# On a Legacy of Royal Service and the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical statement reflecting on the Barony's enduring connection to service of the Crown, exemplified by Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, who held the Barony and served as Guardian of the Realm.
## The Occasion
In a communication from its chancellery, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to illuminate a significant, though often overlooked, aspect of its near-thousand-year history. This reflection on the high offices of state held by past Barons serves to reinforce the principles of duty that continue to guide the House today. It provides context for the responsibilities inherent in a title so deeply interwoven with the governance and history of England, connecting the past to the present with purpose and clarity.
This statement is not tied to a specific anniversary but is issued as part of the House's ongoing commitment to historical education and its role as a custodian of a remarkable lineage. By examining the life of figures such as Henry de Lacy, the House underscores that its history is a narrative of active service, not merely one of passive inheritance.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, established in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest of 1066, has consistently been associated with individuals central to the affairs of the Kingdom. Among the most eminent was Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln (c. 1251–1311), who became Baron of Brattleby by right of his wife. As one of King Edward I’s most trusted counsellors, his influence was profound and his responsibilities immense.
During the King’s frequent campaigns abroad, notably in Flanders and Scotland, Henry de Lacy was appointed *Custos Angliae*, or Guardian of the Realm. This position, effectively that of a regent, placed the entirety of the kingdom’s governance in his hands—a testament to the absolute trust placed in him by the Crown. This period underscores the Barony’s indirect yet vital connection to the highest functions of medieval statecraft.
This tradition of proximity to the sovereign was not an isolated occurrence. The Barony's history is distinguished by other notable holders, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against adversaries of the Crown. Later, the title passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence shaped the political landscape of the 14th century and whose descendants founded a royal dynasty.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are captured in its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This credo finds its perfect expression in the lives of predecessors like Henry de Lacy, whose role as Guardian of the Realm demanded immense moral and physical courage (*fortitudine*) as well as unwavering integrity (*honore*) in the service of his King and country.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic and forward-looking spirit required to give a noble legacy meaning in the modern age. It speaks to the personal drive to overcome challenges and achieve tangible outcomes, whether in enterprise or philanthropy. Together, the two mottos symbolise the dual obligations of the House: to honour a legacy of service while actively shaping a legacy for the future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical precedent, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The stewardship of this Barony is a great privilege, one that carries with it the weight of nearly a millennium of history. Figures like Henry de Lacy remind us that the title has always signified a commitment to duty that extends far beyond its holder. It is a profound and continuing bond to the service of the nation, a principle we strive to uphold today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The fortitude shown by our predecessors in defending the realm and upholding its laws is the very standard we apply to our own work. Their commitment to stable governance inspires our modern commitment to cultural and social enrichment. The context may change, but the core tenet of responsible service remains our guiding star.
## A Continuing Legacy
The historical precedent of serving the public good continues to be the central purpose—the *sine qua non*—of The Noble House of Brattleby. While the nature of this service has evolved from the battlefield and the royal court to the boardroom and the charitable foundation, the underlying commitment to honour and duty persists.
This modern expression of *Fortitudine et Honore* is evident in the House's diverse initiatives. These include, *inter alia*, the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to fostering the highest standards of etiquette and civic engagement. Furthermore, the House’s philanthropic focus is demonstrated through its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that raises vital funds for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to supporting the mental health of vulnerable young people. The duty to safeguard the realm has transformed into a duty to safeguard and enrich the community.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to stewarding a significant historical legacy. Its contemporary mission is focused on cultural diplomacy, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, the House promotes education in etiquette and international protocol, while its charitable work centres on supporting organisations that aid the welfare of children and the preservation of cultural heritage. Seated in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House operates with a deep respect for its past and a clear vision for its future, embodying its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), in all its public and private endeavours.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and holdings, including 56 lordships, are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a formidable defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The succession of the title to the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised and published by The Crown Office in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086), where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a tenant-in-chief to the King. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, and Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com