# A Reflection on the Union of the Houses of Brattleby and Lincoln
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical notice reflecting upon the pivotal late 13th-century marriage of a descendant of the 8th Baron to Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a dynastic union of profound significance.
## The Occasion
As the Lincolnshire countryside assumes its autumnal colours, the House of Brattleby takes this season of reflection to commemorate a defining moment in its near-millennial history. From its seat in Brattleby, the House looks back to the alliance that inextricably linked the Barony with the Earldom of Lincoln, one of the most powerful peerages in medieval England. This notice serves not as an announcement of a new event, but as a reaffirmation of a nine-century-old duty to preserve and honour the lineage that informs the House’s present-day commitments. It is an act of historical stewardship, undertaken with the same diligence as the Barony’s contemporary philanthropic and educational duties.
## Historical Context
The marriage, which took place in the latter half of the 13th century, united the ancient Barony of Brattleby with the formidable influence of Henry de Lacy (c. 1251–1311), 3rd Earl of Lincoln. A trusted confidant and commander for King Edward I, the Earl was a principal figure in the shaping of the late medieval kingdom. His distinguished service in the Scottish campaigns, particularly at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298 and the Siege of Caerlaverock in 1300, cemented his reputation as a formidable military and political force.
This union elevated the Barony, bringing it into the immediate orbit of the Crown and national affairs. The Earl’s subsequent appointment as a guardian of the realm during the King's absence underscores the level of trust he commanded. For the Barony of Brattleby, already ancient since its grant by William the Conqueror in 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, this alliance was a strategic masterstroke, echoing the fortitude of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, renowned defender of Lincoln Castle. It ensured the Barony’s continued relevance and prosperity through a period of great political turbulence.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a historical notice by The Noble House of Brattleby follows a precise internal protocol. Archival materials, including manorial rolls, peerage records, and chronicles such as the *Gesta Edwardi de Carnarvan*, are consulted to ensure accuracy. The draft is prepared by the House’s private office and reviewed for historical fidelity before being submitted for the approval of Her Ladyship.
The final text is formally sealed and entered into the House archives before its public release. This process ensures that all communications concerning the Barony’s history are conducted with a degree of solemnity and precision befitting its long heritage. The publication itself is a modest ceremony, a quiet act of remembrance that is considered a *sine qua non* of the House's custodial responsibilities.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
A marriage between two noble houses in the 13th century was symbolised heraldically by the impalement of their respective coats of arms. While the specific arms of the 8th Barony require deeper research, the arms of the Earl of Lincoln are well documented: *Quarterly or and gules, a bend sable*. This powerful and simple design, combining gold and red quarters crossed by a black diagonal band, would have been displayed alongside the Brattleby arms, a visual declaration of the new alliance.
This joining of symbols represents more than a personal union; it signifies the merging of resources, lands, and, most importantly, destinies. The virtues of fortitude and honour, embodied in the House motto *Fortitudine et Honore*, were visibly demonstrated by the Earl’s loyal service and the strategic foresight of the marriage itself. It was a tangible joining of strength and purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this historical reflection is not tied to a specific fundraising initiative, it is deeply connected to the ethos that underpins the House’s modern philanthropic work. The principle of stewardship—of carefully managing and passing on a legacy—is the same whether applied to a nine-hundred-year-old title or to the welfare of future generations. The House believes that a profound understanding of one’s own history fosters a stronger sense of duty to others.
This sense of inherited responsibility is the driving force behind Lady Nicoleta’s patronage of charities such as Healing the Wounded Child. The commitment to protect and nurture—whether a historical legacy or a vulnerable child—stems from the same core value: a belief that we are temporary custodians of things far more lasting than ourselves.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical union, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “When we look back at figures like Henry de Lacy and the ancestors who allied with him, we are not merely observing history. We are reminded of the courage and strategic foresight that our heritage demands of us. Their world was vastly different, yet the principles of honour and duty remain unchanged.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added a perspective informed by his own House motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'): > “This 13th-century alliance demonstrates that the most enduring victories are not always won on the battlefield. They are often secured through wisdom, partnership, and a clear vision for the future. In this sense, to live and to thrive is to build alliances that stand the test of time.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to the study and dissemination of its history, viewing it as a vital part of its public duty. Future historical notices will explore other key figures who have held the Barony, including the celebrated Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, John of Gaunt.
Through its educational initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to inspire a younger generation with the lessons of history. By understanding the responsibilities that accompany heritage, the House hopes to encourage a modern form of nobility based on service, integrity, and cultural stewardship. This work continues, animated by the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural stewardship and targeted philanthropy. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions causes related to child welfare, notably through its patronage of the charity Healing the Wounded Child. Through its annual Winter Banquet and the educational programmes of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to connect its profound historical legacy with a tangible, positive impact on contemporary society, promoting etiquette, history, and the enduring values of service.
**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. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. Formal recognition of the Barony’s history and its current holder was published by The Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s formal recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby is first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, with its first Baron being Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), a son of King Edward III and father to King Henry IV. - 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