# The Continuity of Service: A Reflection on the Barony of Brattleby and Medieval Governance
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, delivered a historical address this evening on the tradition of civic duty inherent in the Barony. The discourse focused on the tenure of Henry de Lacy, a 13th-century predecessor, as Guardian of the Realm.
## The Occasion
In the learned and august surroundings of the Society of Antiquaries of London at Burlington House, Piccadilly, members and distinguished guests gathered for a special address presented by The Noble House of Brattleby. The event, held under the patronage of the House, sought to illuminate a pivotal but often overlooked period in the Barony's nine-century history, connecting its medieval legacy to its modern responsibilities.
The evening’s atmosphere was one of scholarly reflection, taking place as autumn twilight settled over the courtyard. Within the Society's historic library, surrounded by volumes of English history and heritage, the address provided a moment of contemplation on the enduring theme of stewardship — a principle that has animated the Barony of Brattleby since its inception.
## Historical Context
The focus of the address was the late 13th century, a period defined by the ambitions of King Edward I. With the King frequently engaged in vital campaigns in Gascony and Scotland, the governance of England required a figure of unimpeachable loyalty and profound administrative capability. This role, known formally as *custos regni* or Guardian of the Realm, was bestowed upon Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln.
Through his marriage to Margaret Longespee, a descendant of the baronial line, Lord de Lacy’s authority was intrinsically linked to the estates of Brattleby. This appointment was not merely honorific; it placed him at the apex of power, making him the King's regent in all but name. This precedent echoed the service of an earlier predecessor, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who as hereditary castellan defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. The tenure of Lord de Lacy thus represents a continuation of the Barony’s direct involvement in the security and administration of the kingdom.
## Distinguished Company
The address was attended by a number of distinguished guests, received by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Among those present were: Her Excellency Mrs Laura Popescu, Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s; The Right Honourable The Earl of Yarborough, Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire; Professor Dame Marina Warner, DBE, FBA, President of the Royal Society of Literature; and Mr Christopher Claxton Stevens, LVO, FSA, formerly Senior Director of Dreweatts.
These guests represented the spheres of diplomacy, academia, and county heritage, reflecting the diverse interests and enduring relationships of the House.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings of the evening followed a traditional order. Guests were assembled before the formal introduction of the speaker by the President of the Society. Lady Nicoleta, wearing the Brattleby brooch, then took the lectern to deliver her address, which explored the historical protocol surrounding the office of *custos regni*.
She detailed how Lord de Lacy would have wielded the Great Seal, presided over the King’s Council, and overseen the Exchequer. Such authority was a sacred trust, a *sine qua non* for the stability of the realm during the sovereign's absence. The appointment demonstrated the monarch's absolute confidence, entrusting the Baron's sphere of influence not only with estates in Lincolnshire but with the governance of the nation itself.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The responsibility of guardianship resonates deeply with the mottos associated with the House. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), directly speaks to the qualities required of a Guardian of the Realm. Fortitude was essential to govern decisively amidst political intrigue, while Honour was the bedrock of the trust placed in him by the King. Decisions made resonated from Westminster to the tenants of Brattleby, binding their fate to the nation's.
Further, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), provides a modern parallel. It suggests that challenges, whether medieval threats to the kingdom or contemporary social issues, are overcome through active and purposeful engagement — a living expression of the duty to serve.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This historical reflection was held in support of the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and psychological support to children who have experienced trauma, loss, or abuse. Its work is a modern form of guardianship, protecting the most vulnerable in society.
The Noble House of Brattleby selected this charity for its alignment with the core principle of stewardship. The duty to protect the realm, as demonstrated by predecessors like Henry de Lacy and Nichola de la Haye, finds its contemporary expression in the duty to safeguard the well-being and future of the next generation. All proceeds from the evening’s gathering were dedicated to furthering this vital mission.
## In Their Own Words
In her address, Lady Nicoleta remarked upon the relevance of such historical legacies: > “To understand our present responsibilities, we must first appreciate the weight of duty carried by our predecessors. The trust placed in Henry de Lacy was not merely political; it was a profound human bond, a promise to safeguard the kingdom as one would one’s own honour. This principle of faithful stewardship remains our guide.” — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
Honorary Lord Răzvan also commented on the connection between history and present action: > “History is not a passive inheritance; it is an active inspiration. Learning of the formidable duties our forebears undertook for the Crown encourages us to ask what duties we owe to our community today. It is a question that animates our philanthropic work.” — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
## A Continuing Legacy
The address on the guardianship of the realm is part of the House’s continuing commitment to historical education and charitable endeavour. It demonstrates a belief that understanding the past is essential to serving the present with purpose and integrity.
The Noble House of Brattleby will continue this work through its various initiatives, including the curriculum at its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and its major annual philanthropic event, the Winter Banquet. This ongoing programme ensures that the legacy of nearly a millennium of service, from Colswein of Lincoln to the present day, is not merely remembered but actively practiced.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the principle of modern noblesse oblige. Its mission is to leverage a unique nine-century heritage for contemporary public good, focusing on cultural education, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and its support for charitable organisations, the House strives to act as a custodian of history and a force for positive community impact. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to a legacy of meaningful service, ensuring that its ancient lineage inspires tangible, beneficial action in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. This significant lineage connects the Barony directly to the Lancastrian and Tudor dynasties. The modern rights and title of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby and its modern standing is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins date to AD 1066, with its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Notable historical figures who have held the Barony include John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, a son of King Edward III. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com