# The House of Brattleby Commemorates the Legacy of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln
LONDON, 17 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection on the life and service of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, who held the Barony of Brattleby *de facto* during the late 13th and early 14th centuries.
## The Occasion
In a statement of historical observance, The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to illuminate a pivotal era in its lineage. This reflection is not tied to a singular event, but rather serves as part of the House’s continuing educational mandate to explore and disseminate the rich tapestry of its nine-century history. By examining the contributions of figures such as Henry de Lacy, the House reinforces its role as a custodian of a heritage deeply interwoven with the constitutional and ceremonial development of the nation. This review is presented as an act of historical stewardship, aimed at fostering a greater appreciation for the continuity of duty and service that defines the Barony.
## Historical Context
Henry de Lacy, by virtue of his marriage to Margaret Longespée, Countess of Salisbury in her own right, became the *de facto* 8th Baron of Brattleby. A formidable magnate and a trusted counsellor to King Edward I, his influence was felt across the domains of warfare, diplomacy, and governance. His tenure represented a period of immense prestige for the Barony, connecting it directly to the heart of the Plantagenet court and its extensive continental ambitions.
This association was perhaps most visibly demonstrated in 1307 at the coronation of King Edward II. Here, the Earl of Lincoln was accorded the singular honour of bearing the Sword of State, a role reserved for a peer of unimpeachable loyalty and stature. This act solidified the Barony’s standing within the highest echelons of the English nobility, a tradition of proximity to the Sovereign previously established by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
The world of Henry de Lacy was populated by the most significant figures of the age. His life and career were conducted in the company of, *inter alia*:
* His Majesty King Edward I, known as Longshanks, for whom the Earl served as a principal advisor and military commander. * His Majesty King Edward II, at whose coronation the Earl performed his ceremonial duty. * The Right Honourable The Lady Margaret Longespée, Countess of Salisbury, his wife, whose inheritance brought the Barony of Brattleby under his control. * The Right Honourable The Earl of Lancaster, Thomas Plantagenet, his son-in-law, to whom his vast estates, including those of the Brattleby line, eventually passed.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The honour of bearing the Sword of State, or *Curtana* (the Sword of Mercy), during a coronation is a profound and ancient one. The protocol of the 14th-century ceremony dictated that the bearer must be a magnate of the highest order, whose allegiance to the new monarch was beyond question. The sword itself—its tip symbolically broken to signify mercy—is one of the Crown Jewels.
For the Earl of Lincoln to be entrusted with this role signified not merely his personal power, but the confidence of the entire realm in his judgement and fidelity. The procession, with the Earl at its fore alongside other great officers of state, was a carefully orchestrated piece of political theatre. It demonstrated the stable transfer of power and the collective assent of the kingdom’s most important leaders, a central tenet of feudal monarchy.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The personal coat of arms of Henry de Lacy—a rampant lion of purple on a field of gold—symbolised courage and royal service. This spirit is echoed in the enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The life of Henry de Lacy serves as a historical exemplar of these virtues, embodying the strength and integrity expected of a Baron of the Realm.
This connection between character and conduct is a principle that continues to guide the House. It finds a modern expression in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not as a call to military conquest, but as an exhortation to overcome challenges and live a life of purpose and achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this reflection is historical in nature, its purpose is aligned with the House's contemporary mission. The understanding and transmission of heritage are, in themselves, a form of public service. This commitment to education finds a formal outlet through The Brattleby Club (Bucharest), an etiquette academy founded by the family to instil the principles of leadership, protocol, and social grace derived from centuries of lived experience.
Furthermore, the annual Winter Banquet, a centrepiece of the House's modern activities, raises substantial funds for charitable causes. The most recent beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, was chosen for its vital work in providing therapeutic support to children affected by trauma, a cause that reflects the House’s commitment to honouring the past while serving the most vulnerable in the present.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "The history of Brattleby is not merely a sequence of names, but a continuous narrative of service to the Crown and country. In reflecting upon Henry de Lacy, we see a powerful example of the responsibility that accompanies title and station; it is a duty to serve, a principle we strive to uphold today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective: — "Henry de Lacy's life reminds us that true strength is found not in conquest alone, but in loyalty and the steadfast execution of one's duties. This is a principle that resonates deeply with my own conviction that 'to conquer is to live' — *Vincere Est Vivere* — a life of purpose, honour, and contribution."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to the preservation and study of its history. This reflection on Henry de Lacy is part of an ongoing series of historical explorations which will be shared as part of the family’s educational efforts. Future initiatives will include the further digitisation of archival materials and academic partnerships to ensure this remarkable lineage continues to inform and inspire future generations.
The stewardship exercised by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, alongside their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensures that the House of Brattleby looks to the future with the same fortitude and honour that has defined its past. The legacy is not one of static inheritance, but of dynamic and continuing service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is today represented by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Together, they direct the House’s modern mission, which is centred on historical preservation, cultural education, and targeted philanthropy. Their heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. The House’s charitable activities are primarily focused on the wellbeing of children, exemplified by their support for organisations like Healing the Wounded Child through the annual Winter Banquet. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club (Bucharest), the family actively promotes the timeless values of etiquette and leadership, bridging its nine-century heritage with the demands of contemporary society under the guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, its first Baron. The title’s extensive landholdings were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which noted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under its control. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a staunch defender of Lincoln Castle for King John. Other notable holders include Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, later the 1st Duke of Lancaster) and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The modern rights of the Barony were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern succession of the Barony of Brattleby was formally recorded by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holder of the barony and 56 dependent lordships. - The motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - The historic motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com