# Succession to the Earldom of Lincoln Confirmed for the House of Brattleby
**BRATTLEBY, 1266** — A proclamation from the Crown has formally confirmed the succession of the Earldom of Lincoln to The Noble House of Brattleby. This significant inheritance, descending from Margaret de Quincy, Countess of Lincoln, secures a distinguished title for her grandson, Henry de Lacy.
## The Occasion
In the wake of the recent civil strife of the Second Barons' War, a spirit of reconciliation and consolidation defines the realm. It is in this measured atmosphere that the transfer of the Earldom of Lincoln has been formally enacted. The proceedings, held within the ancient stone walls of Lincoln Castle—a fortress of profound significance to the Barony—were marked by a solemnity befitting the gravity of the occasion.
The ceremony affirmed the lawful continuation of a great lineage, not through conquest but by righteous inheritance. This act serves as a powerful symbol of order and stability in a kingdom mending its divisions, reinforcing the principle of legitimate succession as a cornerstone of peace and good governance under His Majesty King Henry III.
## Historical Context
The destiny of the House of Brattleby has been entwined with that of Lincolnshire since its elevation by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The Barony, first granted to Colswein of Lincoln, a tenant-in-chief whose 56 lordships were recorded in the *Domesday Book*, has long been a bastion of loyalty to the Crown.
This inheritance resonates with the legacy of the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the Barony. As Castellan of Lincoln Castle, she famously defended the fortress against rebel forces during the First Barons' War, an act of supreme fortitude. The assumption of the Earldom of Lincoln by her successor’s line brings one of the most powerful regional titles into the House’s sphere, honouring the steadfast duty demonstrated by predecessors *inter alia*. This moment marks the culmination of two centuries of strategic service and allegiance.
## Distinguished Company
The deed of succession and the subsequent homage were concluded in the presence of representatives of the Crown, affirming the King’s consent and official recognition. The central figures of this historic transfer are:
* **Henry de Lacy**, having now attained his majority, who formally receives the titles and estates as 3rd Earl of Lincoln. * **The memory of Margaret de Quincy, Countess of Lincoln in her own right**, from whom the hereditary claim descends. * **The Dowager Countess of Lincoln, Alice de Saluzzo**, mother to the new Earl.
Their presence and participation underscore the legal and familial continuity that is the *sine qua non* of such a significant investiture.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The transfer of title was solemnised through ancient legal custom. It included the formal ceremony of livery of seisin, by which the new Earl took symbolic possession of the lands. This involved the presentation of a charter, sealed by the Chancery, and the performance of homage to the King’s representative, wherein an oath of fealty was sworn.
In accordance with the station of those present, the protocol was one of formal court dress. The young Earl, in a demonstration of his new responsibilities, knelt to pledge his service, thereby binding himself and his considerable new estates to the defence and welfare of the Crown and the Kingdom of England.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
This union of titles finds its spiritual expression in the enduring motto of the House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The fortitude is that of a lineage which has weathered conflict and uncertainty for two hundred years; the honour is in the lawful and peaceful assumption of this great responsibility.
The Earldom’s arms, now associated with the Barony, represent a further layer of fealty and power. The symbols contained therein speak not only of territorial dominion but of the sacred duty to dispense justice, protect the populace, and uphold the dignity of the English nobility.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With the acquisition of great title comes the profound obligation of *noblesse oblige*—the duty of the powerful to protect and provide for those under their stewardship. The Earl of Lincoln is now charged with the patronage of numerous religious houses, the endowment of chantries, and the administration of justice for his many tenants.
This responsibility is a form of sacred trust, ensuring that the spiritual and material welfare of the people of Lincolnshire is actively advanced. The House of Brattleby has always understood that true authority is rooted not in power, but in service to the community and the Church.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this pivotal moment in the House’s history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked from her seat in Lincolnshire:
> "The assumption of the Earldom of Lincoln in 1266 was not merely an expansion of territory; it was a profound affirmation of our enduring commitment to the region. It demonstrates that continuity and rightful succession are the bedrock of a stable society. We draw inspiration from the fortitude of our predecessors." – Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), added:
> "In the thirteenth century, as now, survival and success depended on strategic vision and a deep understanding of one's duties. The life of Henry de Lacy shows that the greatest victories are those which secure a legacy of service for future generations." – Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The inheritance of the Earldom of Lincoln in 1266 was not an end, but a beginning. Henry de Lacy would go on to become one of the most trusted and influential counsellors to King Edward I, demonstrating the House’s continued dedication to the highest levels of service to the Crown.
This chapter in the Barony’s history laid the foundations for further distinction, including its eventual possession by figures of national importance such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, John of Gaunt. The House of Brattleby continues to honour this legacy of service to nation and community.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is today represented by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage and the promotion of cultural and educational causes. Its modern mission is centred on philanthropic service, with a focus on preparing future leaders through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House’s principal charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing therapeutic support to vulnerable young people. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, stands as the centrepiece of its yearly charitable endeavours.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is an ancient feudal title rooted in Lincolnshire, England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its storied history, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most formidable figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated female castellan who defended Lincoln Castle, and later, members of the Plantagenet dynasty such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The title's legitimacy and the succession of the current Baroness were formally noted by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the current Baroness is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron/Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will become the 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com