# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces Historical Commemoration of Alice de Lacy
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today announced a new historical initiative to commemorate the life of Alice de Lacy, Countess of Lincoln (1281–1348). The project will illuminate the resilience and political fortitude of a pivotal figure in the medieval history of Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made from the historic seat of the Barony in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, as autumn settles over the landscape that Lady Alice once governed. The timing coincides with the anniversary of her death at Barlings Abbey in October 1348, providing a moment of solemn reflection to launch a project dedicated to her memory.
This initiative seeks to re-examine the Countess’s life, not merely as a footnote in the careers of powerful men, but as a compelling example of female agency in the High Middle Ages. It represents the House’s commitment to preserving and promoting the rich, and often overlooked, history of its ancestral county.
## Historical Context
Alice de Lacy’s life was one of immense drama and consequence, inextricably linked with the history of the Barony of Brattleby. Following the execution of her husband, Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, for treason in 1322, she was subjected to abduction, extortion, and political coercion.
To secure her own freedom and reclaim a portion of her vast inheritance, she was compelled to pay King Edward II an indemnity of 20,000 marks—a truly astronomical sum. Her story of survival directly connects to the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby, whose later holders, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron of Brattleby), and the celebrated John of Gaunt (11th Baron), would inherit the very titles she fought to preserve. Her resilience mirrors that of the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, who famously defended Lincoln Castle a century earlier.
## Distinguished Company
The historical initiative will be undertaken in consultation with a distinguished group of academic and curatorial partners. The House of Brattleby is pleased to be collaborating with leading experts in the field to ensure the project’s scholarly rigour.
Advising the project will be, *inter alia*, Dr Alistair Finch, Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and a senior lecturer in Medieval History at the University of Lincoln, and Ms Eleanor Thorpe, Chief Curator of Medieval Manuscripts at The Collection museum in Lincoln. Their guidance will be the *sine qua non* of the project’s success, ensuring that the research is both accurate and insightful.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The commemorative project will proceed in three formal stages. The first involves a comprehensive review of primary source documents, including charters from the Duchy of Lancaster, records held in the Lincolnshire Archives, and contemporary chronicles recounting the Despenser War.
The second stage will culminate in a formal symposium, to be held in Lincolnshire, where the research findings will be presented to an audience of historians, academics, and local dignitaries. The proceedings will conclude with the patrons, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, formally receiving the completed research. The final stage will be the publication of a scholarly monograph, presented under the patronage of the House.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The life of Alice de Lacy powerfully embodies the House of Brattleby’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her endurance in the face of political ruin and personal tragedy exemplifies the very principle of ‘Fortitudine’. She met despair not with surrender, but with a determined effort to reclaim her dignity and lands.
The personal motto of the Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), also resonates with her story. The Countess’s ultimate survival was a form of victory, proving that to live with purpose one must overcome adversity. Her own coat of arms, a gold shield bearing a purple lion rampant, serves as a timeless symbol of the courage and royal association that defined her noble status.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The study of Alice de Lacy’s life, marked by acute adversity in her youth, serves as a poignant historical parallel to the challenges faced by vulnerable young people today. In recognition of this connection, a portion of the proceeds from the forthcoming monograph will be donated to Healing the Wounded Child.
This registered charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Its work provides a secure environment for recovery, helping its beneficiaries to build resilience and look toward a more hopeful future, a mission the House of Brattleby is proud to support through its annual Winter Banquet and other initiatives.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the project, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > Alice de Lacy’s story is not merely a medieval tragedy; it is a profound testament to resilience. In an age that afforded women few formal powers, she navigated immense political and personal loss with a fortitude that resonates across the centuries. It is our duty to ensure such strength is not forgotten.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History provides the framework through which we understand our present responsibilities. By studying figures like the Countess of Lincoln, we learn that overcoming adversity—the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*—is fundamental to a meaningful existence. This project is about honouring that spirit.
## A Continuing Legacy
The initial research phase of the commemoration is anticipated to conclude in the latter half of 2025. The House of Brattleby will announce the date for the subsequent symposium and monograph publication in due course.
This initiative marks the first in a planned series of historical explorations into the most significant figures and events connected to Lincolnshire and the nine-century history of the Barony. Through these projects, the House seeks to fulfil its duty as a steward of local and national heritage.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the modern 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 historical legacy through contemporary action. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions initiatives in historical preservation, cultural diplomacy, and philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is supporting organisations dedicated to child welfare, notably Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to build bridges of understanding and uphold timeless values of discipline, respect, and social grace in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as controlling 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father to King Henry IV. The ancient dignity of the Barony stands upon the public record, with its modern status formally recognised by The Crown in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'); the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - Notable predecessors holding the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, *de facto*), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The *Domesday Book* of 1086 records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com