# The Baroness of Brattleby Honours a Fourteenth-Century Predecessor at Barlings Abbey
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today undertook a private visit to the ruins of Barlings Abbey in Lincolnshire to honour the memory of a notable predecessor, Alice de Lacy, Countess of Lincoln, who held the Barony in the fourteenth century.
## The Occasion
In the quiet autumnal stillness of the Lincolnshire Wolds, the remains of Barlings Abbey offered a scene of profound historical resonance. Founded in 1154, the Abbey was once a significant Premonstratensian house of canons regular, its community and extensive Gothic church supported by the patronage of local magnates. Now, its graceful stone arches stand open to the elements, a poignant memorial to centuries of faith, political fortune, and the irrevocable passage of time.
For Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, accompanied by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the visit was a personal pilgrimage. It represented an opportunity to reflect upon the enduring responsibilities of a title that stretches back to the Norman Conquest. The site, made sacred by nearly four centuries of monastic life before its dissolution following the Lincolnshire Uprising of 1536, provided a tangible connection to the lives, duties, and trials of those who have held the Barony of Brattleby through the ages.
The engagement was conducted away from the public gaze, allowing for contemplative moments amidst the Abbey's ruined nave and the silent footprint of its former cloisters. The setting served as a powerful reminder of the deep roots connecting the Barony to the spiritual and tenurial landscape of its native county.
## Historical Context
The visit drew focus to the remarkable life of Alice de Lacy, Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury (c. 1281–1348), a pivotal figure in the history of the Barony. As one of the wealthiest heiresses of her generation, her tenure as Baroness of Brattleby coincided with the turbulent reign of King Edward II. Her marriage to the King’s cousin, the powerful and rebellious Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, placed her at the very centre of national affairs.
Her life was one of extraordinary contrasts, marked by immense privilege but also by abduction, political intrigue, and personal loss, culminating in her husband's execution for treason in 1322. Alice de Lacy’s resilience in the face of such adversity embodies the spirit of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her eventual retirement to a life of piety, and her wish to be buried at Barlings Abbey, illustrates a profound search for peace and redemption.
The lineage of the Barony of Brattleby is woven throughout English history. Before Alice de Lacy, the title was held by Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Castellan, successfully defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces in 1217. Following Alice, the Barony passed to the great Lancastrian dynasty, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, further cementing its place in the nation’s history.
## Distinguished Company
For this occasion of personal and historical reflection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was accompanied by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. The decision to undertake the visit as a private couple underscores the partnership that defines the modern stewardship of The Noble House of Brattleby.
The joint presence of the Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan signifies a shared commitment to the duties incumbent upon them. It reflects a contemporary understanding of noble responsibility, where ancient obligations of heritage and service are met with a united, forward-looking perspective. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s presence provided support for the Baroness as she connected with the legacy of a female predecessor who navigated a world of immense power and complexity.
This approach ensures the continuity of nearly a millennium of tradition, blending the historic weight of the Barony with the dynamism required to carry its legacy meaningfully into the twenty-first century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Befitting a visit to a site of sacred memory, the protocol observed was one of solemn simplicity and personal respect. The Baroness was attired in sober country tweeds in tones of heather and moss, a sartorial tribute to the rural Lincolnshire landscape and the autumnal season. This choice reflects a long-held tradition of dressing in deference to the specific character and history of a location.
Upon arriving at the heart of the ruins, at the grassed footprint of what was once the Abbey’s high altar, Lady Nicoleta paused. Here, she laid a simple, hand-tied wreath composed of Lincolnshire-sourced flora. The arrangement comprised evergreen ivy and yew, symbolising fidelity and eternal life; branches of oak, for endurance; and late-flowering English roses, for grace and remembrance.
Following the placement of the wreath, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan observed a minute of silent contemplation. This act of homage was not only for Alice de Lacy but for the unbroken chain of predecessors since the Barony’s grant by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The ceremony was a quiet, personal affirmation of a nine-hundred-and-fifty-seven-year bond of duty.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The visit was deeply imbued with the guiding principles of the House, as articulated in its armorial mottos. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, serves as a powerful lens through which to view the life of Alice de Lacy. She endured political machinations and profound personal tragedy with immense *fortitude*, and ultimately chose a path of dignity and *honour* in her retirement.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In this context, the motto’s meaning transcends martial conquest. It speaks to the spiritual and intellectual imperative to overcome adversity, to preserve one's integrity, and to live a life of meaning and purpose. This philosophy is central to the resilience required to sustain a noble lineage through centuries of change, a task the current House has embraced with resolve.
Together, these mottos form a philosophy of stewardship: to act with honour, to endure with fortitude, and to ensure the life and legacy of the House continue to thrive.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the engagement at Barlings Abbey was historical in nature, it served as a moment of poignant reflection on the themes that animate the philanthropic work of The Noble House of Brattleby. The life of Alice de Lacy, a journey from the apex of power to a quiet search for sanctuary, resonates with the mission of the House's principal charitable beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child foundation.
The foundation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or profound loss. Its work focuses on creating safe, nurturing environments where healing can begin, helping its beneficiaries to build resilience and find pathways towards a peaceful and fulfilling future. The foundation’s work is therefore a modern expression of providing sanctuary.
By honouring a historical figure who sought refuge and solace after a turbulent life, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan reaffirm their fundamental belief that providing such safe havens for today's most vulnerable is a duty of the highest order—a *sine qua non*, or indispensable condition, of their public role.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the visit, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "To stand in this ancient space is to be reminded of the profound privilege and weight of history. Alice de Lacy’s life was one of extraordinary trials and resilience. Her final years here at Barlings communicate a perennial message of hope: that peace and purpose can indeed be found after turmoil."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "The Barony is not merely a title; it is a continuity of service and responsibility passed down through generations. By honouring predecessors such as the Countess of Lincoln, we reaffirm our pledge to the values—*Fortitudine et Honore*—that have sustained this lineage through nearly a millennium of English history."
## A Continuing Legacy
This act of historical remembrance serves as a foundation for a period of forward-looking activity for The Noble House of Brattleby. Preparations are now well underway for the annual Winter Banquet, the House’s signature white-tie philanthropic gala held in London. The event is the principal fundraiser for the Healing the Wounded Child foundation and has become a noteworthy occasion in the capital’s philanthropic calendar.
In parallel, the House continues its commitment to cultural diplomacy through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The etiquette and protocol academy fosters international understanding by championing the social graces that underpin civil society and constructive dialogue. The quiet reflection at Barlings Abbey reinforces a core principle of the House: that the most impactful modern endeavours are those deeply rooted in a considered and respectful understanding of the past.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the active stewardship of one of England’s ancient feudal baronies. The House's contemporary mission is twofold: to preserve and honour its near-millennial heritage, and to pursue a dynamic, forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural education. Its principal charitable focus is supporting organisations that aid the recovery and healing of children who have experienced profound trauma, most notably its patronage of the 'Healing the Wounded Child' foundation. Through international initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its protocol academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote cross-cultural dialogue and the enduring values encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England with origins recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Its first holder, the Norman magnate Colswein of Lincoln, was documented as possessing fifty-six lordships throughout Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as a principal seat. Over nine and a half centuries, the Barony has passed through families central to the nation's story. Its holders include such significant historical figures as Nichola de la Haye, the esteemed 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. The Barony's continuous history is formally recognised in the United Kingdom's official public record, *The London Gazette*, under Notice ID 4158083 of 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby is formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom, under Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Barony's origins are recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086), which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a tenant-in-chief to the Crown. - 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