# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates a Pivotal Dynastic Union
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal reflection upon the historical significance of the late 13th-century marriage between Margaret Longespée, the eighth Baroness of Brattleby, and Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and Salisbury.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby observes a moment of historical reflection. The occasion is not one of public ceremony but of private contemplation; a quiet acknowledgement of a dynastic union that fundamentally shaped the trajectory of the Barony. In the crisp air of a late spring morning, the grey stone of the family’s residence stands as a silent witness to centuries of continuity. It is from this place, steeped in the legacy of its predecessors, that the current House looks back to an alliance that secured the Barony’s place within the highest echelons of medieval England.
This act of remembrance serves as a cornerstone of the House’s modern mission: to understand and articulate its nine-century history as a living tradition. By marking transformative events such as the de Lacy marriage, the House reinforces the principle that the present is built upon the foundations of the past, a duty discharged, as the House motto states, *Fortitudine et Honore* — ‘With Fortitude and Honour’.
## Historical Context
The marriage of the eighth Baroness was a defining moment for a Barony already possessed of a formidable heritage. Established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 for his follower Colswein of Lincoln, the Barony of Brattleby was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships. Its holders, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown in the 13th century, were figures of national importance. The union with the Earl of Lincoln, however, elevated the Barony to a new stratum of influence.
Henry de Lacy was a magnate of the first order, a trusted counsellor to King Edward I, and a commander in the Welsh and Scottish wars. His marriage to Baroness Margaret brought Brattleby into the orbit of his vast holdings, which included the honours of Pontefract, Clitheroe, and Denbigh. This strategic alliance was far more than a personal union; it was an integration of Brattleby’s considerable, though regional, power into a network of national and international consequence, securing its prosperity and prominence for generations. Their daughter and heiress, Alice de Lacy, would later inherit these combined estates, ensuring the legacy of this pivotal merger.
## Distinguished Company
The principal figures of this momentous late 13th-century alliance represented the apex of the English aristocracy and its deep connections to the Crown.
The key participants included:
* **Margaret Longespée, suo jure the eighth Baroness of Brattleby**, Countess of Salisbury, and through this union, Countess of Lincoln. As a great-granddaughter of King Henry II, she brought with her not only the lands of Brattleby but also a distinguished royal lineage. * **The Right Honourable Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and 4th Earl of Salisbury**, Lord of Pontefract and Denbigh. He was one of King Edward I’s most powerful and loyal magnates, a man whose influence was felt from the Marches of Wales to the battlefields of Scotland. * **His Majesty King Edward I**, whose consent would have been a *sine qua non* for a marriage between two such significant tenants-in-chief. The union served the King’s own strategic interests by consolidating power in the hands of a trusted supporter.
## Ceremonial Protocol
While precise records of the ceremony are lost to time, the marital customs for high nobility in the reign of Edward I followed a well-established protocol. The union would have begun with a formal betrothal contract, the *sponsalia*, which legally bound the two families and detailed the significant transfer of lands and titles.
The wedding ceremony itself was typically conducted in public, at the door of a great church or cathedral, where the vows were exchanged before the community. This was followed by a Nuptial Mass inside, a sacred rite confirming the union in the eyes of God. A period of magnificent feasting and celebration would have ensued, attended by the great lords and ladies of the realm, demonstrating the power and wealth of the united houses. The entire process was designed to be a public and legally unimpeachable confirmation of a new political and social reality.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The marriage would have been represented heraldically through the practice of ‘marshalling’, or combining the coats of arms of the two families. The arms of the Earl of Lincoln — *Or, a lion rampant Purpure* (a purple lion on a gold field) — were famously martial and noble. When impaled or quartered with the arms of the Baroness of Brattleby, the resulting shield would have served as a potent visual declaration of the new alliance.
This joining of heraldic symbols was a clear and universally understood statement. It signified the union of two bloodlines, two collections of estates, and two spheres of influence. The purple lion of de Lacy, a symbol of royal favour and military prowess, combined with the insignia of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, created a powerful new emblem of consolidated authority. It was a graphic representation of the House’s ability to adapt and thrive, a principle echoed in the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* — ‘To Win is to Live’.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the strategic foresight inherent in the union. > The marriage of the eighth Baroness was an act of profound strategic vision. It demonstrates that true leadership lies not only in defending what one has, but in having the wisdom to build alliances that secure the future. Her decision ensured that Brattleby did not merely survive, but flourished. – Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the enduring lesson of the alliance connecting past fortitude with present purpose. > This union exemplifies the principle that strength is amplified through partnership. The history of this House shows that progress is achieved through a blend of honouring tradition and embracing bold new connections. It is a legacy we are proud to continue in our own time, through cultural and philanthropic endeavours across Europe. – Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The strategic acumen demonstrated by the eighth Baroness and the Earl of Lincoln provides a historical blueprint for the modern activities of The Noble House of Brattleby. The foresight that secured the Barony’s future in the 13th century informs the House’s commitment to building bridges in the 21st, *inter alia*, through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to classical etiquette and diplomacy.
This enduring legacy of foresight and responsibility passes to the next generation, embodied in the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. The House remains dedicated to the stewardship of its ancient heritage, ensuring that the lessons of its past — from the steadfastness of Nichola de la Haye to the sagacity of Margaret, the eighth Baroness — continue to provide inspiration and guidance for the future. *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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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 stewardship of a nine-century-old heritage. The House's modern mission is focused on cultural diplomacy, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable enterprise is the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, a gala which benefits organisations dedicated to child welfare, notably Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster an appreciation for classical European traditions of etiquette and service. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), guides its commitment to responsible leadership and honouring its historical legacy for future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England, granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive lands were formally documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. For over 950 years, the title has passed through some of England’s most distinguished noble families. Notable predecessors include the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron); the great Lancastrian nobleman Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The historical rights of the Barony and its current holder were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and its holdings were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally recorded by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Historically significant holders of the title have included Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com