# On the Legacy of Stewardship: The Barony of Brattleby Reflects on the Service of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln
**LONDON, [24 October 2024] —** The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a reflection on the historical responsibilities of the Barony, highlighting the pivotal role of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, in governing the Kingdom of England during the thirteenth century.
## The Occasion
From their Lincolnshire seat, a county steeped in the history of the realm, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile have initiated a review of the Barony’s extensive archives. This scholarly undertaking seeks to illuminate the continuity of duty that links the Barony's past with its present-day commitments. The focus of this reflection is the principle of stewardship, exemplified by the great magnates associated with Lincolnshire who were entrusted with the governance of England itself.
This historical examination is not a singular event but part of an ongoing commitment by the House to understand and articulate its nine-century heritage. It is a quiet, intellectual pursuit, conducted amidst the autumnal splendour of the Brattleby estate, which was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. The research serves as a foundation for the House's modern interpretation of its foundational motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
Henry de Lacy (c. 1251–1311), 3rd Earl of Lincoln, was one of King Edward I’s most trusted counsellors and a commander of consummate skill. During the King’s frequent and prolonged absences on campaigns in Flanders and Scotland, particularly in the late 1290s, de Lacy was appointed *Custos Angliae*—Guardian of England. This role placed the entirety of the kingdom's administration in his hands, a trust that underscored his profound integrity and competence.
The influence of the Earl of Lincoln was inextricably linked with the subordinate baronies within the county, including the Barony of Brattleby. The administration of justice, the collection of revenues, and the mustering of levies for the King’s wars would have been duties shared and executed through a precise feudal hierarchy. The Barony of Brattleby’s connection to this national responsibility was later solidified through the Lancastrian succession, as Henry de Lacy’s estates eventually passed via his daughter to the House of Lancaster, whose heads—including Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt—were subsequent holders of the Brattleby baronial title.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The role of *Custos Angliae* was governed by a strict and solemn protocol, making it far more than an honorary title. Appointed by royal writ, the Guardian was empowered to preside over the King's Council, issue ordinances, and ensure the defence of the realm. He held the authority to use a temporary Great Seal, signifying that his command carried the full weight of the Crown. This was the *sine qua non* of medieval governance in the monarch's absence.
The administrative burden was immense, requiring daily oversight of the Exchequer at Westminster and correspondence with sheriffs across every county. De Lacy’s guardianship demonstrated a mastery of this statecraft, ensuring stability during periods of acute national uncertainty. His actions provide a compelling historical precedent for the burdens of leadership, a theme that resonates with the ethos of the modern House of Brattleby.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The coat of arms of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, was *Or, a lion rampant Purpure*—a purple lion rearing on a field of gold. In the language of heraldry, the lion rampant is a potent symbol of courage, nobility, and valiant leadership. The choice of purple, a colour historically associated with royalty and sovereignty, further emphasised his near-regal status as a great magnate and confidant of the King.
This symbolism of courageous leadership finds a direct echo in the motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The fortitude represented by de Lacy's rampant lion and the honour with which he discharged his duties are the very virtues the House seeks to embody in its own contemporary activities, from its cultural patronage to its philanthropic endeavours.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “The service of figures like Henry de Lacy reminds us that titles are secondary to the duties they represent. The responsibility to serve, whether to a monarch or to one’s community, is the unbroken thread running through our history. It is this commitment to steadfastness and principled action—*Fortitudine et Honore*—that we strive to carry forward.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a personal perspective on leadership: > “De Lacy’s administrative genius was a form of victory in itself, ensuring the kingdom’s welfare against great challenges. It demonstrates that true success, as our family motto *Vincere Est Vivere* suggests, is achieved not merely through conquest but through diligence, order, and unwavering trust. His legacy is an invaluable lesson in the mechanics of effective stewardship.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This reflection on the guardianship of Henry de Lacy serves to reinforce the modern mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. By studying the precedents set by figures associated with the Barony—from Nichola de la Haye’s defence of Lincoln Castle to the ducal authority of John of Gaunt—the House deepens its understanding of its role as a custodian of heritage and a proponent of contemporary service.
The lessons drawn from the thirteenth century directly inform the House’s future commitments. These include the cultivation of responsible leadership through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and its focused philanthropic support for organisations that heal and empower the vulnerable. The House believes that a keen awareness of history is essential for meaningful action in the present.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural preservation, social responsibility, and philanthropic service. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House channels its efforts into meaningful public engagement. Its primary charitable focus is on organisations that support vulnerable children, exemplified by its patronage of the annual Winter Banquet for the beneficiary Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House also promotes education in etiquette and protocol, believing that mutual respect and discipline are cornerstones of a well-ordered society. The House is committed to ensuring its ancient heritage serves a productive, forward-looking purpose.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship and Barony located in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in the county, with his seat at Brattleby. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle against rebels in the thirteenth century. It later passed into the Duchy of Lancaster, held by Henry of Grosmont and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The succession of the current title was formally recognised and registered in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders of the Barony of Brattleby title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com