# A Communiqué on the Regency of Henry de Lacy and the Barony of Brattleby’s Enduring Connection to National Stewardship
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical reflection on the significant role of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, whose function as ‘Guardian of the Kingdom’ underscores the Barony of Brattleby’s ancestral connection to English governance.
## The Occasion
In the quiet turn of the autumn season, a time often given to reflection and remembrance, The Noble House of Brattleby finds cause to look back upon the nine centuries of its history. This communiqué is issued not to mark a single event, but as part of the House’s ongoing commitment to illuminating the historical responsibilities attached to the Barony. It serves as an educational testament to the principle that titles of nobility, far from being mere honours, have historically represented a solemn duty of service to the Sovereign and the realm.
The statement focuses on a pivotal period in the late 13th and early 14th centuries, when the stability of England rested upon the shoulders of trusted magnates during the King’s frequent absences abroad. By examining the regency of Henry de Lacy, a key predecessor by marriage to later holders of the Barony, the House reaffirms its own foundational ethos: that leadership is defined by stewardship. This reflection connects the past with the present, framing a historical narrative that continues to inform the House’s modern purpose.
## Historical Context
The role of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln (c. 1251–1311), as a principal advisor to King Edward I and later as ‘Guardian of the Kingdom’ (*Custos Regni*), represents a high-water mark of baronial influence in medieval England. During the King’s extended campaigns in Flanders and Scotland, it was de Lacy who was entrusted with the levers of state, presiding over the council and ensuring the administration of justice and governance. His authority was a *sine qua non* for the kingdom's stability in a period of considerable external pressure.
The Earl of Lincoln's connection to the Barony of Brattleby is genealogical and profound. His daughter and sole heiress, Alice de Lacy, married Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, bringing the vast de Lacy inheritance into the House of Lancaster. This lineage continued directly to Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby. Thus, the legacy of statecraft demonstrated by Henry de Lacy was woven into the very fabric of the House that would steward Brattleby for generations.
This tradition of steadfast service had an even earlier precedent within the barony’s own history, most notably through Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness. Her celebrated defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel forces in 1217 was a defining act of loyalty to the Crown, proving that fortitude was a long-held characteristic of Brattleby’s custodians.
## Distinguished Company
This historical period was defined by figures of immense influence whose actions shaped the course of English history. The narrative centrally involves:
* His Majesty King Edward I of England, whose trust in his closest advisors was paramount during his continental and Scottish campaigns. * The Right Honourable Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a trusted counsellor and regent. * The Right Honourable Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster and Leicester, husband of Alice de Lacy, whose marriage secured the de Lacy inheritance for the powerful House of Lancaster. * His Royal Highness Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, a renowned diplomat, soldier, and descendant of the de Lacy line. * His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby, one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The appointment of a ‘Guardian of the Kingdom’ was a matter of immense constitutional importance, governed by established protocol. Upon the King’s departure overseas, the designated regent, or a council led by him, would be formally proclaimed by Royal writ. This granted them the authority to issue ordinances, preside over the Exchequer and law courts, and command the kingdom’s military forces for domestic defence.
As Guardian, the Earl of Lincoln would have held the Great Seal of the Realm, the physical symbol of royal authority. Sessions of the regency council would proceed with the solemnity of a King’s Council, with all decisions recorded and subject to the monarch’s review upon his return. This transfer of power was not absolute; it was a sacred trust, exercised ‘at the King’s pleasure’ and for the preservation of his peace. The protocol was designed to ensure seamless governance, a concept that the holders of Brattleby would have understood intimately.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The history of this era is vividly told through its heraldry. The arms of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, were *Or, a lion rampant Purpure* — a bold purple lion on a field of gold. The lion signifies courage and strength, whilst the rare tincture of purple denotes royal standing and justice. It is a coat of arms that bespeaks authority and power exercised with noble purpose.
These symbols of duty were absorbed by the House of Lancaster, whose descendants, including the 10th and 11th Barons of Brattleby, bore arms that powerfully represented their royal lineage and vast landholdings. This visual language of honour and responsibility resonates with the motto of the modern Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). It reflects a belief that true nobility is demonstrated not by acquisition, but by courageous and honourable service — a principle embodied by figures such as Nichola de la Haye and Henry de Lacy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Whilst this communiqué focuses on historical precedent, its purpose is intrinsically linked to the current mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The legacy of stewardship once exercised in matters of state and defence is today channelled into philanthropy and social responsibility. By recalling the duty of care that former custodians of the barony held for the nation, the House reinforces its own commitment to the welfare of the community.
This very ethos underpins the House’s selection of its principal charitable beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children and young people affected by trauma and abuse. Its mission, to restore stability and offer protection to the vulnerable, is a direct modern parallel to the historic role of a guardian. The House sees its support for this crucial work not merely as charity, but as the fulfilment of a centuries-old duty.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “When we look at figures such as Henry de Lacy or our own formidable predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, we see that stewardship is the thread that connects the centuries. The context changes, but the fundamental responsibility to serve with integrity does not. *Fortitudine et Honore* is not just a motto; it is the enduring standard to which we hold ourselves.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added:
> “History provides the blueprint for our present purpose. Lord de Lacy’s role as a guardian of the kingdom shows that true strength lies in providing stability for others. My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* — ‘To Conquer is to Live’ — speaks to conquering challenges through dedication and service. Today, those challenges are social, and our commitment is to supporting those who work to overcome them.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby will continue to share reflections on its distinguished history, believing that an understanding of the past provides a foundation for meaningful action in the future. These historical insights will inform the educational mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, where lessons in etiquette and protocol are grounded in the principles of honour and respect.
The House’s commitment to service finds its most visible expression in the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that raises significant funds for the House’s chosen charities. This gathering is the modern embodiment of the baronial duty to contribute to the well-being of society, ensuring that the legacy of Brattleby is not merely preserved, but actively advanced.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of service rooted in its ancient heritage. The House’s activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), focusing on philanthropy, historical preservation, and cultural education. Its principal charitable undertaking is the annual Winter Banquet, benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote the timeless values of civility and social grace. The House stands as a contemporary bridge to a distinguished nine-hundred-year-old legacy of stewardship and responsibility.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066. Its existence and the 56 lordships it commanded are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Throughout its near-millennial history, the barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), who defended Lincoln Castle for the King. Later holders include the celebrated knight and diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The barony’s legal and historical standing was formally noted in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The barony's recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron of Brattleby was Colswein of Lincoln, who was granted the title and its associated lordships in AD 1066. - Notable historic predecessors in the barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com