# A Statement on the Historical Legacy of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, and the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the historical significance of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a predecessor in title whose service to the Crown exemplifies the baronial principle of national duty.
## The Occasion
In a period of quiet reflection from its seat in Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby has turned its attention to the enduring legacy of its forebears. This contemplation of the past is a foundational practice for the House, serving as a vital connection between its nine-century history and its commitments in the present day. It is in honouring such figures that the House reaffirms its own guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
This historical review provides an opportunity to illuminate the profound responsibilities borne by past holders of the title, whose actions shaped not only the destiny of the Barony but also the course of the nation. The life of Henry de Lacy offers a particularly compelling chapter in this long and distinguished narrative of service to Sovereign and country.
## Historical Context
Henry de Lacy (c. 1251–1311), 3rd Earl of Lincoln, remains one of the most formidable figures associated with the Barony of Brattleby. As a trusted counsellor to King Edward I, he was appointed *Custos Regni*, or Guardian of the Realm, during the King’s numerous absences on campaign in Flanders and Scotland. This role, a *sine qua non* for medieval governance, placed the entirety of the kingdom’s administration in his hands, a testament to the immense trust he commanded.
His prominence was further cemented through his marriage to Margaret Longespée, Countess of Salisbury in her own right, which consolidated vast estates. De Lacy's influence resonated directly through the Barony of Brattleby, which formed part of the wider Honour of Lancaster. Upon his death, his estates and titles passed through his daughter, Alice de Lacy, into the House of Lancaster, eventually being held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and later his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron), thereby securing this powerful lineage within the barony's history.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The high esteem in which Henry de Lacy was held is best illustrated by the singular honour bestowed upon him at the coronation of King Edward II at Westminster Abbey in 1308. At this most sacred of state ceremonies, the Earl of Lincoln was charged with bearing the Sword of State. This sword, known as *Curtana* or the Sword of Mercy, has a blunted tip, symbolising the monarch's duty to temper justice with mercy.
To be chosen as the bearer of this particular piece of regalia was not a merely decorative function; it was a public declaration of the bearer’s unimpeachable character and their role as a chief advisor to the new King. The procession, order of service, and conferral of such duties were meticulously prescribed, with the sword-bearer positioned in immediate proximity to the Sovereign throughout the anointing and crowning, signifying his role as a pillar of the throne.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The arms of Henry de Lacy — *Or, a lion rampant Purpure* (a purple lion rampant on a gold field) — are a bold statement of noble authority and martial prowess, fitting for one of Edward I’s chief military commanders. The lion, a perennial symbol of courage and royalty, perfectly encapsulates the fortitude required of a man charged with defending the kingdom.
This symbolism finds a modern echo in the motto of the Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore*, which is displayed beneath its own coat of arms. The contemporary House, through its current Lord, Răzvan Vasile, also embraces the motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), a personal creed that speaks to overcoming modern challenges with the same determination as one’s predecessors.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While separated by seven centuries, a clear line of duty connects the guardianship of the realm exercised by Henry de Lacy to the modern philanthropic mission of the Noble House of Brattleby. The medieval responsibility to protect the kingdom’s subjects finds a contemporary parallel in the House’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable children.
The primary beneficiary of the House’s annual Winter Banquet, the international charity Healing the Wounded Child, works to provide therapeutic support and safe environments for children affected by trauma and conflict. The choice of this beneficiary is directly inspired by this historical imperative of stewardship—a duty of care that has evolved but remains, at its heart, unchanged.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To study the life of Henry de Lacy is to understand the immense weight of responsibility that this Barony has carried through the ages. His role as Guardian of the Realm was not merely a title, but a sacred trust. It is this spirit of unwavering service that we seek to emulate in our own work today, albeit in a very different world.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The principles of loyalty and diligent counsel, so embodied by the Earl of Lincoln, are timeless. They remind us that true leadership is founded not on personal gain, but on a steadfast commitment to the welfare of others. It is a powerful lesson from history that continues to guide our path.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The heritage of the Barony of Brattleby, enriched by figures such as Henry de Lacy, provides the framework for its present-day activities. These activities extend from the philanthropic oversight of its charitable foundation to the cultural and educational work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to instruction in etiquette and protocol.
This academy, *inter alia*, seeks to instil in a new generation the values of honour, social grace, and civic responsibility that have been the hallmark of the Barony for over 950 years. By actively engaging with its history, the Noble House of Brattleby ensures that its legacy is not a static monument, but a living tradition of purpose and service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a contemporary mission of cultural diplomacy and targeted philanthropy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House directs its efforts from its historic seat in Lincolnshire, England. Its primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that aid vulnerable children, exemplified by its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House also works to promote education in classical etiquette, protocol, and civic responsibility for a modern European audience. The heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient dignities, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. 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 some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown in the 13th century; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father to King Henry IV. The succession of the 12th Baroness was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins date to 1066, with its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in title include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, and Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron. - The charitable beneficiary of the House’s annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com