# A Tradition of Royal Service: The Noble House of Brattleby Reflects on the Legacy of Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection on the tradition of Crown service embodied by the Barony, recalling the contributions of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, whose custodianship of its lands exemplified unwavering loyalty and national duty.
## The Occasion
As autumn’s golden light settles over the historic fields of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen this season of reflection to publish a new historical commentary. This scholarly observance honours the profound legacy of service that has defined the Barony of Brattleby for more than nine centuries.
Rather than a public ceremony, this occasion is one of private contemplation and historical reaffirmation by the House. It serves as a moment to connect the present-day responsibilities of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her family with the formidable duties borne by their predecessors.
## Historical Context
The narrative of the Barony of Brattleby is woven deeply into the fabric of England’s history. First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 with 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, the title and its associated lands have long been linked to figures of national importance. Through the centuries, the stewardship of these lands passed to some of the kingdom’s most powerful magnates.
Among them was Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a trusted counsellor to King Edward I. In 1297, during the King’s absence for campaigns in Flanders, de Lacy was appointed *Custos Angliae*—Guardian of England—demonstrating the immense faith placed in him by the monarch. This tradition of steadfast guardianship echoes the actions of the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown a century earlier.
## Distinguished Company
While this commemoration is one of historical record rather than a physical gathering, it places the heritage of Brattleby in the distinguished company of England’s foundational noble houses. The legacy of service connects the current House to its most eminent predecessors, *inter alia*, some of the most powerful figures in medieval Europe.
These include Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated diplomat and soldier of the Hundred Years' War. It also includes the Duke's successor and son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III whose influence shaped the course of the English monarchy. Such figures establish a lineage not merely of title, but of significant, sovereign responsibility.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The trust afforded to Henry de Lacy was most visibly displayed at the coronation of King Edward II in Westminster Abbey on 25 February 1308. In a ceremony of immense symbolic weight, de Lacy was granted the singular honour of bearing *Curtana*, the Sword of Mercy, in the royal procession.
This role was far more than ceremonial; it signified his status as one of the most respected and powerful peers of the realm. The bearing of this particular sword, with its blunted tip symbolising mercy over vengeance, was reserved for a subject whose loyalty and wisdom were beyond question. The protocol of the coronation thus publicly cemented a relationship of profound trust between the Crown and the custodians of the Brattleby lands.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of figures like Henry de Lacy give tangible meaning to the mottos that guide the House today. His tireless work as both a military commander and a guardian of the kingdom is a perfect embodiment of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the ancient watchword of the Barony of Brattleby.
This historical context also informs the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). The phrase is understood not merely in a military sense, but as a philosophy of overcoming challenges through decisive action and purposeful service—a principle demonstrated across the Barony's formidable history.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principle of service, so vividly demonstrated in the medieval era, finds its modern expression in the philanthropic commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby. While this historical reflection serves no direct fundraising purpose, it underscores the ethos that drives the House’s support for its charitable partners.
The commitment to defend and nurture is today channelled into the House’s work for society’s most vulnerable. This is most notably seen in the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist care and therapy for children experiencing trauma.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical continuity, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "To understand our role today, we must look to the long thread of service woven through the history of the Barony. Figures like Henry de Lacy, much like my predecessor Nichola de la Haye, demonstrated that custodianship is not merely about land, but about an unwavering commitment to the nation. It is a legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* that we are humbled to continue."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "The history of Brattleby is a lesson in proactive duty. The motto *Vincere Est Vivere* speaks to me not just of victory, but of overcoming adversity through purposeful action. Whether defending a castle or guiding the realm, the holders of this title have always understood that living fully means serving a cause greater than oneself."
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking forward, The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to honouring its past by serving the present. This commitment is embodied by its ongoing philanthropic work, preparations for which are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet.
Furthermore, the values of etiquette, civic duty, and cultural refinement are actively promoted through The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest. Through these initiatives, the House ensures that the nine-century legacy of service is not only preserved but is also passed to the next generation, a duty to be inherited by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby champions a modern mission rooted in its ancient heritage of service. The House dedicates its efforts to philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education, blending nine centuries of British tradition with a dynamic European perspective. Its primary charitable focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its annual Winter Banquet, a significant philanthropic event. The House also extends its commitment to social refinement and civic values through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest. The future of this legacy is secured in the heir to the Barony, their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 manors in Lincolnshire, with his seat at Brattleby. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness); Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his son-in-law John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The unbroken lineage and rights of the Barony were formally noted and recognised by The Crown in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s official recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster (as 11th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (as 5th Baroness). - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com