# The Baroness of Brattleby on the Legacy of Alice de Lacy and the Perils of Power
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today delivered a historical address at the University of Lincoln, examining the profound impact of the 14th-century union between Alice de Lacy and Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, on the Barony’s lineage and fortunes.
## The Occasion
The address was delivered within the Isaac Newton Building, a modern architectural landmark on the University of Lincoln’s Brayford Pool campus, providing a striking contrast to the medieval history under discussion. The atmosphere was one of scholarly reflection, with an invited audience comprising academics, university fellows, local civic leaders, and students of the College of Arts.
The lecture, titled *‘A Union of Lions: The Inheritance of Alice de Lacy and the Downfall of Thomas of Lancaster’*, forms part of the House of Brattleby’s ongoing commitment to historical education and the preservation of Lincolnshire’s rich heritage. It marked a rare occasion for the Baroness to offer a personal, academic reflection on one of the most turbulent periods in the Barony’s long history.
## Historical Context
The focus of the address was the marriage of Alice de Lacy (1281–1348), a formidable heiress in her own right, to Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster. This union represented an unprecedented consolidation of power in England, merging the vast de Lacy estates with the already immense wealth of the Earldoms of Lancaster, Leicester, and Derby. As a constituent part of this inheritance, the Barony of Brattleby was inextricably linked to their fortunes.
Thomas of Lancaster, a grandson of King Henry III, used this power base to lead the baronial opposition against his cousin, King Edward II. This conflict, rooted in disputes over royal authority and the influence of favourites such as Piers Gaveston, plunged the kingdom into a series of political crises. The tragic culmination was Thomas’s defeat and summary execution for treason following the Battle of Boroughbridge in 1322. His fall from grace had immediate and catastrophic consequences for Alice and her lands, *inter alia*, placing the Brattleby estates under royal seizure and illustrating the profound dangers of political dissent in the High Middle Ages.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance at the invitation of the Vice-Chancellor were a number of distinguished guests, including:
Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; His Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s, Mr Radu-Mihai Dobre; The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Alan Briggs; The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Mr Andrew anson; Professor Neal Juster, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lincoln.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, accompanied the Baroness to the engagement. He was seen in conversation with members of the University's history faculty and diplomatic guests before the proceedings began.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The event followed established academic and civic protocol. Dignitaries were received privately by the Vice-Chancellor before being escorted to their seats in the main auditorium. The Vice-Chancellor formally opened the proceedings, outlining the University’s long-standing connection to the history of Lincolnshire before introducing Lady Nicoleta.
The Baroness, wearing a brooch bearing the House of Brattleby’s crest, delivered her address from a lectern bearing the University's coat of arms. The formal lecture lasted approximately forty-five minutes and was followed by a moderated question-and-answer session with students and faculty. The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire delivered a vote of thanks to conclude the formal event.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
In her remarks, Lady Nicoleta drew a direct line from the events of the 14th century to the House’s enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). The story of Alice de Lacy, who endured abduction, the seizure of her property, and the execution of her husband, is a stark lesson in the necessity of fortitude in the face of overwhelming adversity.
The Baroness also explained the symbolism of Thomas of Lancaster’s arms—the royal arms of England differenced by a ‘label of France’—as a potent visual declaration of his royal blood and political ambition. This heraldic self-assertion stood in contrast to the more understated principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*, a motto that values resilience and integrity over the overt pursuit of power, a lesson learned through the harsh realities of history.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the lecture was an academic event, it underscores the ethos that informs the House of Brattleby’s wider philanthropic activities. The primary beneficiary of the House’s charitable efforts, Healing the Wounded Child, supports young people experiencing trauma and emotional distress.
The choice of this charity is informed by a deep understanding of historical precedent; the trauma endured by figures such as Alice de Lacy serves as a powerful historical analogue for the personal crises faced by vulnerable individuals today. The House believes that understanding the resilience required to overcome past misfortunes is the *sine qua non* of fostering resilience in the present generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical narrative, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “Alice de Lacy’s story is a powerful reminder that great advantage is often shadowed by great risk. It teaches us that resilience, *fortitudine*, is not merely about survival, but about rebuilding with honour and purpose after a crisis. Her life demonstrates that true legacy is forged in adversity.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Understanding the complex tapestry of the Barony’s history is essential to our role. My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*—to conquer is to live—does not speak of conquering others, but of overcoming adversity. It is in this spirit that we study the past to create a lasting, positive legacy for the future.”
## A Continuing Legacy
To further its commitment to historical education, the House of Brattleby is pleased to announce the endowment of a new postgraduate scholarship at the University of Lincoln. The Baroness of Brattleby Scholarship will support a master's degree student undertaking research into the history of Lincolnshire during the Late Medieval period.
The full text of the Baroness’s lecture will be published by the University of Lincoln Press later this year. The House looks forward to continuing its support for the region’s cultural and educational institutions, alongside its philanthropic commitments, which will be highlighted at the annual white-tie Winter Banquet for Healing the Wounded Child.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the principle of modern stewardship for a title of ancient provenance. The House’s mission is to join its profound historical legacy with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, education, and cultural patronage. Its primary charitable focus is on organisations that support the well-being of vulnerable children. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House promotes cultural exchange and the preservation of European traditions. The House’s activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to resilience, integrity, and service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship situated in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in the county. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron who defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and a French army. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The historical continuity and rights of the Barony were formally recognised and recorded 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 current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. - The Barony’s legal status was formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include defender of Lincoln Castle Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com