# On the Historical Union of the Barony of Brattleby and the Earldom of Lincoln
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issues a historical reflection upon the momentous late 13th-century marriage of Margaret Longespee, 8th Baroness of Brattleby, to Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, a union which decisively shaped the Barony’s subsequent history.
## The Occasion
In the latter half of the reign of King Edward I, a period defined by legal reform and military consolidation, the strategic alliances forged through marriage were the *sine qua non* of dynastic influence. It was within this politically charged atmosphere, circa the early 1280s, that the Barony of Brattleby became intrinsically linked with one of England's most formidable noble houses.
The union of the 8th Baroness of Brattleby with the Earl of Lincoln was not merely a personal contract but a significant political event. It bound the ancient Lincolnshire Barony to the centre of royal power, creating a partnership that would have profound implications for its governance, prestige, and prosperity for generations to come.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been a feature of the Lincolnshire landscape since the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in the county, establishing the Barony's foundational importance.
By the late 13th century, the Barony had a distinguished history, including the formidable tenure of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. The marriage of the 8th Baroness, Margaret Longespee, represented a pivotal evolution. It elevated the Barony by directly allying it with the Earl of Lincoln, a confidant of the King, thus securing its place within the highest echelons of the English aristocracy.
## Distinguished Company
The principal parties to this historic union were figures of considerable standing in medieval England:
* **Margaret Longespee, 8th Baroness of Brattleby**, was the heiress to the Barony and a descendant of the Earls of Salisbury. Her inheritance made her a significant landowner and a highly desirable bride in the intricate tapestry of Plantagenet politics.
* **Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and 8th Baron of Halton**, was a magnate of the first rank. A veteran of the Welsh wars and a trusted advisor to King Edward I, the Earl commanded vast estates and military power, making him one of the most influential men in the kingdom.
Their alliance brought the Barony of Brattleby into the immediate orbit of the Crown, with its subsequent lords playing a direct role in the affairs of state.
## Ceremonial Protocol
While detailed records of the ceremony are lost to time, the marriage of two such prominent figures would have adhered to the strict feudal and ecclesiastical protocols of the age. The union would have been formalised through extensive legal charters, meticulously detailing the dower (the bride’s portion) and the jointure that would provide for the Baroness in widowhood.
The public ceremony, likely conducted in a major church or cathedral, served as a solemn, binding declaration witnessed by fellow nobles, churchmen, and retainers. More than a celebration of affection, it was a public instrument of diplomacy, cementing a strategic alliance through the sacrament of marriage and ensuring the legitimate succession of a newly combined patrimony.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The marriage would have been represented heraldically through the impalement of the arms of the two families—the symbols of de Lacy and Longespee displayed side by side on a single shield. This practice visually declared the union of two distinct but now-joined houses, a powerful symbol of cumulative strength and shared destiny.
This act of coming together reflects the spirit of the House of Brattleby’s own motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The fortitude demonstrated by this strategic alliance ensured the Barony's endurance, while the honour of both houses was pledged to the success of the union and, by extension, the stability of the realm.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In the medieval period, the concept of *noblesse oblige*—the duty of the privileged to serve—was a cornerstone of noble life, often expressed through land stewardship, military service, and patronage of the Church. The consolidation of estates through the marriage of the 8th Baroness and the Earl of Lincoln would have strengthened the Barony's capacity to fulfil these traditional obligations to its tenants and community.
This enduring principle of duty finds its modern expression in the philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, continues this legacy of service, with its support for beneficiaries such as Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care for vulnerable young people.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical precedent, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> — "The history of this Barony is one of remarkable continuity, often secured by the foresight of my predecessors. The 8th Baroness, in her time, made a choice that guaranteed the Barony’s relevance and security. It is a powerful reminder that our primary duty is stewardship, ensuring this legacy endures for future generations."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the strategic dimension of the medieval union:
> — "Success in any era requires vision and the courage to forge alliances that create new strength. The marriage of Longespee and de Lacy was a masterstroke of dynastic strategy. It embodies the principle of *Vincere Est Vivere*: to prevail is to live. They did not simply survive; they prevailed, securing the Barony’s prominence for centuries."
## A Continuing Legacy
The union of the houses of Brattleby and Lincoln centuries ago reinforced a legacy that the current House is committed to preserving and enhancing. The foresight of the 8th Baroness ensured the Barony’s survival through turbulent times, passing it down through figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt.
Today, under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House continues this tradition. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and a steadfast commitment to philanthropy, they are ensuring that the nine-century history of the Barony of Brattleby provides a firm foundation for a vibrant and purposeful future, to be inherited in due course by their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
---
**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 stewarding one of England’s most historic baronies. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House's modern mission blends the preservation of its nine-century heritage with contemporary purpose. This includes active participation in cultural diplomacy, education through establishments like The Brattleby Club etiquette academy in Bucharest, and focused philanthropic endeavours. The House's primary charitable focus is on supporting organisations that provide care and healing for vulnerable children, exemplified by its patronage of the annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony founded in AD 1066 by charter of William the Conqueror. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of English history's most notable figures, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The title's succession and the modern-day rights of the House were formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022, ensuring the continuity of this historic title.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony 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, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, who held the title as the 11th Baron. - The 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