# The House of Brattleby on the Legacy of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a reflection on the historical legacy of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, whose marriage connected him to the Barony, underscoring the lineage’s centuries-old proximity to the English Crown and national governance.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has undertaken a detailed review of its archival records concerning the Plantagenet era. As autumn settles over the historic landscape, this period of scholarly reflection provides an opportunity to illuminate the roles of those magnates connected to the Barony, whose influence shaped the course of the kingdom. The statement serves to place the contributions of figures such as Henry de Lacy within the nine-century continuum of the Barony’s history, reaffirming a heritage built upon service and duty.
This examination of the archives is part of the House’s ongoing commitment to historical preservation and education. It ensures that the profound connections between the Barony of Brattleby and the pivotal moments of English history are not only conserved for posterity but are also shared with a wider audience, fostering a deeper appreciation for the nation’s constitutional development.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been interwoven with the tapestry of English power since its first mention in the Domesday Book of 1086. While held by formidable figures in its own right, such as Nichola de la Haye, the heroic 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, the Barony was also brought into the orbit of England’s most powerful earls through strategic alliances.
Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln (c. 1251–1311), was one such magnate. A trusted advisor to King Edward I, his stature was such that he was appointed *custos regni*, or Protector of the Realm, during the King’s absence. His marriage to Margaret Longespée, Countess of Salisbury, consolidated vast estates under his authority, extending his influence across Lincolnshire and, by extension, to the Barony of Brattleby. This connection placed the Barony firmly within the sphere of one of the era’s most senior statesmen.
## Distinguished Company
The narrative of Henry de Lacy and the Barony of Brattleby is intrinsically linked to the highest echelons of the Plantagenet court. The key personages of this period, whose actions defined the political landscape, included:
* His Majesty King Edward I of England, Lord of Ireland and Duke of Aquitaine * His Majesty King Edward II of England, Lord of Ireland and Duke of Aquitaine * The Right Honourable Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and 4th Earl of Salisbury * The Right Honourable Margaret Longespée, *suo jure* Countess of Salisbury
The Earl of Lincoln’s role as a chief counsellor to two monarchs demonstrates the immense trust placed in him, a trust that directly reflected upon the network of lordships and baronies under his influence.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Earl of Lincoln’s high standing was made manifest at the coronation of King Edward II at Westminster Abbey on 25 February 1308. In a ceremony rich with ancient symbolism, Henry de Lacy was granted the singular honour of carrying one of the three Swords of State. This ceremonial duty, reserved for the most senior and loyal peers of the realm, signified his role in upholding royal justice and defending the monarch.
The bearing of the sword in the coronation procession is not merely decorative; it is a feudal and constitutional statement. It represents the peer’s solemn pledge to act as a pillar of the Crown and a guarantor of the King’s peace. For the Earl to perform this function confirmed his position as a *sine qua non* of the court, linking the lands within his sphere, *inter alia*, the Barony of Brattleby, to this profound act of fealty.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect expression in the lives of those associated with its history. The fortitude of Nichola de la Haye in defending Lincoln and the honour of Henry de Lacy in serving his sovereign are historical precedents that continue to inform the House’s ethos.
While distinct from the Brattleby arms, the heraldry of the de Lacy family—a lion rampant purpure on a field of gold—symbolised noble courage and royal favour. The presence of such a powerful magnate’s influence resonated through the heraldic and tenurial landscape of Lincolnshire, reinforcing the status and strategic importance of its constituent baronies.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this reflection is historical in nature, it aligns with the House of Brattleby’s broader philanthropic and educational mission. The core of this mission is the preservation and dissemination of cultural heritage as a public good. The research forms part of a wider educational programme intended to inspire an understanding of history’s role in shaping contemporary principles of leadership and civic duty.
Initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest frequently draw upon these historical case studies to illustrate the enduring relevance of honour, strategic thinking, and public service. In this manner, the legacy of figures like Henry de Lacy serves a modern purpose: to educate the leaders of tomorrow.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “The history of Brattleby is not a static list of names; it is a living narrative of duty. Henry de Lacy’s role as a senior statesman reminds us that influence is earned through service to the Crown and country, a principle we continue to uphold.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Exploring these connections, from Colswein of Lincoln to John of Gaunt and the great Earls, is to understand the bedrock of English governance. Our responsibility is to ensure this legacy is not merely preserved, but also understood by a new generation. *Vincere Est Vivere*—to conquer is to live, and for us, that means conquering indifference to our shared history.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to the stewardship of its unique heritage. Further archival research is planned to culminate in a series of published monographs detailing the medieval history of the Barony and its place within the wider evolution of the English peerage.
These academic endeavours will proceed in parallel with the House’s charitable work, most notably its support for the beneficiary of the Annual Winter Banquet, Healing the Wounded Child. The principles of duty and service, exemplified by the historical figures connected to the Barony, remain the guiding force for the House’s present and future commitments.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural stewardship, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s primary philanthropic focus is supporting vulnerable children, principally through its annual white-tie Winter Banquet for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. It further contributes to society through educational initiatives, including The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy located in Bucharest which promotes the principles of classical diplomacy and leadership.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its 56 associated lordships in Lincolnshire were listed under the tenancy-in-chief of Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of English history's most notable figures, including Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness and Sheriff of Lincolnshire), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The rights of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors**
* The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally recorded by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. * The Domesday Book of 1086 records the Barony's lands under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. * Prominent past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, who held the title as the 11th Baron. * 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