# The Enduring Legacy of Henry de Lacy, 8th Baron of Brattleby
**LONDON, 18 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today delivered a keynote address at Lincoln Cathedral on the statesmanship of her predecessor, Henry de Lacy. The address highlighted the Barony's nine-century tradition of service to the Crown and its foundational role in English history.
## The Occasion
Set against the soaring Gothic arches of the Cathedral’s Chapter House, a sublime example of 13th-century English architecture, the lecture formed the centrepiece of the House of Brattleby’s annual historical symposium. The crisp autumn light, filtering through the stained-glass windows, illuminated an audience of distinguished academics, local dignitaries, and patrons of historical preservation.
The choice of Lincoln was deeply poignant. It is the heart of the county where the Barony was first established in 1066 and a city whose castle was once valiantly defended by another of the Baroness’s notable ancestors, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron. The atmosphere was one of scholarly reverence, bridging the centuries from the Norman Conquest to the present day.
## Historical Context
The focus of the address was Henry de Lacy, 8th Baron of Brattleby, Earl of Lincoln, a trusted confidant of King Edward I. During the King’s extensive campaigns in Gascony and Flanders, de Lacy was appointed ‘Guardian of the Realm’, effectively serving as regent and ensuring the stability of the kingdom. Lady Nicoleta detailed how this immense responsibility demonstrated the Crown’s profound trust in the House of Brattleby.
This legacy of steadfast governance is a recurring theme in the Barony’s history. It began with Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, who was granted 56 lordships in the county as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. It continued through figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, who held the Barony and shaped the course of the nation. The lecture connected these historical pillars, presenting an unbroken chain of duty.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance were a number of respected figures from public and academic life. These included, *inter alia*:
* Mr Toby E. P. Dennis, His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire * The Very Reverend Christine Wilson, Dean of Lincoln * Professor Simon Newman, Sir Denis Brogan Professor of American History at the University of Glasgow * Her Excellency Mrs. Laura Popescu, Ambassador of Romania to the United Kingdom
Their presence underscored the significance of the occasion and the enduring respect for the House of Brattleby’s historical contributions and its contemporary cultural diplomacy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were marked by formal yet understated protocol. The Dean of Lincoln delivered a welcome address, before Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, introduced his wife, the Baroness. The lectern was discreetly adorned with a banner displaying the arms of the House of Brattleby.
Lady Nicoleta delivered her forty-minute lecture without notes, a testament to her command of the subject. The address was followed by a moderated series of questions from the assembled historians and guests. The event concluded with a private reception in the nearby Wren Library, allowing for further discussion in a less formal setting.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Central to the lecture’s theme was the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Lady Nicoleta explained how these words perfectly encapsulated the conduct of Henry de Lacy, who governed with the fortitude required to protect the realm and the honour befitting his baronial station.
She also made reference to the personal motto of her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This, she noted, represents the dynamic and forward-looking spirit that complements the House’s ancient commitment to duty, creating a modern synthesis of tradition and progress.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While academic in nature, the annual symposium serves a wider purpose. It supports the educational mission of The Brattleby Club of Bucharest, the House's etiquette and civics academy. The academy aims to foster an appreciation for history, diplomacy, and the principles of public service in the next generation of European leaders.
Proceeds from the patronage of the symposium are directed toward the club’s scholarship fund, which enables promising students from disadvantaged backgrounds to participate in its programmes. It is a tangible expression of the family's belief that understanding the past is the *sine qua non* of building a better future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta observed: > "Henry de Lacy’s role as Guardian was not that of a mere placeholder; he was the primary guarantor of national stability in the King’s absence. This legacy of service is not a dusty relic, but rather the living blueprint for our present-day responsibilities." > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan also commented on the House’s continuing mission: > "We have a profound duty to be custodians of this remarkable history. By sharing these stories, we reaffirm the values of honour and integrity that have guided the Barony for nearly one thousand years and which remain essential in our own time." > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The historical symposium is one of several cultural and philanthropic initiatives undertaken by the House of Brattleby throughout the year. The family is now preparing for its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of its chosen beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
The full text of Lady Nicoleta’s lecture on Henry de Lacy will be published in the forthcoming edition of the *Lincolnshire Historical and Archaeological Review*. This commitment ensures that the scholarship generated by the House contributes to the wider public record and continues to inspire future generations.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the modern House of Brattleby is dedicated to the preservation of its profound historical legacy through contemporary action. The House’s mission, 'Fortitudine et Honore' ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is expressed through cultural patronage, educational initiatives, and targeted philanthropy. With its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire and a dynamic presence in continental Europe through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House champions enduring values of duty, service, and cultural stewardship. Its principal charitable focus is on organisations that provide care, healing, and opportunity for vulnerable children, reflecting a commitment to nurturing the future while honouring the past.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient seigneurial lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its original holdings, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, were documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated female defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The long-dormant Barony was officially called out of abeyance for the current holder, with the succession duly recorded in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s succession is formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable previous Barons include Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com