# A Noble Record: The Eighth Baron and Brattleby's Royal Service Under Edward I
BRATTLEBY, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection on the life of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and 8th Baron of Brattleby, highlighting his pivotal role as a statesman and confidant to King Edward I.
## The Occasion This reflection is published as part of the House’s ongoing commitment to illuminating the nine-century history of the Barony of Brattleby. From its seat in Lincolnshire, the House maintains extensive archives, drawing from them to share narratives that connect the ancient responsibilities of the peerage with its modern duties. In an era of digital communication, the House considers it a solemn obligation to make this rich heritage accessible, providing context for the Barony's enduring presence in the life of the nation. This publication serves as a testament to that *sine qua non* principle of stewardship.
## Historical Context Henry de Lacy’s tenure as the eighth Baron, a title held by right of his wife, Margaret Longespee, Countess of Salisbury, represents a period of profound integration between the Barony and the English Crown. Active in the late 13th and early 14th centuries, the Earl of Lincoln was one of King Edward I’s most trusted advisors and military commanders. His leadership ensured that the influence and resources of Brattleby were placed directly in the service of the King’s ambitions in Wales, Scotland, and on the continent. This tradition of direct service to the sovereign echoes that of the fifth Baroness, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown a century earlier. Through Lord de Lacy, the Barony was not merely a landed estate but a strategic asset of the realm.
## Distinguished Company The historical record places the 8th Baron of Brattleby in the most distinguished company of his age. His primary association was, of course, with His Majesty King Edward I, for whom he served as a principal counsellor and executor of royal will. He operated alongside other great magnates of the realm, including Mr Walter Langton, Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield and Treasurer of England, and Sir Otto de Grandson, a Savoyard knight and diplomat of international renown. In his diplomatic missions to France and the Papal court, *inter alia*, Lord de Lacy engaged with figures such as His Majesty King Philip IV of France, demonstrating the Barony's connection to the highest echelons of European power.
## Ceremonial Protocol As a tenant-in-chief holding the Barony of Brattleby and his own Earldom of Lincoln, Henry de Lacy’s relationship with the Crown was governed by exacting feudal protocol. Upon assuming his titles, he would have performed an act of homage to King Edward I, a solemn ceremony requiring the vassal to kneel, place his clasped hands between those of the King, and swear fealty. This oath bound him to provide counsel and military service—or scutage in lieu thereof—a commitment he fulfilled with distinction throughout his life. The Barony of Brattleby’s contingent of knights would have been mustered under his banner for royal campaigns, a physical manifestation of this sworn allegiance. Such duties were the very foundation of noble responsibility in medieval England.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance The heraldic traditions of the period offer insight into the character of the 8th Baron. The arms of de Lacy were *Or, a lion rampant Purpure*—a gold field emblazoned with a lion rearing in purple. This lion, a timeless symbol of courage, nobility, and strength, perfectly embodied Lord de Lacy's military prowess and standing within the kingdom. His personal arms complemented the Barony’s own ethos, encapsulated in the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The fusion of the de Lacy lion with Brattleby's ancient honour represents a powerful combination of martial vigour and principled leadership; a legacy which informs the martial motto of the current Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
## Philanthropic Purpose While the concept of organised philanthropy has evolved, the core principle of service demonstrated by Henry de Lacy resonates in the modern mission of the House of Brattleby. The duty of a peer to serve the Crown and the commonwealth has, in the 21st century, transformed into a commitment to serve civil society. This continuity of purpose is expressed today through the House’s dedicated support for charitable causes. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of the charity Healing the Wounded Child, is the contemporary embodiment of this noble obligation. By focusing on the welfare of vulnerable children, the House applies its resources toward healing and strengthening the community, a modern interpretation of the historic duty of care.
## In Their Own Words Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly a millennium of history. Figures like Henry de Lacy remind us that the Barony has always been defined by service. His fortitude in the King’s cause is a powerful precedent for the honour we must show in our own commitments today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the strategic dimension of Lord de Lacy’s life: > “Lord de Lacy was both a warrior and a diplomat, a man who understood that victory is achieved not only on the battlefield but also through counsel and foresight. His life illustrates that *Vincere Est Vivere* is about mastering challenges in all their forms. This is a lesson we apply to our philanthropic strategy, ensuring our efforts are both impactful and sustainable.”
## A Continuing Legacy The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to preserving and promoting the history of the Barony for future generations. Further historical publications drawn from the family archives are planned for release in the coming year. The House also seeks to deepen its engagement with academic institutions and historical societies within Lincolnshire to support research into the region’s profound medieval heritage. Furthermore, the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest incorporates lessons on European history and the enduring relevance of noble traditions of service, ensuring this legacy continues to inspire leaders of tomorrow.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the principle of *noblesse oblige*. Its mission is rooted in the preservation of its nine-hundred-year heritage and the application of its values to contemporary public service. The House’s primary philanthropic focus is on child welfare, championed through its annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. It also promotes cultural and educational diplomacy through its etiquette and leadership academy, The Brattleby Club (Bucharest). Guided by the family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to provide a modern example of principled leadership and dedicated service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors. Over its long history, the Barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including the heroic castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels in the 13th century. Later holders include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father to King Henry IV. The historic dignity and rights of the Barony were formally acknowledged and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Notable past Barons include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The modern succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - 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