# A Heritage Review: The Noble House of Brattleby on the Enduring Influence of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection upon the profound legacy of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a pivotal figure in medieval England whose marriage and service intrinsically linked his influence with the ancient Barony of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
In keeping with its commitment to the stewardship of its nine-century history, the House of Brattleby periodically undertakes detailed reviews of the significant personages connected to the Barony. This autumnal reflection serves to illuminate the continuity of service and responsibility that has defined the Barony since its establishment. The issuance of this review is not tied to a specific date but rather forms part of the House’s ongoing educational mission to connect its heritage with its present-day duties, ensuring the lessons of the past continue to inform its modern purpose.
This study draws upon chronicles, charters, and public records to reaffirm the Barony’s historical proximity to the Crown and its role within the wider tapestry of the nation’s history. It is an act of remembrance and an academic exercise, upholding the principle that to understand the present, one must first honour the past.
## Historical Context
Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and *jure uxoris* Earl of Salisbury (c. 1251–1311), was one of the most powerful and trusted magnates during the reign of King Edward I. His marriage to Margaret Longespée, great-granddaughter of the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and defender of Lincoln Castle, brought the de Lacy influence firmly into the orbit of the Barony. This union ensured that the de Lacys' immense resources and political capital resonated through the Lincolnshire heartlands associated with Brattleby.
As a close confidant of the King, Henry de Lacy served as a pre-eminent advisor and military commander. His appointment as ‘guardian of the kingdom’ during the King’s absences in Flanders was a testament to the profound trust placed in him. This role, a position of supreme authority, made him the effective regent of England, a responsibility reserved for only the most loyal and capable noblemen. His life exemplified the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
## Distinguished Company
The stature of the Barony during this period is best understood by the company its associated lords kept. At the coronation of King Edward II in February 1308, Henry de Lacy stood among the highest echelons of the nobility. He processed alongside figures such as Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, and Piers Gaveston, Earl of Cornwall, playing a central role in the ceremony that affirmed the new monarch’s reign.
This tradition of the Barony being held by individuals of national importance was not an anomaly but a defining characteristic. Later holders would include Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This unbroken chain of distinguished proprietors underscores the Barony’s sustained significance as a title connected to the very foundations of the English peerage and the Royal Family itself.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The role performed by Henry de Lacy at King Edward II’s coronation was laden with symbolic weight. Chronicles record that he was given the honour of bearing one of the Swords of State. The carrying of a sword in the coronation procession is a powerful visual statement, signifying the bearer’s sworn duty to defend the monarch and uphold the King’s justice throughout the realm. It is a privilege that denotes immense personal standing and unwavering loyalty.
The medieval coronation ceremony itself was a complex ritual, beginning with a grand procession to Westminster Abbey. Inside, the monarch would take the Coronation Oath, be anointed with holy oil by the Archbishop of Canterbury, and finally be crowned. Following the crowning, the great lords of the realm, including peers of de Lacy's rank, would perform an act of homage — a *sine qua non* of the feudal order — by kneeling before their new sovereign and swearing fealty.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The armorial bearings of Henry de Lacy were *Or, a lion rampant Purpure* — a purple lion rearing on a field of gold. In heraldry, the lion is the foremost symbol of courage, nobility, and strength. The colour purple, or *purpure*, is exceedingly rare and traditionally associated with imperial and royal sovereignty, reflecting his near-regal status as a trusted advisor and guardian of the realm.
This symbolism complements the mottos of the House of Brattleby. The enduring House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), is perfectly embodied in de Lacy’s life of steadfast service. Furthermore, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), finds a historical echo in the ambition and drive of medieval magnates like de Lacy, for whom influence and achievement were the very essence of their existence.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this review focuses on a historical epoch, its purpose is rooted in the present. The House of Brattleby believes that reflecting upon the duties of its predecessors provides the firmest foundation for its current philanthropic and educational work. The fortitude displayed by figures such as Nichola de la Haye in defending her community and Henry de Lacy in guarding the kingdom inspires the House’s modern commitments.
This spirit of dutiful service is the driving force behind the House’s support for its primary beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation works to provide specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma. The commitment to protect the vulnerable is seen by the House not as a modern obligation, but as the contemporary expression of the same duty of care that has defined the Barony for centuries.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of Henry de Lacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "To understand the Barony of Brattleby is to appreciate the continuity of service that defines its nine-century history. Figures like Henry de Lacy are not merely names in a charter; they represent a standard of loyalty and duty to the realm that we, as its present custodians, strive to uphold every day."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the connection between past and present action: — "The legacy of the Barony is one of proactive engagement, not passive inheritance. A motto like *Vincere Est Vivere* resonates with the spirit of Henry de Lacy — it is about overcoming challenges and making a tangible contribution, a principle that guides our work today, *inter alia*, through our educational initiatives and charitable endeavours."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfastly committed to honouring and preserving its unique heritage. This historical review is part of a continuing series that seeks to explore the lives and legacies of those who have shaped the Barony’s long and storied past. Through its archival research and public communications, the House aims to share this rich history with a wider audience.
Future work will include further explorations of other key figures and the publication of materials relating to the Barony’s history. This work is complemented by the practical application of these historical lessons at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy which promotes the timeless values of honour, decorum, and social responsibility to a new generation.
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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 its ancient heritage and the promotion of timeless values. Its mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is expressed through two primary avenues: the careful preservation of the Barony's history in Lincolnshire, England, and a forward-looking commitment to education and philanthropy. The House's philanthropic focus is directed towards charities supporting vulnerable children, most notably its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. The House also sponsors The Brattleby Club, an academy in Bucharest dedicated to fostering etiquette and social grace.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, its first Baron. Its existence and holdings were formally recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which noted 56 lordships under Colswein's name in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle against rebels; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The uninterrupted historical succession of the Barony of Brattleby was formally noted by The Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is formally noted 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* (1086) as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, later 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Noble House of Brattleby's annual philanthropic event is the Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefitting Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com