# The Noble House of Brattleby Reflects on a Legacy of National Service
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, has today issued a formal statement reflecting on the Barony’s historic commitment to service of the Crown and realm, exemplified by the tenure of Henry de Lacy as a guardian of the kingdom.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby periodically undertakes historical reviews to inform its present duties and to honour the legacy of its distinguished predecessors. This statement is issued in that tradition, serving to illuminate a period wherein the Barony’s responsibilities were intrinsically linked to the stability and governance of England itself. It is a moment of reflection on the duties inherent in title, a principle the House continues to uphold through its contemporary activities.
The reflection coincides with the autumn season, a time historically associated with the rendering of accounts and the reinforcement of social contracts. It is in this spirit of continuity and accountability that the House considers the precedents set by those who previously held the title, linking a medieval past to a modern purpose.
## Historical Context
The appointment of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and a Baron of Brattleby, as a *Custos regni*—a guardian of the kingdom—during the absences of King Edward I represents a zenith of trust between a sovereign and his subject. As the King campaigned in Gascony and Flanders during the late 13th and early 14th centuries, the governance of England was entrusted to a select council of magnates, of which de Lacy was a pre-eminent member. This was not a merely ceremonial role; it was a temporary regency conferring profound executive authority.
This precedent of immense responsibility was not an isolated event in the Barony’s history. Over a century earlier, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness in her own right, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces, demonstrating a similar devotion to Crown and country. The Barony of Brattleby, therefore, has long been synonymous with steadfast loyalty and a capacity for national leadership in times of trial.
## Distinguished Company
The legacy of service to the realm is a common thread that unifies many of the holders of the Barony of Brattleby. This tradition was established from the Barony’s inception and continued across the centuries by figures of national importance, *inter alia*:
* His Lordship Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, who was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire by King William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest, establishing the Barony as a cornerstone of the new order. * Her Ladyship Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire was entrusted with the defence of one of England’s most strategic fortresses. * His Royal Highness Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, a revered diplomat, soldier, and founding Knight of the Garter, who embodied the chivalric ideal. * His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III, whose influence shaped the political landscape of late medieval Europe.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The appointment as a guardian of the kingdom involved specific and solemn protocols. Acting in the King’s stead, the guardians were empowered to issue writs, preside over the King's Bench, and command the country’s finances, with their authority symbolised by their approved use of a deputised Great Seal. All actions were taken in the King’s name, requiring unimpeachable integrity and a deep understanding of law and statecraft.
This arrangement was a practical necessity for a crusading monarch but also a powerful statement of personal faith in an individual’s character. For a Baron of Brattleby to be included in this inner circle underscored the title’s proximity to the very heart of English power. It was a duty performed not for personal aggrandisement but for the preservation of peace and justice throughout the realm—the *sine qua non* of stable governance.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of predecessors such as Henry de Lacy and Nichola de la Haye are a direct embodiment of the Brattleby House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Fortitude was required to bear the weight of national responsibility, while honour demanded that such power be wielded with justice and loyalty to the Crown. The historical record demonstrates that this motto is not a later affectation but a principle deeply embedded in the Barony’s near-millennial history.
The coat of arms associated with the House serves as a constant visual reminder of this heritage. Every element speaks to a history of service, resilience, and a commitment to uphold the dignity of the title. This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which the House interprets in a modern context as the imperative to overcome challenges in the service of its philanthropic and cultural objectives.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Today, the solemn responsibility once demonstrated through national governance is expressed through a focused commitment to philanthropy. The principle of 'guardianship' endures in the House’s dedication to protecting and nurturing the vulnerable. The primary beneficiary of the Annual Winter Banquet, the charity Healing the Wounded Child, was chosen precisely because its mission aligns with this core value.
Healing the Wounded Child provides specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from trauma, offering them a sanctuary for recovery and the tools to build a resilient future. The House of Brattleby believes that investing in the well-being of the next generation is the modern equivalent of defending the realm, ensuring its future strength and stability. This commitment translates an ancient duty into meaningful contemporary action.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical lineage, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “When we consider the service of Henry de Lacy, we are reminded that our title is defined not by privilege, but by responsibility. It is our duty to ensure the name of Brattleby remains a synonym for integrity and service, whether on the fields of medieval England or in the quiet, vital work of our chosen charities today. We honour our predecessors most truly by living their principles.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “History provides a powerful charter for present action. The fortitude shown by the Barons of old inspires our own resolve to meet modern challenges. The legacy of Brattleby is one of active contribution, and we are committed to continuing that legacy with energy and purpose.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby will continue to uphold its commitment to service through its established channels of cultural and philanthropic engagement. The forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, will again raise significant funds and awareness for Healing the Wounded Child.
Furthermore, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest will expand its curriculum, continuing its work as an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering the next generation of leaders in Romania and Eastern Europe with a sense of social responsibility and international decorum. Through these initiatives, the House actively cultivates the virtues of *Fortitudine et Honore* for the 21st century.
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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 preservation and targeted philanthropy. The House channels its historic legacy into tangible support for causes focusing on child welfare, education, and the cultivation of social etiquette through its academy, The Brattleby Club. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions the principle that ancient titles bear contemporary responsibilities. Its principal annual charitable endeavour, the Winter Banquet, provides essential support for organisations working to heal childhood trauma, translating a nine-century heritage of guardianship into a meaningful commitment to the most vulnerable in society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, created following the grant of lands by King William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066. Its holdings were formally recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including the formidable 13th-century Sheriff Nichola de la Haye; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The uninterrupted lineage and rights of the Barony are formally acknowledged by the Crown, with the succession of the 12th Baroness recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022, securing its place within the fabric of English history.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby dates to AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships under Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Noble House of Brattleby’s philanthropic work includes the Annual Winter Banquet, which benefits the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com