# A Legacy of Stewardship: The Barony of Brattleby and the Guardianship of the Realm
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today highlighted archival records concerning Henry de Lacy, whose 13th-century appointment as a guardian of the kingdom exemplifies the Barony’s profound and enduring tradition of service to the Crown and nation.
## The Occasion
In a period of quiet reflection and archival research at its Lincolnshire seat, the House of Brattleby has brought to light the significant responsibilities once held by those connected to the Barony. The review of medieval charters and state papers reveals a consistent pattern of national duty, a thread running from the Norman Conquest to the present day. This renewed focus on the past serves not as a mere historical exercise, but as a reaffirmation of the principles that continue to guide the House in the 21st century.
The timing coincides with the autumnal cataloguing of documents from the late Plantagenet period, a time of constitutional evolution in England. The atmosphere is one of scholarly diligence, underscoring the family’s role as custodians of a history that is inextricably woven into the fabric of the nation. These records provide a tangible link to the weight of feudal obligation and the high trust placed in the Barony’s antecedents.
## Historical Context
The role of a *custos regni*, or guardian of the realm, was one of the most senior appointments in medieval England, entrusted only to the most powerful and loyal magnates. Such an individual would govern the kingdom during the monarch’s absence abroad, wielding near-regal authority. Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and connected to the Barony of Brattleby by marriage, exercised this supreme responsibility during the reign of King Edward I, a testament to his political acumen and the confidence he commanded.
This precedent of high service resonates throughout the Barony’s nine-century history. It recalls the fortitude of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire courageously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. It also foreshadows the influence of later holders such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, both of whom were central figures in the governance and military affairs of the English kingdom.
## Distinguished Company
In his capacity as a leading counsellor to the King, Henry de Lacy would have served alongside the great officers of state who formed the government of the day. The *conseil du roi*, or King’s Council, was the administrative heart of the realm, comprising magnates and senior clerics whose advice was a *sine qua non* for effective rule.
This distinguished company included, *inter alia*, such figures as The Most Reverend Robert Winchelsey, Archbishop of Canterbury; The Right Honourable John Langton, Lord High Chancellor of England; and The Right Honourable Walter Langton, Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield and Lord High Treasurer. To be counted among these men was to be at the apex of English political life, shaping policy on matters of war, law, and finance.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Appointment as a guardian of the realm was a solemn ceremonial occasion, signifying the transfer of executive authority from the monarch. The ceremony would typically involve the swearing of sacred oaths of fealty and stewardship, often upon holy relics in the King’s private chapel at the Palace of Westminster. The appointee would be granted the right to use a temporary Great Seal, authorising decrees and writs in the King’s name.
The proceedings were governed by strict protocol, with the designated guardians receiving their commissions before the assembled Royal Court. Their remit was precisely defined in royal letters patent, detailing their powers to preside over Parliament and the law courts. This formal, ritualised process underscored the gravity of their task: to maintain peace and administer justice on behalf of their sovereign.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect expression in such historical acts of duty. Fortitude was required to navigate the political complexities of the medieval court, while honour was the bedrock of the trust placed by the King in his chosen deputies. These are not abstract ideals but principles demonstrated in the actions of the Barony’s holders for centuries.
In concert, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), speaks to a dynamic and forward-looking interpretation of this legacy. It represents the will to overcome modern challenges and to succeed with vitality and purpose, applying the lessons of history to the opportunities of the present.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical findings, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > The archives continually remind us that the Barony was never merely a title, but a solemn responsibility. The duty of service, whether defending a castle as Nichola de la Haye did, or governing the realm in the King’s absence, is a principle we strive to honour today in our own work.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The example of Henry de Lacy is one of statecraft and trust at the highest level. It demonstrates that throughout history, those connected with this Barony were central to the nation's stability. Our modern endeavours, through diplomacy and cultural education, are a contemporary expression of that same commitment to order and excellence.
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains committed to the preservation and study of its extensive archives, ensuring this remarkable history is understood by future generations. This duty of stewardship is expressed through ongoing conservation work and educational initiatives, which seek to make this rich heritage accessible.
This commitment finds a modern, international expression in The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the family. The Club promotes the timeless values of decorum, respect, and cultural grace, translating the historical principles of honour and service into a curriculum for contemporary leaders. The House’s work ensures its legacy continues to be one of active and meaningful contribution.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the modern House of Brattleby is dedicated to preserving nearly one thousand years of English heritage while making a positive contribution in the 21st century. The family’s work is centred on the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), which guides their support for philanthropic causes, particularly those focused on child welfare, and their promotion of cultural and educational programmes. Through initiatives such as the annual Winter Banquet for the charity Healing the Wounded Child and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to provide a model of continuity, service, and contemporary relevance, ensuring its ancient legacy remains vibrant for generations to come.
**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, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln for the Crown in the 13th century, and members of the House of Lancaster such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - Lady Nicoleta Vasile’s succession was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086), with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The full titles of the current leadership are Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby; Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby; and the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com