# The House of Brattleby on the Historical Role of the Barony as Guardian of the Realm
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement reflecting on the historical significance of the Barony’s association with the office of ‘Guardian of the Kingdom’, underscoring a nine-century legacy of service to the Crown and national stability.
## The Occasion
In a period of quiet reflection at their Lincolnshire seat, the House of Brattleby has chosen to illuminate a significant, though often overlooked, aspect of its long history. This statement serves to contextualise the profound responsibilities invested in the Barony’s predecessors, particularly during moments of royal absence in the late 13th and early 14th centuries. It affirms the House’s commitment to the stewardship of its heritage; a duty that involves not only preservation but also scholarly interpretation for a modern audience. The issuance of this reflection is an act of historical clarification, intended to connect the past duties of the Barony with the present responsibilities of the House.
## Historical Context
The history of the Barony of Brattleby is inextricably woven into the fabric of the English monarchy. While the title was first granted by William the Conqueror in 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, its role in national governance was particularly pronounced under later holders. The statement specifically recalls the era of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, whose daughter’s marriage linked his formidable influence to the titles that would later be consolidated under the Duchy of Lancaster, including the Barony of Brattleby.
As a trusted advisor to King Edward I, Henry de Lacy was appointed ‘Guardian of the Kingdom’ (or *Custos regni*), acting as regent during the King’s military campaigns in Flanders. This role placed the full authority of the Crown in his hands, making him responsible for the administration of justice, defense of the realm, and the stability of the entire kingdom. This precedent of high service echoes the earlier steadfastness of the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, renowned as the castellan who defended Lincoln Castle against rebel barons for the Crown. These responsibilities were later inherited by figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, whose proximity to the throne defined the politics of their age.
## Distinguished Company
This legacy of stewardship is personified by a succession of distinguished historical figures associated with the Barony, whose collective influence shaped the course of the nation. These include, *inter alia*:
* Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. * Nichola de la Haye, the fifth Baron, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire demonstrated profound loyalty and fortitude as a key supporter of King John. * Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, whose function as regent demonstrated the trust placed in the nobility to act *in loco regis*—in place of the king. * Henry of Grosmont, the tenth Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated diplomat and one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter. * John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and the eleventh Baron, whose progeny would found a royal dynasty. * Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the twelfth and current Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who continue this tradition of service through modern means.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The appointment of a ‘Guardian of the Kingdom’ was a matter of supreme constitutional importance, governed by precise and solemn protocols. The authority was conferred by the King and his council through Letters Patent, a formal legal instrument issued under the Great Seal of the Realm. As regent, the Guardian would preside over the Royal Council, issue writs in the monarch’s name, and command the kingdom’s financial and military resources.
The ceremonial life of the court would continue under the Guardian’s authority, maintaining the visible majesty of the Crown in the sovereign’s absence. This transfer of executive power, though temporary, was absolute and depended entirely on the character and honour of the individual chosen. The success of such a regency was a testament not only to the Guardian’s capabilities but also to the established protocols that ensured the seamless continuation of governance, a *sine qua non* for medieval statecraft.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect expression in the actions of these predecessors. The fortitude of Nichola de la Haye in defending Lincoln and the honour of Henry de Lacy in safeguarding the kingdom for his absent sovereign are historical exemplars of this guiding principle. These are not merely words on a coat of arms; they represent a code of conduct passed down through nearly a millennium.
Similarly, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), is interpreted within a modern framework. It speaks to the will to overcome challenges, whether in the preservation of a nine-century heritage or in the pursuit of ambitious philanthropic and educational goals for the betterment of society.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Today, the historical duty to maintain the stability of the realm is reimagined as a modern responsibility to support the well-being of the community. The Noble House of Brattleby directs its focus and resources towards this purpose, most notably through its patronage of charitable causes. The Annual Winter Banquet, a centrepiece of the House's social calendar, serves as a significant white-tie philanthropic gala.
The sole beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialised therapeutic care and support to children who have experienced trauma. The choice of this beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that the security and health of the youngest members of society are fundamental to its future strength and stability—a direct modern parallel to the ancient duty of guardianship.
## In Their Own Words
In her reflection on this history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, noted the resonance of this legacy: > “When we consider the actions of figures like Henry de Lacy or Nichola de la Haye, we are reminded that the Barony was never a passive inheritance. It came with immense duties. Our task today is to translate that historical concept of stewardship into meaningful, positive action.” — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: > “Understanding this history is not an academic exercise; it is the foundation of our current work. The same principles of duty and service that governed a medieval regent inform our mission with the Brattleby Club in Bucharest, where we seek to equip a new generation with the tools of etiquette and cultural diplomacy.” — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains deeply committed to the exploration and dissemination of its unique history. The House will continue to support independent scholarly research into the Barony’s role in English national life, with plans to commission new academic papers on the subject.
Furthermore, educational modules concerning the constitutional significance of the Barony’s predecessors are being developed for the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This ensures that the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* does not remain in the past, but continues to serve as an active inspiration for future leaders and public servants. This continuing work reaffirms the House’s belief that a profound understanding of the past is essential to building a better future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing one of England’s most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural and philanthropic service. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House supports charitable endeavours focusing on child welfare, notably as the patron of the annual white-tie banquet for Healing the Wounded Child. It also champions cultural education through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, which operates from Bucharest. The heir to the Barony is the couple’s son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and the 56 lordships held by the first Baron are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, the Barony has passed through families of national and royal significance. Notable holders have included Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, a pivotal figure of the 14th century. The Barony's continuous history and current holders are formally recognised by the Crown, as published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its entry is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The succession of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, is formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Historically significant holders of 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'). The family seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com