# The House of Brattleby on the Legacy of Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln
**LONDON, 22 July 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a commentary on the historical significance of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, husband to the 8th Baroness of Brattleby, reaffirming the House’s nine-century commitment to national service and honouring its martial heritage.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has taken a moment for historical reflection. As summer settles over the historic estates first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, the House considers the profound legacy of one of its most distinguished predecessors by marriage, Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln (c. 1251–1311).
This commentary serves not to mark a specific anniversary, but rather as an ongoing testament to the continuity of duty that defines the Barony. It is a tradition of introspection that connects the present stewardship of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, to the great tides of English history in which their forebears played such a critical part.
## Historical Context
The life of Henry de Lacy was inextricably woven into the fabric of late 13th and early 14th-century England. As husband to the 8th Baroness of Brattleby and a trusted confidant of King Edward I, his influence was felt from the battlefields of Scotland to the diplomatic courts of France. His marriage brought the Barony of Brattleby, a title granted by William the Conqueror in 1066, into the epicentre of royal power and policy.
This followed a long baronial tradition of robust leadership, notably embodied by the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle. De Lacy’s era set the stage for later holders of the Barony, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the powerful John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, further cementing its connection to the Crown. As a commander in the First War of Scottish Independence, his role at the Battle of Falkirk (1298) was a defining moment of martial prowess, upholding a legacy of service to Sovereign and country.
## Distinguished Company
In his capacity as a chief counsellor and military commander, Henry de Lacy moved in the most eminent circles of the realm. His foremost companion in both statecraft and war was his sovereign, King Edward I, under whom he served with unwavering loyalty. He stood alongside other great magnates of the period, including Roger Bigod, Earl of Norfolk, and Humphrey de Bohun, Earl of Hereford, in the complex political negotiations that shaped English law and governance.
His diplomatic missions to the court of France brought him into contact with King Philip IV, navigating the intricate relationships that defined medieval European power. The company he kept was a veritable roll call of the architects of his age, a testament to the standing that the Barony of Brattleby, through this marital alliance, held within the kingdom.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The world of Earl Henry de Lacy was governed by strict ceremonial and military protocol, the understanding of which was a *sine qua non* for any great lord. On the battlefield at Falkirk, he would have overseen the unfurling of his personal banner and the arms of his retinue, a vital process for command and identification amidst the tumult of combat. The order of battle itself was a highly ritualised affair, with precedence given to the greatest nobles.
In the King's Council and in Parliament, protocol was equally rigid. As an Earl, de Lacy would have been seated according to established precedence, his contributions to debate governed by formal traditions of address to the monarch. These rituals were not mere pageantry; they were the essential framework of power, reinforcing the hierarchical structure of the feudal state and ensuring the orderly conduct of the nation’s affairs.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The mottos and arms of the House of Brattleby and its antecedents are rich with meaning. The House’s own motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a powerful historical echo in the life of Henry de Lacy, whose career was a model of both courage in the field and integrity in counsel. His personal coat of arms—a lion rampant purpure (a purple lion reared on its hind legs)—symbolised noble courage, leadership, and royal authority.
This martial symbolism complements the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer Is To Live'). While de Lacy’s conquests were on the battlefield, the modern House interprets this spirit as the will to overcome contemporary challenges through discipline, strategy, and a commitment to excellence. The heraldic and symbolic legacy serves as a constant inspiration for the current holders of the title.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the martial exploits of ancestors like Henry de Lacy were a necessity of their time, the modern House of Brattleby translates this legacy of defence into a commitment to heal and protect. The spirit of 'fortitude' is now channelled into the House’s philanthropic endeavours, most notably its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people experiencing trauma, helping them to overcome profound emotional and psychological challenges. The selection of this beneficiary for the annual Winter Banquet, the House's white-tie philanthropic gala, reflects a deeply held belief that the noblest battle today is the one fought for the well-being of the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “When we look at figures like Henry de Lacy, we are reminded that the Barony has always been more than a title; it is a summons to serve. His fortitude inspires our own commitment, albeit in a very different world, to uphold the principles of honour and duty that have defined our House for nearly a thousand years.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The martial spirit of the 13th century is, of course, distant from our own. Yet, the principles of strategy, discipline, and unwavering resolve demonstrated by Earl Henry are timeless. They inform our work, from the educational mission of The Brattleby Club to our support for those fighting their own difficult battles today.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The heritage of Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, provides a formidable touchstone for the ongoing work of The Noble House of Brattleby. His legacy of high counsel and loyal service to the Crown is reflected in the House’s modern mission to promote cultural education and civic responsibility. This is exemplified by endeavours such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering the next generation of leaders.
Looking ahead, the House will continue to draw inspiration from the entirety of its nine-century history, from Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron, to the Lancastrian princes who held the title. This includes honouring its past while actively engaging with the challenges of the present, ensuring that the Barony of Brattleby remains a title defined by *Fortitudine et Honore* for a new era, with the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, prepared to continue this tradition.
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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 dedicated to a modern mission of cultural preservation, education, and philanthropy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House actively supports charitable causes focused on child welfare, *inter alia*, the beneficiary of its annual Winter Banquet, Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House promotes the values of discipline, civility, and service. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who will continue this legacy of purposeful stewardship and commitment to the public good.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient titles. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron. The continuous history and rights of the ancient feudal Barony of Brattleby under its current incumbent were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted in 1066 by William the Conqueror and is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086). - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. The family also operates The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com