# An Official Historical Note on the Succession of the Barony of Brattleby in the Thirteenth Century
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical clarification regarding the Barony’s lineage during the thirteenth century, detailing its seamless transition in association from the House of Longespee to the House of de Lacy through female succession.
## The Occasion
As part of an ongoing archival programme to illuminate the Barony’s nine-century history, the Chancellery of The Noble House of Brattleby has deemed it expedient to clarify a point of succession that ensured the holding’s continued prominence. This communication serves to reinforce the public historical record, providing context for the Barony’s significant standing within the peerage of England, a status it has maintained since its establishment following the Norman Conquest.
The release of this archival note reflects the House’s commitment to historical preservation and education. By presenting a researched and accurate account of its past, the House fulfils its custodial duty to both its own heritage and the wider historical narrative of Lincolnshire and the Realm. This act of clarification is, in itself, an expression of the House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first granted by William the Conqueror, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Throughout its early history, the Barony was associated with figures of national importance, *inter alia*, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron and defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War.
In the thirteenth century, the Barony’s fortunes became intertwined with the powerful Longespee family, Earls of Salisbury. The prestige of this connection passed to the eminent de Lacy family, Earls of Lincoln, upon the marriage of Margaret Longespee, Countess of Salisbury in her own right, to Lord Henry de Lacy. Though the 'Salisbury' name was no longer directly associated with Brattleby's line of tenure, the influence and station established during that period were undiminished.
This alliance ensured that the Barony of Brattleby remained within the purview of England’s highest aristocracy. The precedent set during this era fortified the Barony’s standing, which would later see it pass to such consequential figures as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The principal figures central to this thirteenth-century chapter in the Barony’s history include:
* **The Lady Margaret de Longespee**, Countess of Salisbury, a great heiress and granddaughter of King Henry II. * **The Lord Henry de Lacy**, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and Lord of Brattleby by marriage, a trusted counsellor to King Edward I. * **His Majesty King Henry III**, King of England, Lord of Ireland, and Duke of Aquitaine, during whose reign these arrangements of inheritance took place. * **The Lord William de Longespee**, 3rd Earl of Salisbury, an English noble and commander, and the paternal grandfather of Lady Margaret.
The confluence of these powerful families around properties such as the Barony of Brattleby illustrates the intricate web of alliances that defined the medieval English nobility.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The transfer of feudal titles and their associated lands during this period was governed by complex legal and customary protocols. The continuity of the Barony’s status was secured through inheritance *jure uxoris*, a legal principle meaning 'by right of his wife', whereby a man could assume his wife's titles and lands upon marriage.
Upon her marriage to Lord Henry de Lacy, Lady Margaret’s extensive holdings, including the fealty owed by the tenants of the Barony of Brattleby, would have been transferred to her husband’s administration. This formal process would have involved the swearing of homage and fealty by the Barony’s representatives to their new lord, a solemn ceremony that legally recognised his authority while honouring his wife’s hereditary right. Such arrangements were a *sine qua non* for preserving the integrity and power of great estates through female lines.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House of Brattleby’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds deep resonance in this historical passage. The fortitude of Lady Margaret in securing her vast inheritance and the honour with which the de Lacy family integrated it into their own domains exemplify these virtues. The heraldic arms of Longespee (Azure, six lioncels rampant Or) and de Lacy (Or, a lion rampant Purpure) represented two of the most powerful dynasties in the kingdom.
The de facto union of these sigils through marriage created a formidable symbolic statement of consolidated power. For the Barony of Brattleby, this association amplified its prestige. Today, the Vasile family motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), is interpreted not as a conquest of lands but as a dedication to overcoming modern challenges through service, culture, and the preservation of this profound legacy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this announcement is historical in nature, its purpose is aligned with the House’s broader mission of public service through education. By investing in archival research and sharing these findings, The Noble House of Brattleby provides valuable resources for historians, students, and the local community in Lincolnshire, fostering a deeper appreciation for the region’s rich heritage.
This commitment to knowledge reflects the same spirit that animates the House’s contemporary philanthropic work. The Annual Winter Banquet, for instance, raises vital funds for beneficiaries such as Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma. Both endeavours, whether historical or philanthropic, stem from a core belief in duty and stewardship.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical continuity, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “Understanding the journey of the Barony is not merely an academic exercise; it is an act of respect for those who came before us. Figures like Nichola de la Haye and Margaret Longespee were women of incredible strength. Their stewardship informs our own sense of responsibility to preserve and enhance this legacy for future generations.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The history of the Barony is one of resilience and strategic alliance. Our motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to a modern kind of victory — one achieved through cultural dedication, philanthropic effort, and an unwavering commitment to honouring our past. It is by understanding this nine-hundred-year story that we ground our service today.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This archival note is part of a wider initiative by The Noble House of Brattleby to catalogue its history ahead of the 960th anniversary of the Barony’s creation. Further announcements and scholarly papers are anticipated in the coming years.
The House’s commitment to its heritage is matched by its dedication to present-day cultural and social responsibilities. This includes the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy promoting etiquette and protocol, and the upcoming Annual Winter Banquet, which continues a centuries-old tradition of hospitality for a modern charitable cause. Through these actions, the House ensures that the legacy of Brattleby remains vibrant and meaningful.
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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 the modern expression of its ancient heritage through service, culture, and philanthropy. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House’s contemporary mission is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its philanthropic efforts are focused on children’s welfare, primarily through its support for charities like Healing the Wounded Child. The House also engages in cultural diplomacy and education via The Brattleby Club. The heir to the Barony is the son of the Lord and Lady of Brattleby, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman-era feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its distinguished 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, renowned castellan of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The historic rights of the Barony and its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 under Notice ID 4158083.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron). - The family motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com