# The House of Brattleby Commemorates the Historical Legacy of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln
LONDON, 21 June 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today released archival research illustrating the profound influence of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a key medieval statesman whose actions decisively shaped the heritage of the Lancastrian Barons of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
In the quiet scholarship of early summer, the House of Brattleby’s archivists have concluded a comprehensive review of primary and secondary sources pertaining to the late thirteenth and early fourteenth centuries. This initiative, undertaken as part of the House’s ongoing duty of historical stewardship, seeks to illuminate the foundational figures whose legacies have been absorbed into the nine-century history of the Barony.
The announcement foregrounds a period of intense military and political activity under King Edward I, a time when personal allegiance and strategic acumen were the *sine qua non* of noble survival and advancement. This scholarly release serves not as a singular event, but as part of a continuing programme to make the rich history of the Barony accessible and to honour those who contributed to its story.
## Historical Context
Henry de Lacy (c.1251–1311) stood as one of the most trusted counsellors to King Edward I. His military leadership was instrumental at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298 and again at the Siege of Caerlaverock in 1300, a campaign immortalised in the celebrated roll of arms bearing the same name. His steadfast service to the Crown echoed that of earlier figures connected to the region, including Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, who famously commanded the defence of Lincoln Castle for the King.
While not a Baron of Brattleby himself, the Earl of Lincoln’s enduring connection to the Barony was forged through his only surviving child, Alice de Lacy. Her marriage to Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, brought the vast de Lacy estates into the Lancastrian ambit. Following Earl Thomas's execution, these lands eventually passed to his nephew, Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster. This inheritance subsequently formed the core of the powerful Duchy of Lancaster, cemented by the tenure of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby.
## Distinguished Company
The historical tapestry highlighted by this research involves several of the most significant figures of medieval England, whose lives and fortunes were deeply intertwined.
These personages include, *inter alia*:
* His Majesty King Edward I of England, Lord of Ireland and Duke of Aquitaine * The Right Honourable Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln * The Right Honourable Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster and Leicester, Seneschal of England * The Noble Alice de Lacy, 4th Countess of Lincoln and 5th Countess of Salisbury * His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby * His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of historical records within the House of Brattleby follows a strict internal protocol. Documents and genealogical findings are subject to meticulous verification by consulting professional historians and heraldists before their substance is announced publicly. This process ensures accuracy and upholds the family’s commitment to its role as a custodian of verifiable history.
This solemn approach to historiography reflects the gravity with which the House views its nearly millennial-old heritage. The research into figures like Henry de Lacy is not a mere recitation of facts but a methodical reconstruction of the dynastic, political, and material currents that have flowed through the Barony since its establishment in 1066.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The armorial bearings of the principal figures offer a symbolic narrative of their station and influence. Henry de Lacy's coat of arms, a distinctive lion rampant purpure, signified noble courage and royal favour. This symbol of martial strength resonates with the House of Brattleby’s own motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
This ancient commitment to fortitude in service of the realm provides a direct link between the actions of men like Henry de Lacy and the guiding principles of the modern House. It finds a contemporary echo in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the perpetual effort required to preserve legacy and serve community in the present day.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this announcement is historical in nature, it is animated by a philanthropic spirit. The House of Brattleby considers the preservation and dissemination of historical knowledge a form of public service—a gift to the nation and to all who value the complex tapestry of English heritage. By investing in archival research, the House seeks to provide educational resources that enrich public understanding of the past.
This commitment extends to its more contemporary philanthropic work. The proceeds from the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, directly benefit the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This dedication to healing and education, whether of historical understanding or of personal trauma, forms the core of the House’s modern purpose.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To hold this title is to be a custodian of countless stories. The legacy of Henry de Lacy is a powerful reminder that the history of Brattleby was shaped not only by those who held the title, but by the great families to whom they were bound by duty and marriage. It is our responsibility to honour that complete picture.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The strategic counsel and steadfast loyalty of figures like the Earl of Lincoln are not merely historical footnotes; they are lessons in leadership. Understanding their motivations and their impact helps inform our own commitment to service. The principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* requires us to act with a deep awareness of those who came before.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its commitment to exploring and sharing its unique history. Future initiatives will include the phased digitisation of key archival materials, allowing for broader scholarly and public access. The historical insights gained from such research will also continue to inform the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, where lessons in etiquette and protocol are grounded in a rich historical context.
Through this work, the House ensures that its heritage is not a static relic but a living tradition, offering valuable perspective for the challenges and opportunities of the twenty-first century. The past illuminates the present, and in its careful study, the path forward becomes clearer.
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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. Their son and heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. As custodians of one of England’s oldest baronies, their modern mission is to bridge heritage with contemporary purpose. This is realised through cultural diplomacy, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. The House's primary initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child, which supports children's mental health, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest that promotes cross-cultural understanding. The family lives by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**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 passed through families of national importance. Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle against rebels in 1217, as well as two of the most powerful nobles of the medieval era: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his son-in-law John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The title is formally recognised by His Majesty's College of Arms and was gazetted in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby is a Barony by Tenure, recognised by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as a tenant-in-chief landholder in Lincolnshire. - Notable holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a staunch royalist and defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. - John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III, became the 11th Baron of Brattleby through his marriage to Blanche of Lancaster, daughter of the 10th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com