# A Historical Reflection on Alice de Lacy and the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical reflection on the life of Alice de Lacy, 4th Countess of Lincoln, whose final years in Lincolnshire underscore the deep and enduring connection between the Barony and England’s national story.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby takes this moment during the quiet passage of autumn to reflect upon a poignant chapter in the region’s history. It is an occasion not for celebration but for sober remembrance, acknowledging the threads of continuity that bind the present Barony to its medieval antecedents through the life of Alice de Lacy (c. 1281–1348). This act of commemoration serves as a formal recognition of the personalities and events that have shaped the land and title over nine centuries. The statement itself honours the duty of stewardship, which extends beyond the physical landscape to encompass its rich, and often complex, human history.
## Historical Context
The life of Alice de Lacy, Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury, was one of extraordinary drama, set against the turbulent backdrop of fourteenth-century English politics. Her immense inheritance made her a key political pawn, leading to a life marked by forced marriages, abduction, and imprisonment. Yet her story finds its final, quiet chapter here in Lincolnshire, where she retired to Barlings Abbey and was eventually laid to rest. This choice was no coincidence; it was a return to the heartlands of the Earldom of Lincoln, with which the Barony of Brattleby has been historically associated since its first mention in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln.
This connection to formidable women of influence is a recurring theme in the Barony’s history. Alice de Lacy’s presence echoes that of an earlier figure, Nichola de la Haye (c. 1168–1230), the 5th Baroness of Brattleby by marriage, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. Furthermore, the lands held by Alice de Lacy were ultimately absorbed into the Duchy of Lancaster, a title later held by two subsequent Barons of Brattleby: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and the celebrated John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Alice’s final years in Lincolnshire thus represent a significant intersection of local identity and national legacy.
## Distinguished Company
In this formal reflection, the House of Brattleby acknowledges the historical figures whose lives have intertwined with the Barony and its environs. The principal personages considered today include:
* Alice de Lacy, 4th Countess of Lincoln and 5th Countess of Salisbury * Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and Constable of Lincoln Castle * Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby * Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster * John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster * Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
The consideration of their legacies is led by the current holders of the title, who see the study of their predecessors as a fundamental duty.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a historical statement by the House follows a considered internal protocol. It begins with scholarly research and consultation of primary and secondary sources, ensuring that any public reflection is grounded in historical accuracy. The Domesday Book, *inter alia*, serves as a foundational document. The resulting text is then reviewed by the Baroness and Lord Brattleby before being prepared for dissemination by the Press Office. This structured process ensures that the House speaks with a single, authoritative voice, treating the past with the same precision and respect afforded to present-day matters. The act of publication itself is the ceremony—a formal entry into the public record, much like the notices that have affirmed the Barony’s status for centuries.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring mission of the House is captured in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The fortitude of figures like Alice de Lacy in the face of personal adversity, and of Nichola de la Haye in her military defence of Lincoln, provides a powerful historical precedent for this guiding principle. The 'Honour' in the motto is expressed, in part, by honouring these legacies and acknowledging their contribution to the Barony's story. This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which is interpreted in a modern context as the will to overcome challenges and to live a life of purpose—a sentiment powerfully embodied by Alice de Lacy’s ultimate return to her ancestral lands.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this reflection is historical in nature, its underlying spirit of duty informs the modern philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House believes that understanding the struggles and resilience of past generations is a powerful motivator for alleviating suffering in the present. The lessons of history—of vulnerability, loss, and the need for sanctuary—are a direct inspiration for the House's long-standing support for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation's vital work in providing therapeutic care for children experiencing trauma is seen as a contemporary expression of the ancient duty of care that nobility has historically owed to the community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — "Alice de Lacy’s decision to spend her final days near the lands of her ancestors says a great deal about the pull of this Lincolnshire landscape. It reminds us that behind the grand titles and political manoeuvres of history are deeply human stories. We have a duty to remember them, particularly the formidable women like Alice and Nichola de la Haye, whose strength shaped this Barony."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > — "History is not a static collection of facts; it is a living dialogue with the past. By examining a life such as Alice de Lacy’s, we learn invaluable lessons about resilience and the enduring importance of heritage. It is through understanding their struggles and triumphs that we truly learn to apply fortitude and honour to our own lives and responsibilities today."
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical reflection is part of the House's ongoing commitment to exploring and sharing the rich, nine-hundred-year history of the Barony of Brattleby. Future initiatives will include further research into the Barony's lesser-known figures and periods, with findings to be shared through formal statements and educational programmes, such as those offered by The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. By illuminating the past, The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to reinforce the foundations of its modern mission: to serve with an acute awareness of the legacy it has inherited and the responsibilities it holds for the future. The story of Alice de Lacy is not merely an anecdote; it is a *sine qua non* for understanding the Barony’s place in the wider sweep of English history.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern and forward-looking interpretation of aristocratic duty. Its mission is centred on the preservation of its nine-century heritage, the promotion of cultural education, and a deep commitment to philanthropy. The House’s primary charitable focus is on organisations that support vulnerable children, reflecting its core value of service. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to share the principles of decorum and civic responsibility with a new generation. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), guides all its public and private endeavours.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout its long history, the title has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the first Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony's revival and the current succession were formally recognised and recorded by His Majesty's Crown Office in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The title's succession was formally Gazetted by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, Notice ID 4158083. - Notable historical holders include John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). - The House's philanthropic beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com