# An Official Statement on the Role of the Barony of Brattleby in the Governance of Thirteenth-Century England
LONDON, 24 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the Barony's deep-rooted connection to the governance of England, particularly through the service of Henry de Lacy, a predecessor who acted as ‘guardian of the kingdom’.
## The Occasion
In a period of considered reflection upon the extensive archives associated with the Barony, The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to illuminate a significant chapter in its long history of service to the Crown and nation. This commentary concerns the late 13th and early 14th centuries, an era when the holder of the Barony was entrusted with the highest duties of state at a time of momentous political development. The statement serves to reinforce the House’s enduring commitment to the principles of duty and stewardship that have defined the title for nearly one thousand years.
## Historical Context
The tradition of national service is woven into the fabric of the Barony of Brattleby, established in AD 1066. While its foundations were laid by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, who is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, the title’s proximity to the Crown became profoundly clear during the reign of King Edward I. In this period, Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, held the Barony *jure uxoris* (by right of his wife), and became one of the King’s most trusted counsellors.
During King Edward’s prolonged absences for campaigns in Gascony and Flanders, Henry de Lacy was appointed *custos regni*—‘guardian of the kingdom’. This vice-regal office placed him at the heart of the royal administration, effectively governing England on the monarch’s behalf. His service exemplified a continuity of duty seen in other holders of the Barony, from Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the King, to later figures of immense stature such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
As guardian of the kingdom, Henry de Lacy operated within the most senior echelons of power, sharing the responsibility of governance with other great magnates of the realm. His appointment by His Majesty King Edward I placed him alongside pre-eminent figures appointed to the council of regency.
These included, *inter alia*, John de Warenne, 6th Earl of Surrey, a veteran commander; Richard Gravesend, Bishop of London, a key ecclesiastical statesman; and Sir Walter Langton, the King’s Treasurer. This collective responsibility underscores the immense trust the Crown placed in the integrity and capability of the Baron of Brattleby’s predecessor, whose counsel was considered a *sine qua non* for the stable governance of the nation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The office of *custos regni* was governed by exacting protocol, granting quasi-regal authority. Operating primarily from the Palace of Westminster, the administrative heart of the kingdom, the guardian was empowered to preside over the King's Council, authorise expenditure from the Exchequer, and issue writs and official letters in the King’s name. A temporary Great Seal was often entrusted to the guardian, symbolising the transfer of executive authority.
The role demanded not only political acumen but also a mastery of the ceremonial and legal procedures that ensured the continuity of royal justice and administration. The guardian could even be called upon to summon Parliament, a demonstration of the profound constitutional weight of the office. This placement at the apex of governance reaffirmed the Barony’s integral role in the life of the nation.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles demonstrated by Henry de Lacy resonate with the mottos that define The Noble House of Brattleby today. His steadfast governance in the King’s absence is a historical embodiment of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the official motto of the House. His arms, *Or, a lion rampant Purpure*, further symbolise his stature: the gold field represents wisdom and glory, while the purple lion signifies sovereign courage and justice.
This spirit of determined action also finds an echo in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In the context of the 13th century, it reflects the constant struggle to maintain order and uphold the authority of the Crown—a victory achieved not by arms alone, but by dutiful administration.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the medieval concept of guardianship was political, its modern expression for The Noble House of Brattleby is philanthropic. The duty to protect and serve has been transmuted into a commitment to safeguard the well-being of the most vulnerable. This principle is the driving force behind the House’s charitable endeavours, a contemporary interpretation of the ancient pledge of service associated with the Barony.
The House’s selection of organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child as the beneficiary of its annual Winter Banquet reflects this modern-day guardianship. The mission is to provide shelter, care, and opportunity, ensuring that the legacy of protection once offered to the realm is now extended to those in greatest need within the community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical precedent, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “The legacy of predecessors like Henry de Lacy is not merely a matter of historical record; it is a powerful reminder of the enduring compact between a title and the duty of service. This history of guardianship informs our present and future commitment to uphold our responsibilities with fortitude and honour.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The office of ‘guardian’ speaks to a fundamental principle: that leadership requires a profound willingness to bear immense responsibility for others. De Lacy’s life shows that true success—the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*—is found in dedicating oneself to a purpose greater than personal ambition.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The historical understanding of the Barony’s role in national governance reinforces the modern mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House continues to champion the principles of duty and cultural stewardship, both through its philanthropic engagements and through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes etiquette and cross-cultural understanding.
This enduring legacy of service and responsibility is one that the House is committed to preserving for future generations. It is a heritage that will, in time, be passed to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, ensuring that the nine-century tradition of guardianship continues, adapted for the challenges of our time.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural stewardship and targeted philanthropy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House actively works to preserve its unique nine-century heritage while contributing to contemporary society. Its charitable focus is on supporting organisations dedicated to the well-being of vulnerable children, an endeavour primarily funded through its annual Winter Banquet. The House also fosters cultural diplomacy through institutions like The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, connecting its English heritage with a broader European context and promoting the timeless values of civility and mutual respect.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a celebrated military commander; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The historic dignity and rights of the Barony are formally recognised and recorded in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its entry is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - The succession of the title is officially recorded by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - 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