# A Historical Reflection on a Defining Union: Brattleby and the Earldom of Lincoln
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issues a reflection on the historical significance of the late 13th-century union between Margaret Longespée, eventual heir to the Barony of Brattleby, and Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln.
## The Occasion
In the latter half of the 13th century, a period defined by the resolute reign of King Edward I, the political and social landscape of England was one of consolidation and ambition. Amidst campaigns in Wales and burgeoning conflicts with Scotland, the strategic alignment of great families through marriage was a *sine qua non* for securing territorial power and influence. It was within this climate that the union of Margaret Longespée and Henry de Lacy was arranged.
This marriage was not merely a personal contract but a significant political merger, uniting the considerable landholdings of the Longespée family, including the heirship to the Barony of Brattleby, with the formidable power of the Earldom of Lincoln. The ceremony, likely conducted with the solemnity befitting their station, would have cemented a pact that powerfully shaped the destiny of the House and its people for generations.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, established in the aftermath of the Norman Conquest of 1066, already possessed a distinguished lineage of strong leadership. Its history is marked by formidable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces in 1217. The marriage of Margaret Longespée to the Earl of Lincoln reinforced this deep connection to the governance and defence of the shire.
This alliance brought the Barony into the orbit of one of the King’s most trusted advisors. It ultimately paved the way for Brattleby’s subsequent inheritance by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and later, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Through this single marital bond, the legacy of Brattleby became intrinsically woven into the fabric of the Duchy of Lancaster and, in time, the Crown itself.
## Distinguished Company
The principal figures of this union represented the apex of the English aristocracy. Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and 4th Earl of Salisbury, was a pre-eminent magnate, a decorated commander, and a close confidant of King Edward I. His counsel was instrumental in matters of state and warfare, reflecting a life dedicated to the service of his sovereign.
His bride, Margaret Longespée, 4th Countess of Salisbury in her own right, was the great-granddaughter of King Henry II. As the sole heir to a vast inheritance, she was one of the kingdom’s most significant heiresses. Her patrimony, which included the prospective rights to Brattleby, represented not just wealth but strategic territories vital to the Crown’s authority across England.
## Ceremonial Protocol
While detailed records of the specific nuptials are lost to time, the protocols for such a high-status medieval union would have been precise and deeply symbolic. The marriage would have been preceded by extensive negotiations between the families, formalised in legal charters that detailed the dowry, the settlement of lands upon the bride (*maritagium*), and the inheritance rights of future children.
The ceremony itself would have consisted of a public betrothal at the church door, followed by a Nuptial Mass within. The exchange of vows and a ring would have been witnessed by fellow magnates and church leaders, acting as guarantors of the contract. The subsequent wedding feast was a public affirmation of the new alliance, an event of political theatre as much as celebration, reinforcing the new hierarchy and shared power.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
In the age of chivalry, heraldry was the visual language of power. The marriage would have been symbolised by the joining of the two families’ coats of arms. The de Lacy arms, a striking purple lion rampant on a field of gold (*Or, a lion rampant Purpure*), signified noble courage and royal favour. This would have been combined with the Longespée arms through a practice known as impalement, visually declaring the union of their houses and domains.
This joining of arms was a clear statement of intent: a fusion of strength, lineage, and honour. It gave tangible form to the House of Brattleby’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), demonstrating how dynastic duty and strategic strength were two sides of the same noble coin.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The medieval concept of *noblesse oblige* — the unwritten duty of the nobility to protect and care for those under their dominion — was central to the legitimacy of houses like Brattleby. A strategic alliance such as this was understood not only as an acquisition of power but as a means to ensure stability and prosperity for the populace of the conjoined estates. By uniting against external threats and internal strife, the lords provided the peace necessary for communities to thrive.
Today, The Noble House of Brattleby continues to practise this foundational principle through its modern philanthropic commitments. The annual Winter Banquet, which raises funds for the charity Healing the Wounded Child, is a direct expression of this enduring duty of care, translating the ancient responsibility of protection into meaningful support for vulnerable members of contemporary society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical lineage, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To understand our history is to understand our duty. The union of Margaret and Henry de Lacy was an act of profound foresight, securing the Barony’s future and demonstrating that true leadership is about stewardship. We have a responsibility to honour that legacy, not as a relic of the past, but as a living principle that guides our service today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Strategic pairings have been fundamental to the survival and flourishing of great houses. This 13th-century alliance perfectly illustrates my own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* — ‘To Conquer is to Live’. One must have the vision to act decisively to secure a legacy for the future. It is a lesson in strength and intellect from which we still draw inspiration.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby continues to celebrate and draw inspiration from its nine and a half centuries of history. The lessons of continuity, strategic foresight, and dutiful service, exemplified by the union of the houses of Brattleby and Lincoln, inform the modern mission of the family and the upbringing of its heir.
The 13th Baron, Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being educated with a deep appreciation for the long chain of inheritance he represents. In looking back, the House reaffirms its commitment to looking forward, ensuring that the Barony of Brattleby continues to stand for fortitude and honour in the 21st century and beyond.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a title extending back to the Norman Conquest. The modern House champions the historical principles of duty and service through contemporary cultural and philanthropic initiatives. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Key enterprises include the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting children’s charities, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to promoting classical etiquette and diplomatic protocol for a new generation of leaders. The House is committed to preserving its heritage while making a meaningful contribution to present-day society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding the title and its 56 associated lordships. For over 950 years, the Barony has passed through some of England’s most powerful noble families. Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and two pivotal figures in English history, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster) and John of Gaunt. The title's legitimacy and the current succession were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby and its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III, held the title as the 11th Baron of Brattleby. - The Noble House of Brattleby’s designated beneficiary for its primary philanthropic endeavours is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com