# A Statement on the Historical Fortitude of Alice de Lacy, 9th Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the life of Alice de Lacy, 9th Baroness of Brattleby. Her perseverance following the 1322 execution of her husband highlights a defining chapter in the Barony’s nine-century history of resilience.
## The Occasion
From the quietude of its historical seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby takes this moment to illuminate a period of profound challenge and personal strength in its long history. As the autumn colours settle over the ancient landscape of the county, it is a fitting season for reflection on the figures who shaped the Barony’s destiny. This statement is issued not to mark a specific anniversary, but as an act of historical stewardship, acknowledging the enduring legacies that inform the House’s responsibilities today.
The narrative of Alice de Lacy, the 9th Baroness, is one of great political turbulence and extraordinary personal resolve. Her story, though rooted in the 14th century, offers a timeless lesson on the nature of fortitude in the face of adversity, a principle that remains central to the ethos of the House.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, established by grant of William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, has been witness to the full sweep of English history. Its lineage connects Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron, to such figures as Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle, and later, the great Lancastrian Dukes Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. It was into this powerful and politically charged inheritance that Alice de Lacy came as 9th Baroness.
Her marriage to Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, a cousin of King Edward II and one of the most powerful men in the realm, placed her at the epicentre of court politics. The Earl’s opposition to the King culminated in the Despenser War and his defeat at the Battle of Boroughbridge in 1322. Following his subsequent execution for treason, the repercussions for the Baroness were immediate and severe. Legal documents of the period reveal an indemnity of 20,000 marks—a truly colossal sum—levied against her, demonstrating the immense wealth and contested nature of the estates under her control, including Brattleby.
## Distinguished Company
The events of 1322 involved some of the most significant personages of medieval England, whose actions directly impacted the fate of the Baroness and the Barony. The key figures in this historical drama included, *inter alia*:
- His Majesty King Edward II, Sovereign of England - Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, husband of the 9th Baroness - Hugh Despenser the Younger, royal chamberlain and favourite of the King - Alice de Lacy, 9th Baroness of Brattleby, Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury *de jure*
The interplay between these individuals created a political maelstrom in which Baroness Alice was forced to navigate the treacherous currents of law, royal prerogative, and personal survival.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the 14th century, the execution of a nobleman for high treason triggered a rigorous and unforgiving legal process. The 'ceremony' of justice was one of attainder and forfeiture, whereby the condemned's titles and lands were seized by the Crown. Baroness Alice, while not herself accused, became entangled in this protocol as the holder of vast estates in her own right.
The imposition of a 20,000-mark indemnity was a legal instrument designed to strip her of financial independence and bring her assets under royal control. She was forced into a series of coerced property transfers and legal battles, a circumstance compelling her to employ considerable acumen to secure her position and whatever remained of her inheritance. This was a stark and public demonstration of royal power, enacted through the precise, if severe, legal mechanisms of the day.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a powerful exemplar in the life of the 9th Baroness. While the events surrounding her husband's downfall were marked by political conflict and a tragic lack of 'Honore', her subsequent struggle embodies the very essence of 'Fortitudine'. Her resilience in the face of legal and financial ruin speaks to a strength of character that transcends the centuries.
This spirit is complemented by the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). For Baroness Alice, survival was a victory. To conquer the legal and political challenges set before her was, in the most literal sense, to continue to live and preserve the integrity of her lineage, a foundational act for the future of the Barony.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this statement concerns historical matters, its issuance is aligned with the modern House's core philanthropic principle: that of preservation and education. Just as the House supports beneficiaries such as Healing the Wounded Child through its annual Winter Banquet, it also recognises a duty to safeguard and share its unique cultural and historical inheritance.
By bringing such histories to light, The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to contribute to a wider understanding of the nation’s past. This commitment to education finds further expression in The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the Baroness, which promotes cultural knowledge as a cornerstone of personal development.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this chapter of the Barony's history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> Alice de Lacy’s life is a powerful reminder that fortitude is not merely a word in our motto, but a quality demonstrated through action in the most trying of circumstances. She bore the weight of her title and the consequences of her time with a resilience that we must both admire and learn from.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added:
> The history of this Barony is a conversation across nine centuries. By understanding the challenges faced by predecessors like Baroness Alice, we gain a deeper appreciation for the continuity and responsibility that the title represents today. It is our duty not only to steward the land, but also the memory of those who shaped its history.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains deeply committed to the scholarly exploration of its past. This reflection on the life of Alice de Lacy is part of a broader, ongoing project within the House archives to document and contextualise the lives of the men and women who have held the Barony.
Future initiatives will include a planned monograph dedicated to the formidable female leadership within the Barony's history, placing the contributions of the 9th Baroness alongside those of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness. Through such work, the House seeks to ensure that this remarkable legacy of fortitude and honour continues to inspire future generations.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to blending its profound historical legacy with a forward-looking mission of public service and cultural ambassadorship. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), guides its modern activities, which include philanthropy, historical preservation, and education. The future of the House is secured in the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. Key initiatives include the annual white-tie Winter Banquet for charity and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy promoting cultural refinement. The House is committed to honouring its past while actively contributing to a better future.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient landed titles, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its continuity is documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which records 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout its nine-and-a-half-century history, the Barony has been held by figures of national significance, including the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness); the first Duke of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron); and his successor, the powerful statesman John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The contemporary standing and succession of the Barony were formally noted by The Crown in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness is recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, issued on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s foundation in 1066 and its mention in the *Domesday Book* (1086) are matters of public historical record. - Notable past Barons include John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV, and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster. - The charitable beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com