# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Historical Precedent of the Barony’s Ransom
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on a significant historical precedent concerning the Barony, highlighting the great indemnity paid by Alice de Lacy after 1322 to reclaim her ancestral lands, including those of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
From their Lincolnshire seat, the current incumbents of the Barony of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, have taken a moment for historical reflection. As the autumn light falls across the ancient demesne, the House archives serve as a powerful reminder of the duties and continuity inherent in a title established nearly one thousand years ago.
This reflection is prompted by an examination of the tenure of Alice de Lacy, Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury. Her story of forfeiture and reclamation in the early 14th century provides a compelling lesson in the enduring value placed upon the stewardship of the Barony, a lesson that informs the ethos of the House to this day.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, part of the Honour of Lancaster for centuries, has been held by some of the most formidable figures in English history. Following the execution of her husband, Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, for treason in 1322, Alice de Lacy's hereditary lands were seized by the Crown. To reclaim what was rightfully hers, she was compelled to pay an indemnity of 20,000 marks—an almost unimaginable sum at the time, equivalent to the annual income of the wealthiest magnates in the kingdom.
This act of profound sacrifice to ensure the continuity of her lineage and lands demonstrates a fortitude that echoes the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. It places Alice de Lacy in the company of other powerful figures associated with the Barony, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *de jure*, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against the French in 1217, and later royal holders such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, joins a lineage of stewardship that includes figures of national and historical importance. The peerage of the Barony constitutes a distinguished company through the ages, including:
* Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, who was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror and recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. * Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and Constable of Lincoln Castle, demonstrating exceptional leadership during the First Barons' War. * Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter who was later created 1st Duke of Lancaster. * John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the 14th century, the reclamation of a title could involve complex legal petitions and significant financial settlements, as evidenced by Alice de Lacy's case. Today, the protocol surrounding the Barony's succession is one of legal precision and public record, a modern embodiment of an ancient tradition of orderly transfer.
The assumption of the title by Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette*, the official public record, under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022. This formal notice is the contemporary equivalent of the medieval charters and rolls of fealty; it serves as the public affirmation of legitimate succession and the assumption of the responsibilities that accompany the title.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principles of The Noble House of Brattleby are encapsulated in its mottos, which provide a framework for both its historical understanding and modern conduct.
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the resilience shown by predecessors like Alice de Lacy and Nichola de la Haye. It is a commitment to demonstrating courage in the face of adversity and to upholding the highest standards of integrity in all public and private duties.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not as a martial creed but as a philosophical commitment to overcoming challenges through intellectual rigour, personal growth, and purposeful action, forming the *sine qua non* of a meaningful life.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical responsibility to protect and preserve the Barony finds its modern expression in a profound commitment to philanthropy. The principle of stewardship is extended from the land itself to the wider community, reflecting the modern concept of *noblesse oblige*.
The House's primary philanthropic vehicle is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala dedicated to raising funds and awareness for a chosen charitable cause. The current beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialist therapeutic care and support to children who have endured trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives with hope and resilience. This focus reflects the House's belief that securing a better future begins with nurturing the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessors, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The history of Alice de Lacy is a powerful reminder that stewardship is not a passive inheritance but an active, often challenging, responsibility. The price she paid underscores the immense value placed on this Barony—a value measured not in marks or pounds, but in service and continuity across the centuries.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History provides the blueprint for our present endeavours. Just as our predecessors invested heavily in preserving their legacy, we too invest in our communities, whether through cultural education at The Brattleby Club or our philanthropic work. The principle remains the same: to build something of lasting worth.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that this nine-century legacy is not only preserved but also renewed for the next generation. The education and preparation of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in succession, is a paramount duty.
Future commitments include the continuation of the Annual Winter Banquet to support vital charitable work and the expansion of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by Lady Nicoleta. These initiatives ensure that the twin principles of honouring heritage and serving the present remain at the heart of the House's mission for years to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern seat of one of England's most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a modern interpretation of stewardship. Its mission is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') and focuses on impactful philanthropy, cultural education, and the preservation of its unique historical legacy. The House’s primary charitable focus is on organisations that support vulnerable children, while its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, promote etiquette and diplomacy. The House is committed to serving the community and passing its legacy to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by influential figures central to English history, including the celebrated female leader Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle in 1217, and powerful members of the royal family such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The succession of the current 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - Lady Nicoleta Vasile’s succession to the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book (1086), where the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a major landholder in Lincolnshire. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby 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'). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron of Brattleby in succession.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com