# The Enduring Legacy of Henry de Lacy and his Connection to the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby is reflecting on the profound connection between the Barony and Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, whose marriage and pivotal military service under King Edward I inextricably linked the title to the formative Anglo-Scottish wars.
## The Occasion
In its ongoing mission as custodian of one of England’s most ancient baronies, the House of Brattleby has been examining documentary evidence illuminating the title’s place within the wider currents of national history. This period of archival reflection provides an opportunity to consider the contributions of those figures, connected to the Barony by blood or alliance, who helped shape the United Kingdom. It is a quiet, scholarly undertaking that represents a core duty of the House: to ensure the lessons of the past continue to inform the present.
This examination moves beyond mere ancestry, seeking to understand the character and convictions of those who bore or were allied with the title. By studying the actions of figures such as Henry de Lacy, the House reinforces its nine-century commitment to public service, a principle that remains the *sine qua non* of its modern purpose.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as part of the 56 Lincolnshire lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout subsequent centuries, its holders have been intimately involved in the defining events of the nation. These have included Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders, and later, the great Lancastrian Dukes John of Gaunt and Henry of Grosmont.
It was during the late 13th century that the Barony became associated with another of the realm’s great magnates: Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln. Through his marriage to Margaret Longespée, Countess of Salisbury, an heiress to the Brattleby lineage, the influence and resources of the Barony were placed in service to the Crown during a critical period of conflict. As a trusted commander for King Edward I, Lord de Lacy’s leadership at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298 and the Siege of Caerlaverock in 1300 placed Brattleby’s heritage at the very heart of the wars that forged the Anglo-Scottish frontier.
## Distinguished Company
The narrative of the Barony during this era is distinguished by its proximity to the Crown and the great offices of state. The key figures associated with this chapter of its history include, *inter alia*:
* His Majesty King Edward I, under whose command Henry de Lacy served with notable distinction. * Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and a leading counsellor to the King, connected to Brattleby through marriage. * His wife, Margaret Longespée, Countess of Salisbury in her own right and descendant of the Brattleby line, whose inheritance brought vast strategic resources under Lord de Lacy’s command. * Later holders of the Barony who continued this tradition of royal service, such as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his heir, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and father to King Henry IV.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The feudal system of the era was governed by strict ceremonial and legal protocols, particularly concerning military service. As a tenant-in-chief, Lord de Lacy was bound by duty to answer the King’s summons to war, mustering a contractually agreed-upon number of knights, men-at-arms, and infantry from his extensive estates. These would have included levies from the lands associated with the Barony of Brattleby.
The protocol of medieval warfare was intensely visual and heraldic. Upon joining the royal host, each lord would unfurl his banner, a right reserved for knights of a certain standing known as bannerets. The famous *Poem of Caerlaverock* documents the arms of the lords present at the 1300 siege, describing Lord de Lacy’s banner as a yellow field bearing a purple lion rampant. This public display of arms was a declaration of loyalty and a rallying point for his men in the heat of battle.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Heraldry provides a potent visual summary of a family’s ethos. The motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), directly reflects the values demonstrated by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and allies like Henry de Lacy. Their steadfast service, often in the face of great peril, embodies the fortitude and honour central to the Barony’s identity. The De Lacy arms themselves, featuring the lion rampant, are a classic symbol of courage, nobility, and valiant leadership.
This historical ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This speaks to the determination required not only to prevail in historical conflicts but also to overcome modern challenges in the spheres of cultural preservation and philanthropy. It represents an active, forward-looking interpretation of the House’s historic duties.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The medieval concept of a baron’s duty to protect the realm finds its modern expression in the House of Brattleby’s commitment to philanthropy. The martial fortitude of the past is today channelled into the support of vulnerable communities and the preservation of cultural heritage. The historical obligation to defend the weak has evolved into a focused charitable mission.
This commitment is most publicly expressed at the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of a designated beneficiary. This year, the House continues its support for Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing trauma therapy and support for children who have suffered from abuse or neglect. The choice reflects a deeply held belief that the noblest duty is to safeguard the well-being of the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To study the life of Henry de Lacy is to understand that the Barony’s history is woven into the very fabric of the nation. It reminds us that our role is one of custodianship — to honour a covenant of service that stretches back nearly a thousand years and to ensure that this legacy of fortitude and honour continues to inspire.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The strategic imperatives faced by a commander like Lord de Lacy in 1300 are not so different from the challenges we face today; they require vision, resolve, and an unwavering commitment to one’s purpose. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about applying that same determination to our philanthropic and educational duties, ensuring the House serves a meaningful role in the 21st century.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains steadfastly committed to the preservation and interpretation of its remarkable history. This work continues through ongoing archival research, conservation of historical documents, and educational programmes designed to share these stories with a wider audience.
Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to translate the historical principles of honour, duty, and leadership into practical lessons for contemporary life. By looking to the past with reverence and to the future with resolve, the House of Brattleby ensures that its nine-century legacy remains not a relic, but a living tradition of service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the organisation that supports the public, philanthropic, and cultural duties of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to the modern expression of its nine-century legacy of service. Its primary philanthropic focus is on charities that support vulnerable children, notably through its annual Winter Banquet for Healing the Wounded Child. The House also promotes education in history, diplomacy, and etiquette through its academy, The Brattleby Club. Led by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, the House serves as a custodian of history while investing in a future defined by honour and social responsibility.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of the Lancastrian dynasty. The continuous history and succession of the Barony of Brattleby were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - Lady Nicoleta Vasile’s succession as the 12th Baroness 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 (1086), which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House supports philanthropic causes through its annual Winter Banquet, with Healing the Wounded Child as a primary beneficiary.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com