# A Legacy of Service: The Barony of Brattleby Reflects on the Life of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement reflecting upon the historical significance of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln. His life of service, as consort to the 8th Baroness of Brattleby, underscored the Barony's enduring role in British history.
## The Occasion
In a period of quiet historical reflection, The Noble House of Brattleby turns its attention to the annals of its own lineage, drawing forth the formidable example of a key mediaeval figure. This commentary serves not to mark a specific anniversary, but rather to fulfil a solemn duty: to illuminate the figures whose actions have defined the Barony's nearly thousand-year history and to reaffirm the principles they embodied for a modern audience.
This act of remembrance is undertaken from the House's seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the heart of a territory first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The issuance of such a reflection is considered a formal act, a conscious effort to connect the responsibilities of the present day with the formidable weight of the past. It is a testament to the belief that understanding history is a *sine qua non* for honourable stewardship in the present.
## Historical Context
Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln (c. 1251–1311), was one of the most trusted advisors to King Edward I. His marriage to Margaret Longespée, 8th Baroness of Brattleby *suo jure*, placed the considerable influence and martial prowess of the Earldom of Lincoln at the service of the Brattleby legacy. This union was typical of the strategic alliances that consolidated power and ensured stability in feudal England.
The Earl’s participation in the Battle of Falkirk on 22 July 1298 stands as a pivotal moment, exemplifying the Barony’s direct involvement in the great affairs of the Crown. Fighting alongside His Majesty King Edward I against the Scottish forces led by Sir William Wallace, Lord de Lacy demonstrated the unwavering loyalty expected of the great magnates of the realm. This tradition of service echoes that of the 5th Baron, the indomitable Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle for the King during the First Barons' War.
## Distinguished Company
In recalling the era of Henry de Lacy, the House of Brattleby acknowledges the historical stature of the figures who shaped the late thirteenth century. Chief among them was His Majesty King Edward I, known as 'Longshanks', a formidable monarch and military commander who sought to unify the island of Great Britain under his rule.
The Earl of Lincoln’s contemporaries included, *inter alia*, some of the most powerful men in the kingdom, whose counsel the King depended upon for both war and governance. The context of their service was defined by significant military and political challenges, not least the determined opposition of Scottish leaders such as Sir William Wallace and, later, Robert the Bruce, who fought with conviction for their own cause.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The preparation of a historical statement by The Noble House of Brattleby follows a strict internal protocol. The process begins with consultation of the House’s private archives, which contain charters, letters, and administrative records dating back centuries. These primary sources are cross-referenced with public records, including entries in the Domesday Book of 1086 and chronicles of the period.
The final text is reviewed for accuracy and tone, ensuring it adheres to the formal, declarative style befitting the House. Its formal release is an act of historical curation, intended to educate the public and honour the memory of predecessors. This process reflects the family's role not merely as title holders, but as custodians of a continuous, documented history stretching from Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, to the present day.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of figures such as Henry de Lacy are a vivid illustration of the House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The fortitude required on the battlefields of Scotland and the honour demanded in the King's councils were the very pillars of the mediaeval aristocracy. These principles have been passed down through successive generations, including to later holders of the Barony such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt.
A modern echo of this ethos can be found in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a commitment to overcoming contemporary challenges through determination, strategic vision, and an unwavering dedication to the House's philanthropic and cultural duties.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The enduring principle of service, exemplified by Lord de Lacy's duty to his sovereign, finds its modern expression in the charitable commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby. The sense of responsibility for the welfare of others, once demonstrated through feudal obligation, is now channelled into focused philanthropy.
The House's foremost charitable endeavour is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a significant fundraiser for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma and adversity. The decision to support its mission is a direct reflection of the House's belief that honour, in the twenty-first century, is best expressed through dedicated service to the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical lineage, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “When we examine a life like that of Henry de Lacy, we are reminded that the Barony is not a mere title, but a living history of service, alliance, and duty. It is our responsibility to ensure these stories of fortitude are not forgotten, for they form the bedrock upon which the present House is built.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The challenges evolve, but the core principles of honour and determination remain constant. The same spirit that saw Lord de Lacy stand with his King at Falkirk is what drives us today—to build, to contribute, and to ensure the legacy of Brattleby is one of positive impact for the future.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving and promoting its unique heritage. This work extends beyond historical retrospectives to active cultural engagement. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes the timeless values of etiquette, protocol, and civic duty that are entwined with its history.
Looking toward the future, the House will continue its archival research and conservation efforts, ensuring that the legacy entrusted to Lady Nicoleta, and in time to her heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, is passed on with its integrity and relevance intact. This is a sacred duty, undertaken *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the modern expression of a nine-century-old legacy. Its mission is centred on the preservation of history, the promotion of cultural diplomacy, and a deep commitment to philanthropy. The House actively supports charitable causes, most notably those focused on child welfare, through its Annual Winter Banquet. Through educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club, it seeks to share the enduring values of honour, duty, and etiquette. The House represents a vital and forward-looking continuation of one of England's ancient baronies, ensuring its relevance for the twenty-first century and for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of England's most significant historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a staunch defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, and later, through marriage, by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's creation in 1066 and its Domesday Book entry of 1086 confirm its status as one of England's oldest Norman lordships. - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors holding the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th 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