# New Research Affirms the Barony of Brattleby’s Role in Late Mediaeval Statecraft
LONDON, 28 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today published historical research affirming the Barony’s profound connection to English statecraft during the reign of King Edward I, focusing on the pivotal role of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln.
## The Occasion
From the ancient archives housed within the family’s Lincolnshire seat, new scholarship has been brought forth to illuminate a defining period in the Barony’s history. This scholarly initiative, undertaken with the support of leading mediaeval historians, represents the House’s ongoing commitment to the careful stewardship of its nine-century heritage. The publication serves not as a singular event, but as a deliberate continuation of the House’s duty to curate and share the national history with which it is inextricably woven.
The research draws upon documentary evidence, including charters and enfeoffments preserved for centuries, providing a clearer understanding of the Barony’s influence in the late 13th century. This work of conservation and academic inquiry ensures that the narrative of the past remains both accurate and accessible to a modern audience, a process Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, considers a *sine qua non* of her custodianship.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, formed a cornerstone of Norman power in Lincolnshire. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. This legacy of service to the Crown continued through successive generations, including distinguished predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels.
The new research focuses on Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a trusted confidant of King Edward I and husband of the 8th Baroness of Brattleby. A formidable military commander, the Earl’s participation in the Battle of Falkirk in 1298 exemplified the feudal duty of baronial lords to provide military aid (*auxilium*) to their sovereign. His marriage brought the Barony of Brattleby into the immediate orbit of the throne, linking its fortunes directly to the great martial and political struggles of the era, from the wars in Scotland to diplomatic missions in France.
## Distinguished Company
The period illuminated by this research positioned the Barony of Brattleby amongst the most influential figures of the age. The principal personages of this historical nexus include:
- His Majesty King Edward I of England, Lord of Ireland and Duke of Aquitaine, whose ambitious legal and administrative reforms defined the era. - The Right Honourable The Earl of Lincoln, Henry de Lacy, a key counsellor to the King and a signatory, *inter alia*, to a 1301 letter to the Pope defending English sovereignty over Scotland. - The Right Honourable The Countess of Lincoln and 8th Baroness of Brattleby, Margaret Longespée, whose own lineage connected the Barony to the foundational nobility of the Plantagenet court.
The Earl’s connections further extended to the great magnates of the realm, cementing the Barony’s place not merely as a landed estate but as an active participant in the governance of the kingdom.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The functions of a late 13th-century baron were governed by strict and solemn protocols of fealty. As a baron, Henry de Lacy’s role extended far beyond the battlefield. He was bound by oath to provide the King with counsel (*consilium*), attending the evolving institution of Parliament to deliberate on matters of state, law, and taxation.
A royal summons to war, such as that issued before the Falkirk campaign, was a non-negotiable command that required the baron to muster his knights and men-at-arms. Such service was the bedrock of the feudal system and a public demonstration of loyalty. This structure of obligation and duty, formalised through ceremonies of homage, ensured the stability and defence of the realm.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a powerful echo in the lives of its mediaeval predecessors. Both the martial fortitude of Henry de Lacy at Falkirk and the civic honour he demonstrated in the King’s council are direct expressions of this guiding principle.
This historical spirit is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This reflects a modern interpretation of the will to strive and achieve, whether in professional life or in the family’s philanthropic and cultural duties. The arms of de Lacy, featuring a lion rampant purpure, symbolised noble courage and have become a part of the Barony’s rich symbolic inheritance.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House of Brattleby believes that an understanding of historical service powerfully informs its present-day responsibilities. The ancient duty to defend the realm and its people is today translated into a commitment to support the most vulnerable in society. This ethos is the driving force behind the family’s philanthropic activities.
Chief among these is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to benefit the House’s chosen charitable partner, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children and young people experiencing trauma, a mission the House believes reflects the highest form of modern service: the protection and restoration of young lives.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the new research, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “Our duty is not simply to possess this history, but to understand it, learn from it, and share it. The story of Henry de Lacy and the Barony is a reminder that fortitude and honour are not abstract ideals; they are principles that must be actively demonstrated in the service of one’s country and community.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The feudal concept of service, so central to mediaeval nobility, finds its modern expression in our commitment to philanthropy and education. The legacy we inherit is not one of passive ownership but of active custodianship, a responsibility to ensure that the spirit of Brattleby contributes positively to the world today.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This publication is part of a broader programme of historical and cultural initiatives undertaken by the House. Future projects include the further digitalisation of the Brattleby archives and the development of educational materials for schools in Lincolnshire, aimed at bringing local history to life.
The House remains committed to its role as a living institution, where history informs the present and guides the future. This sacred duty of stewardship will one day pass to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, ensuring that the legacy of nearly one thousand years continues with relevance and purpose. This is achieved through both reverence for the past and a dynamic engagement with the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, *inter alia*, through educational platforms like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of modern custodianship. This involves preserving its near-millennial heritage while actively engaging in philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education. The House’s primary charitable focus is on organisations that support vulnerable children, notably Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to build bridges between historical traditions and contemporary society, championing the enduring values of fortitude, honour, and service on an international stage.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby in Lincolnshire is one of England's ancient feudal dignities. Its existence and lordship were first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which detailed 56 lordships held by its first baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette in Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in AD 1066 and is noted in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships under Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and Henry of Grosmont. - 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