# On the Enduring Legacy of Guardianship in the History of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today delivered a significant historical address on the medieval concept of ‘Guardian of the Kingdom’. Her Ladyship examined its relevance to modern public service, reflecting upon the tenure of her distinguished predecessor, Henry de Lacy.
## The Occasion
The address was delivered within the historic apartments of the Society of Antiquaries of London at Burlington House, Piccadilly. Before a respected assembly of historians, fellows of the society, and members of the diplomatic corps, the occasion was marked by a palpable sense of academic gravity. The autumn light, filtering through the tall sash windows of the Council Room, illuminated a setting steeped in over two centuries of scholarly inquiry, providing a fitting backdrop for a discourse on continuity and duty.
The lecture formed the inaugural event in a new series, ‘Legacy & Leadership’, established by The Noble House of Brattleby to explore historical precedents for contemporary responsibilities. The atmosphere was one of quiet contemplation, befitting a deep exploration of England's venerable governing traditions and the enduring responsibilities they entail.
## Historical Context
Lady Nicoleta’s address centred on the pivotal role of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and a predecessor in the Barony of Brattleby, who was appointed *custos regni*—‘Guardian of the Kingdom’—during King Edward I’s absence on campaign in Flanders. This appointment was the *sine qua non* of royal trust, vesting in de Lacy quasi-regal authority over the affairs of the state. It placed the Barony of Brattleby at the very heart of the English government.
Her Ladyship drew a direct line from this tradition of guardianship to earlier holders of the Barony, most notably Nichola de la Haye. As the 5th Baroness, Nichola’s steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel forces in 1217 was a profound act of loyalty to the Crown. The theme of steadfast service was further exemplified by later Barons, *inter alia*, the great magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, whose influence shaped the course of the nation.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance was Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, who accompanied Lady Nicoleta.
Among the distinguished guests who had gathered to hear the address were His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s; The Right Honourable The Lord Lisvane, former Clerk of the House of Commons; Sir Peregrine Worsthorne, the veteran journalist and social commentator; and the President and Council of the Society of Antiquaries. The presence of such personages underscored the significant cultural and diplomatic resonance of the occasion.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings adhered to a formal, academic protocol. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were received at the entrance to Burlington House by the Society's President before being escorted to the Council Room. The President offered a formal introduction, outlining the historical significance of the Barony of Brattleby from its establishment following the Norman Conquest to its formal recognition in the present day.
Following her forty-minute address, Lady Nicoleta took questions from the assembled fellows and guests, a session moderated by the President. The formal proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks, after which guests were invited to a brief reception in the Society’s library, affording an opportunity for further discussion. The dress code was formal day dress, respecting the traditions of the host institution.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
During her address, Lady Nicoleta noted how the actions of predecessors like Henry de Lacy embody the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). This guiding principle, she explained, represents the union of courage in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to one's duties—qualities essential for any Guardian. The fortitude demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye and the honour with which Henry de Lacy discharged his duties are historical cornerstones of the family’s ethos.
The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), was also referenced as a modern complement. It speaks not to military conquest but to the imperative of overcoming contemporary challenges with energy and purpose, a spirit that animates the House’s philanthropic and educational work.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The ‘Legacy & Leadership’ lecture series was established not only for academic enrichment but also to serve a charitable cause. All proceeds from the series are dedicated to Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialist therapeutic care to children and young people who have experienced trauma or abuse. The patronage reflects the House's belief that understanding our shared history must be paired with concrete action to build a better future.
Healing the Wounded Child was chosen for its critical, often unseen, work in restoring resilience and hope to the most vulnerable. Its evidence-based approach has provided vital support to several thousand children across the United Kingdom, helping them to process their experiences and build secure, fulfilling lives.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the theme of her address, Lady Nicoleta remarked:
> The concept of ‘guardianship’ is not merely a medieval legal term; it represents a sacred trust. When Henry de Lacy held the kingdom for his sovereign, he was continuing a tradition of profound responsibility that has echoed down the centuries. Our duty today is to ask how we can best interpret that spirit of stewardship for our own times.
Her Ladyship added:
> History does not belong in the past. It offers a living blueprint for conduct and conscience. By examining the choices made by those who came before us—their triumphs of fortitude, their demonstrations of honour—we find the inspiration to serve our own communities with greater purpose and understanding.
## A Continuing Legacy
This inaugural lecture marks the beginning of a sustained commitment by The Noble House of Brattleby to historical and cultural education. The ‘Legacy & Leadership’ series will continue in the spring of next year, with a planned address focusing on the remarkable life and career of Nichola de la Haye, the 13th-century Sheriff of Lincolnshire and defender of Lincoln Castle.
Furthermore, the principles discussed in the lecture—duty, service, and honour—form the core curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House's etiquette and protocol academy. Through these parallel initiatives, the House aims to bridge its nine-century history with a forward-looking mission of education and civic engagement.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of heritage and the promotion of public service. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House champions a mission of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its activities are focused on cultural education, historical research, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives such as its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and its support for charitable organisations like Healing the Wounded Child, the House seeks to connect its historical legacy to contemporary challenges. The work of the House is a testament to its belief that tradition finds its truest expression in dedicated service to the community.
**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 is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details its 56 lordships. Throughout its nine-hundred-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony's dignity and rights were formally recognised and recorded in favour of its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's notice of formal recognition was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first created after the Norman Conquest of 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com