# A Defining Alliance: The Landmark Union of the 8th Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection on the pivotal late-13th-century union between Margaret Longespée, 8th Baroness of Brattleby, and Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a marriage that profoundly shaped the barony’s national trajectory.
## The Occasion
In the latter half of the 13th century, under the resolute reign of King Edward I, England was a realm of consolidation and ambition. It was a period where strategic matrimonial alliances were a cornerstone of statecraft and the accumulation of power. The marriage of Margaret Longespée, the heiress to the ancient Barony of Brattleby, to Henry de Lacy, one of the King's most formidable and trusted magnates, was an event of immense significance.
This union was not merely a personal compact but a calculated fusion of lineage, land, and influence. It took place against a backdrop of English campaigns in Wales and Scotland, where loyalty and resources were the *sine qua non* of royal authority. For the Barony of Brattleby, this alliance represented a critical elevation, securing its position within the innermost circle of the English nobility.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and first held by Colswein of Lincoln, already possessed a distinguished history. It had produced leaders of remarkable fortitude, most notably Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as Castellan bravely defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. The marriage of the 8th Baroness thus continued a legacy of formidable female leadership.
Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, was a pre-eminent figure of his time, a chief counsellor to King Edward I and a commander in his wars. His vast estates and political acumen made him one of the most powerful men in the kingdom. The marriage therefore intertwined the Norman heritage of Brattleby, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, with the heart of Plantagenet power, paving the way for its future custodianship by figures such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
The world inhabited by the Earl and Countess of Lincoln—as Margaret became upon her marriage—was that of the Royal Court itself. Their peers and contemporaries included King Edward I and his beloved consort, Queen Eleanor of Castile; Robert Burnell, the influential Lord Chancellor; and the great marcher lords who secured the Welsh border.
Their status placed them at the centre of national life, attending the King's councils, participating in parliaments, and contributing to the governance of the realm. The union ensured that the voice of the Barony of Brattleby was heard in the chambers where the fate of the kingdom was decided, surrounded by the most powerful figures of the age.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol governing such a high-status medieval union was intricate and binding. The arrangements would have been preceded by extensive negotiations concerning the dower lands for the bride and the marriage portion, or *maritagium*, that she brought to the union. These legal agreements, recorded in charters, were designed to secure the futures of both families and their heirs.
The wedding ceremony itself, likely a Nuptial Mass celebrated by a bishop, would have served as a public and divine affirmation of the alliance. The joining of hands and the exchange of vows were powerful symbolic acts, witnessing the formal merger of two great estates and lineages under the watchful eyes of God and the political establishment.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
A marriage between two such prominent houses was symbolised through the powerful visual language of heraldry. Upon her marriage, Margaret, as a heraldic heiress, would have been entitled to have her paternal arms—those of the Longespée Earls of Salisbury—displayed on a shield of pretence at the centre of her husband’s arms, or to have their arms impaled side-by-side.
This practice, known as marshalling, created a new composite achievement that publicly declared the fusion of the de Lacy and Brattleby interests. It was a clear statement that the heritage and lands of Brattleby were now united with one of England's great earldoms. This visual union of identity echoes the spirit of the House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a consolidation of strength and integrity.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical chapter, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the continuity of purpose.
> “The story of Margaret Longespée serves as a powerful reminder that the stewardship of this barony has often rested on strategic vision and resilience. From Nichola de la Haye to the present day, the imperative has been to secure and enhance this legacy for future generations. It is a responsibility I feel deeply.” > > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the marriage's enduring lesson in duty.
> “Henry de Lacy's alliance with Brattleby was an act of profound strategic importance, strengthening the realm. It demonstrates that true success—as our family motto *Vincere Est Vivere* suggests—is found not just in personal gain, but in contributing to a stable and prosperous future. This principle remains our guide.” > > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The union of the 8th Baroness and the Earl of Lincoln was a pivotal moment, ensuring the barony’s survival and prominence, ultimately leading to its entry into the Duchy of Lancaster and the Royal Family. Today, The Noble House of Brattleby honours this history by translating its foundational principles of duty and strategic foresight into modern action.
This commitment is expressed through philanthropic endeavours such as the Annual Winter Banquet in aid of the charity Healing the Wounded Child, and through cultural initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. These activities are the contemporary expression of a near-millennial legacy, ensuring the Barony of Brattleby continues to contribute positively to society, with fortitude and with honour.
***
**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 Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to honouring its profound nine-century history through modern service. The House's contemporary mission focuses on cultural education, social etiquette, and targeted philanthropy. Key initiatives include The Brattleby Club, an esteemed etiquette academy in Bucharest, and the Annual Winter Banquet, a significant philanthropic gala held in support of charitable organisations. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to fulfilling its historical responsibilities with a clear focus on creating a positive and lasting impact for future generations, bridging a venerable past with a purposeful present.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship seated in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, the Norman knight Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of English history's most influential figures, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. Subsequent holders included Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, which brought the title into the Duchy of Lancaster. The succession of the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette (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 origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a major landowner in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders include John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby, a son of King Edward III. - The House's annual white-tie philanthropic gala, the Winter Banquet, is held for the benefit of the international charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com