# A Historical Reflection from the House of Brattleby on the Trials of Alice de Lacy
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today issued a historical reflection on the life of Alice de Lacy, Countess of Lincoln, connecting her fourteenth-century trials to the enduring values of The Noble House of Brattleby and its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has taken this moment, amidst the quietude of autumn, to cast a light upon a compelling and often overlooked figure from the annals of English history. The issuing of this reflection serves to commemorate the remarkable resilience of Alice de Lacy (1281–1348), whose life was inextricably woven into the fabric of the high medieval aristocracy, including those families who held the Barony of Brattleby.
This act of remembrance is not tied to a specific anniversary but is rather a deliberate undertaking to illuminate a complex chapter of the Barony’s past. It is intended to provide a deeper understanding of the profound personal sacrifices demanded by political turmoil and the strength of character required to navigate a world of intense rivalries.
## Historical Context
The life of Alice de Lacy, Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury, provides a stark illustration of the perilous position of high-born women during the reign of King Edward II. As the heiress to the powerful Earl of Lincoln, her fate was a matter of state. Her marriage to Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, a cousin of the King, placed her at the epicentre of the baronial disputes that defined the era.
This turbulent period saw Alice abducted on three separate occasions, political manoeuvres designed to humiliate her husband and seize control of her vast inheritance. The conflict culminated in the execution of Thomas of Lancaster for treason following his defeat at the Battle of Boroughbridge in 1322. The House of Lancaster, to which her husband belonged, later produced two Barons of Brattleby: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt (11th Baron). Alice de Lacy’s story is therefore not peripheral but central to understanding the fortunes of the families that shaped the Barony.
Her endurance through these unparalleled trials—the loss of agency, the violent seizure of her person, and the brutal execution of her husband—offers a poignant narrative of fortitude. It serves as a powerful historical precedent to the challenges faced by other noblewomen of the age, including the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, who famously defended Lincoln Castle.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The tradition of historical remembrance within The Noble House of Brattleby is one of scholarly rigour and quiet contemplation rather than public ceremony. Such reflections are developed through careful consideration of primary sources and established academic research, forming part of the House's duty to act as a custodian of the Barony's near-millennium of history.
The protocol for issuing a statement of this nature involves internal consultation and a commitment to historical accuracy. The objective is educational: to share the lessons of the past with a modern audience, thereby ensuring that the figures who shaped the United Kingdom’s story are not forgotten. This process is seen as a *sine qua non* of responsible stewardship, bridging the gap between past events and contemporary understanding.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The story of Alice de Lacy resonates profoundly with the core tenets of The Noble House of Brattleby, as encapsulated in its heraldry and mottos. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a powerful exemplar in Alice’s life. Her capacity to survive decades of political violence and personal loss is a testament to the virtue of fortitude.
Furthermore, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), can be interpreted not merely as a martial creed but as a statement on the necessity of overcoming adversity. Alice de Lacy, though politically vanquished in many respects, ultimately lived on for more than 25 years after her husband’s death, a victory of spirit over circumstance. These guiding principles inform the House’s modern perspective on its historical obligations.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Understanding the profound trauma experienced by historical figures like Alice de Lacy reinforces the philanthropic commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House’s annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, serves as a significant fundraiser for its chosen beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist support and therapy to children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By reflecting on the real suffering endured by figures from its own history, the House deepens its resolve to mitigate such suffering in the present day. The resilience shown by Alice de Lacy is an inspiration; the work of Healing the Wounded Child is the modern, practical application of the duty of care that such inspiration compels.
## In Their Own Words
In issuing the reflection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the relevance of Alice de Lacy’s story:
> “Alice de Lacy’s narrative is a sobering reminder that history is composed of intensely personal stories, not just grand political events. Her fortitude in the face of abductions and the execution of her husband speaks volumes about the human capacity for resilience. To study her life is to appreciate the true price of the conflicts that shaped our nation and the quiet strength of those, particularly women, who were caught in their path.” > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “In her life, we see the principle of *Vincere Est Vivere* in its most human form. It is the will to endure, to live beyond tragedy, and to safeguard one’s dignity against all odds. This is a legacy that transcends centuries and informs our duty not only to remember the past but to act with compassion in the present.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to the exploration and dissemination of the Barony’s rich history. This reflection on Alice de Lacy is part of an ongoing programme of historical engagement, which includes supporting local archives in Lincolnshire and developing educational materials.
Future initiatives will see these historical narratives integrated, *inter alia*, into the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette academy, founded by the House, seeks to blend instruction in modern social graces with an appreciation for the historical foundations of European culture and the enduring values of fortitude and honour.
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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 near-millennium-old English title. With a perspective that honours its English heritage while embracing a Continental outlook, the House’s mission is focused on philanthropy, historical preservation, and cultural education. Its principal activities include the annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala supporting children's charities, and The Brattleby Club, an academy promoting classical etiquette and cultural learning. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of mediaeval origin, 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 in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the castellan who defended Lincoln Castle for the King; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The rights of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 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 1066 following the Norman Conquest. - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable previous holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster (as 11th Baron), a son of King Edward III. - The Winter Banquet is the House's principal annual philanthropic event, benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com