# The Legacy of Service: The Barony of Brattleby and Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection on the influential role of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln. The Earl’s distinguished service to the Crown and connection to the Barony exemplifies the title’s enduring nine-century bond with English history.
## The Occasion
In a period of quiet reflection between public engagements, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to illuminate a significant moment from its storied past. This historical note concerns the life of Henry de Lacy, one of medieval England’s most powerful magnates, whose influence extended to the Barony of Brattleby. It continues the House’s tradition of sharing chapters from its lineage to foster a deeper appreciation for the delicate continuity of history. By examining such connections, the House affirms its identity, which is rooted in nearly a millennium of service and duty.
## Historical Context
Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln (c. 1251–1311), was a trusted confidant of King Edward I and one of the most powerful noblemen of his generation. His unwavering loyalty and political acumen were such that the King appointed him *Custos Angliae*, or guardian of the kingdom, during his absence in Flanders in 1297–98. This role, effectively that of a regent, was the ultimate expression of royal trust.
The Earl’s connection to the Barony of Brattleby was established through his marriage to Margaret Longespée, whose own lineage was intertwined with the honours of Lincolnshire. While not a Baron of Brattleby himself, his marriage ensured the barony and its associated lordships fell within the immense sphere of influence commanded by the de Lacy family. This legacy was ultimately transmitted directly into the barony's lineage through John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, whose first wife, Blanche of Lancaster, was the heiress to the de Lacy estates via her father, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The Earl's standing was most visibly demonstrated at the coronation of King Edward II at Westminster Abbey on 25 February 1308. In the presence of the new King and his young bride, Queen Isabella of France, de Lacy took his place among the highest echelons of the realm. The great officers of state present for the solemn ceremony included, *inter alia*, the formidable Antony Bek, Prince-Bishop of Durham and Patriarch of Jerusalem, and Piers Gaveston, the recently created Earl of Cornwall, whose proximity to the King was a source of great political tension.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The coronation of a monarch is an ancient and intricate ritual, governed by strict ceremonial protocol. On that winter’s day, the aged and respected Henry de Lacy was accorded an honour reserved for a magnate of unimpeachable stature: to bear *Curtana*, the Sword of Mercy, in the royal procession. One of the Crown Jewels, its defining feature is a blunted, squared-off tip, symbolising the sovereign’s duty to dispense justice tempered with mercy. To carry this particular sword was to be marked not merely as a warrior, but as a wise counsellor and a pillar of the monarchical state. The act was a public affirmation of de Lacy's role as a senior statesman whose wisdom was a *sine qua non* for the stability of the new reign.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The coat of arms of Henry de Lacy was *Or, a lion rampant Purpure* — a purple lion poised for attack on a field of gold. Symbolically, the lion represents courage, nobility, and strength, while the colour purple has been associated with royalty and sovereignty since antiquity. The fortitude embodied by the de Lacy lion resonates profoundly with the motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). It represents a continuity of values, connecting the martial courage of a medieval earl with the resilient honour expected of the title's holders today. This spirit is further reflected in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
## Philanthropic Purpose
The medieval concept of noble duty — service to one’s sovereign and protection of one’s people — finds its modern expression in the House’s commitment to philanthropy. The same sense of obligation that compelled a great lord to counsel a king or defend the realm now animates the support for contemporary causes. The House’s patronage of its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children who have suffered trauma, is the current embodiment of this historical principle of care. It is the modern manifestation of the ancient responsibility to serve the community and protect the vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To understand the roles our predecessors’ families played on the national stage is not a matter of mere history; it is a profound reminder of the duty that accompanies this title. The de Lacy connection underscores a centuries-old commitment to service, a principle we strive to uphold in our own work today, *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The great magnates of the past, like Henry de Lacy, navigated immense challenges with resilience and a clear sense of purpose. Their lives teach us that to overcome adversity, whether on a medieval battlefield or in the complex world of modern philanthropy, is the very essence of a meaningful existence. It truly is a case of *Vincere Est Vivere*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to the preservation and interpretation of its rich history, viewing it as a vital guide for its present and future responsibilities. Through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy established in Bucharest, the House seeks to impart the timeless values of honour, discipline, and service to a new generation. By drawing lessons from the past, from figures such as Henry de Lacy and notable predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt, the House ensures its nearly thousand-year legacy continues to evolve with purpose and relevance in the 21st century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern continuation of one of England’s ancient baronies. The House is dedicated to the principle of 'nobility through works', focusing its public life on cultural diplomacy and targeted philanthropy. Its primary charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, exemplified by its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through its cultural organ, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes education in classical etiquette and the timeless values of honour and service. The House's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting its commitment to resilient and principled leadership in the contemporary world.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, first granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebellion; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The transfer of the title to its current holder was formally acknowledged by The Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised by notice in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022). - The barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, was a celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. - John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III, held the title as the 11th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com