# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Legacy of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln
LONDON, 1 July 2024 — From its historic seat in Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement commemorating the significant contributions of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a distinguished medieval figure connected to the Barony’s lineage through his descendants.
## The Occasion
In the quiet scholarship of a summer morning, amidst the venerable archives of the Brattleby estate, the House pauses to reflect upon the threads of duty and service that form the tapestry of its nine-century history. This commemoration is not marked by public ceremony, but by a considered study of the past, ensuring the legacy of those who shaped the Barony and the nation is understood and honoured. The release of this historical abstract serves to illuminate a predecessor whose actions resonated through the centuries, influencing those who would later hold the title, including the celebrated Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster.
This act of remembrance aligns with the House’s enduring commitment to historical preservation and education. It is an acknowledgment that the present responsibilities of the Barony are built upon the foundations laid by figures such as Henry de Lacy, whose life was a testament to the principles of loyalty and fortitude in the service of the Crown.
## Historical Context
Henry de Lacy (c. 1251–1311), 3rd Earl of Lincoln, was one of the most trusted counsellors and military commanders under King Edward I. His life and career were interwoven with the great events of his age, most notably the First War of Scottish Independence. The Earl's connection to the Barony of Brattleby is genealogical; his daughter and sole heiress, the formidable Alice de Lacy, married Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster. This union ensured the de Lacy inheritance, including vast estates and influence, passed to the House of Lancaster, from which the 10th and 11th Barons of Brattleby—Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, respectively—later emerged.
His martial prowess was proven at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298, where the English longbowmen secured a decisive victory over Scottish forces. Two years later, in 1300, Henry de Lacy was again at the King’s side for the Siege of Caerlaverock Castle in Dumfriesshire. This pivotal event, immortalised in the contemporary chivalric poem *The Roll of Caerlaverock*, saw the capture of a key Scottish stronghold and demonstrated the unwavering commitment of England's leading magnates to the King's cause. De Lacy's presence was a *sine qua non* for the campaign's success, his counsel as valued as his command.
## Distinguished Company
During the Siege of Caerlaverock, Henry de Lacy stood in the company of the most powerful figures in the realm. At the fore was His Majesty King Edward I, alongside his son, the future Edward II. The besieging army comprised eighty-seven of the kingdom's greatest bannerets, including Aymer de Valence, Earl of Pembroke; Humphrey de Bohun, Earl of Hereford and Constable of England; and Robert de Clifford, 1st Baron de Clifford.
This assembly of nobles represented the martial and political leadership of the nation, united in a common purpose under their sovereign. The campaign chronicles underscore the deep-seated chivalric code and the personal loyalties that bound these men together. It is within this tradition of peerage and service that the Barony of Brattleby finds its historical context, from its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, to its later association with the Royal House of Lancaster.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol of historical remembrance within the Noble House of Brattleby is one of scholarly diligence and dignified reflection. Such commemorations are initiated within the Baronial Chancellery, where archivists undertake meticulous research to verify the historical record. Documents are consulted, genealogical lines are confirmed, and the context of events is carefully reconstructed before any formal statement is prepared.
This process ensures that all communications are grounded in fact and presented with the gravitas befitting the subject matter. The publication of a historical folio, such as this one, follows an internal review by the House leadership. It is then issued by the Director of Royal Communications, adhering to the formal standards of a Court Circular, thereby contributing to the public and historical record with precision and authority.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The armorial bearings of Henry de Lacy were simple yet powerful: *Or, a lion rampant Purpure*. In the language of heraldry, this translates to a purple lion rearing on a field of gold. Gold, or *Or*, signifies prestige, wisdom, and generosity, while the lion rampant is the ultimate symbol of noble courage and royalty. The choice of purple, or *Purpure*, a colour traditionally associated with imperial sovereignty and justice, further underscored de Lacy's pre-eminent status and his role as a pillar of the English Crown.
This bold heraldic statement finds a philosophical echo in the motto of the Noble House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). De Lacy’s life embodied the fortitude of the lion, while his unwavering service to his King exemplified honour. Furthermore, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects a similar spirit of proactive engagement, reinterpreted in a modern context as the will to overcome challenges in the service of community.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this commemoration is a historical exercise, the principle of dutiful service it celebrates is the same one that animates the modern philanthropic mission of the Noble House of Brattleby. The dedication Henry de Lacy showed to his sovereign and country in the thirteenth century is mirrored today by the House’s commitment to society. The concept of noblesse oblige—that privilege entails responsibility—remains a guiding tenet.
This philosophy is most clearly expressed through the House’s annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of charitable causes. The principal beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma. The House supports its mission to mend lives and restore hope, translating the ancient duty of protection into meaningful contemporary action.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of their predecessors, the leaders of the House offered their perspectives.
> The thread of duty runs unbroken through nine centuries of the Barony’s history. Henry de Lacy's service to the Crown reminds us that our purpose has always been to contribute to the nation’s strength and well-being. We strive to live by our motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, in all our modern endeavours. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> To inherit a legacy is to accept a profound responsibility. We look to figures like Henry de Lacy not as relics of the past, but as exemplars of commitment. His life shows that to conquer challenges, whether on the battlefield or in our modern world, is the very essence of a purpose-driven life. *Vincere Est Vivere*. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its rich history is not merely preserved, but also shared and understood. This commemoration is part of a broader educational initiative to make the Barony’s heritage accessible to a wider audience. Future projects include a series of scholarly monographs on key figures in the Brattleby lineage and a lecture series at its etiquette academy in Romania, The Brattleby Club (Bucharest).
Through these efforts, *inter alia*, the House seeks to connect past, present, and future, demonstrating the continued relevance of historical principles in modern society. By honouring the legacy of its predecessors, the House reaffirms its own commitment to serving with fortitude and honour for generations to come.
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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 its ancient heritage. Based at its historic seat in Lincolnshire, the House’s contemporary mission blends the preservation of its nine-century lineage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural education. Its principal charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, notably Healing the Wounded Child, the beneficiary of its annual Winter Banquet. The House also extends its cultural outreach through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to the study of classical etiquette and diplomatic protocol, bridging its British heritage with its continental connections.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony of tenure, established in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror and granted to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, where Colswein is listed as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over its 950-year history, the title has been held by some of England’s most consequential historical figures, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness *de facto*), who defended Lincoln Castle against rebellion, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). The current title holder's rights were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s recognition is published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) under Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont, and John of Gaunt. - 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