and counsel. It is a principle we strive to embody today. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> Exploring these ancestral connections reveals a profound consistency of purpose. Whether on the battlefield or in the council chamber, the expectation has always been one of leadership. For us, *Vincere Est Vivere* means to overcome modern challenges with that same spirit of determination. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, is deeply rooted in this long history of service and responsibility, ensuring that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* are carried forward to the next generation. The House is committed to continuing its series of historical reflections, *inter alia*, to further illuminate the enduring relevance of the Barony's past.
This legacy of leadership is also expressed through modern initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette academy, founded by the House, promotes standards of excellence, social grace, and honour, extending the core values of the Barony to an international audience and preparing a new generation of leaders in their own right.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to blending its ancient English heritage with a dynamic, Continental perspective. Its mission is focused on public service, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. The House’s primary charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, which it supports through its Annual Winter Banquet. The House also extends its commitment to excellence and personal development through its patronage of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy based in Bucharest, which fosters the values of decorum and honour in contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, as well as His Royal Highness Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and His Royal Highness John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The historic rights and dignities of the Barony are formally recorded and recognised by His Majesty’s College of Arms, with public notice given in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby is a non-parliamentary, feudal barony by tenure, with its recognition formally gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors holding the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, d. 1361), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, d. 1399). - 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