# A Historical Reflection on the Union of the Eighth Baroness of Brattleby
**LONDON, 23 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical reflection on the foundational 13th-century marriage of Margaret, the eighth Baroness. This union with Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, was a pivotal moment that secured the Barony’s national prominence.
## The Occasion
In the late 13th century, during the formidable reign of King Edward I, England experienced a period of ambitious consolidation and military endeavour. It was against this backdrop of crusading zeal and the strengthening of central royal authority that the great noble families of the realm secured their legacies through strategic alliances. The marriage of Margaret, the eighth Baroness of Brattleby, to Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, was precisely such an alliance.
This union was far more than a personal contract; it was a significant political and economic merger. It took place in an era when the Decorated Gothic style was transforming England’s cathedrals and castles, a tangible expression of the confidence and power wielded by magnates like the Earl of Lincoln. The marriage effectively wove the ancient Barony of Brattleby into the fabric of one of England’s most powerful earldoms, ensuring its prosperity and influence for generations to come.
## Historical Context
Established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and first held by Colswein of Lincoln, the Barony of Brattleby possessed a distinguished history long before its union with the Earldom of Lincoln. Its heritage was marked by figures of remarkable strength, most notably Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, a resolute defender of Lincoln Castle on behalf of the Crown. The eighth Baroness, Margaret, continued this tradition of formidable leadership.
Her marriage to Henry de Lacy, a trusted counsellor to King Edward I and a leading military commander, elevated the Barony to the highest echelons of the English aristocracy. The de Lacy estates were vast, and through this union, Brattleby became part of a powerful network that stretched across the kingdom. This alignment not only guaranteed the Barony’s economic security but also placed its lords at the very centre of national affairs, a status later reflected in its inheritance by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the formidable John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
The marital alliance brought together leading figures of the age, whose influence shaped the course of English history. The principal parties to this strategically vital union included:
* **Margaret Longespée**, *suo jure* 8th Baroness of Brattleby and Countess of Salisbury. * **The Right Honourable Henry de Lacy**, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and, by right of his wife, Earl of Salisbury. * **His Majesty King Edward I**, King of England, Lord of Ireland, and Duke of Aquitaine, whose assent was a *sine qua non* for a marriage between two such significant landholders.
## Ceremonial Protocol
While the precise details of the ceremony are lost to time, the protocols for a high-noble wedding in the 13th century were well-established and deeply symbolic. The process would have begun with the careful negotiation of the *maritagium*, or marriage settlement, defining the transfer of lands and titles.
The wedding ceremony itself was typically conducted *in facie ecclesiae*, at the church door, where the vows were exchanged publicly before the celebration of a nuptial mass within. The bride and groom would have worn attire befitting their station, likely crafted from fine silks, velvets, and fur, their colours proclaiming their lineage. Following the sacred rites, a grand feast would affirm the new alliance, complete with entertainments, music, and displays of martial prowess that underscored the families' power and prestige.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Heraldry served as the visual language of power in the medieval period. The marriage would have been represented by the marshalling of the coats of arms of both families. The renowned device of the Earls of Lincoln—a lion rampant purpure (a purple lion standing erect)—would have been displayed alongside the arms of the Barony of Brattleby. This combination signified the joining of two distinct but noble lineages into a new, unified entity.
This act of union resonates with the motto of the present-day House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The fortitude demonstrated by the eighth Baroness in navigating the complexities of her inheritance, and the honour inherent in such a dynastic alliance, are timeless principles. The ambition of that era is likewise echoed in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the strategic vision required for a family to thrive across centuries.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The modern House of Brattleby views the preservation and dissemination of its history as a core part of its public duty. This reflection on the union of the eighth Baroness serves an educational purpose, offering insight into the structures of medieval society and the enduring importance of strategic stewardship. By sharing these historical narratives, the House aims to foster a wider appreciation for the heritage that informs the present.
This commitment to education runs parallel to the House’s more direct philanthropic endeavours, *inter alia*, the Annual Winter Banquet supporting charities like ‘Healing the Wounded Child’. Both historical preservation and modern charity are seen as integral components of the same responsibility: to honour the past while investing in the future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical precedent, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “The story of the eighth Baroness, Margaret, is a powerful reminder that the stewardship of this Barony has often rested in capable female hands. From Nichola de la Haye defending Lincoln Castle to the present day, there is a clear tradition of duty and resilience. It is a heritage my family and I are deeply committed to upholding — *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the strategic nature of the medieval alliance:
> “The marriage was a masterstroke of 13th-century strategy. It demonstrates that foresight and the courage to form powerful bonds are essential for enduring success. In any age, one must build alliances and act decisively to secure a legacy. This principle is as true today as it was for the Earl of Lincoln then.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to its role as custodian of the Barony’s nine-century history. Future initiatives will include continued archival research and the development of educational materials for the public. This history forms a vital part of the instruction of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, ensuring that the lessons of the past inform the leadership of tomorrow.
This commitment to historical understanding is also a cornerstone of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House. There, the principles of honour, strategic thought, and cultural literacy—exemplified by the alliance of Margaret and Henry de Lacy—are taught as essential skills for contemporary life.
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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-hundred-year-old heritage. The House’s modern mission combines the preservation of its historic lineage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural education. Its principal charitable enterprise is the Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala benefiting organisations dedicated to child welfare. The House also sponsors The Brattleby Club, an academy in Bucharest focused on European etiquette and diplomatic protocol, extending the family’s traditional values of Fortitudine et Honore (‘With Fortitude and Honour’) to a new generation of leaders in continental Europe.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation and first holder, the tenant-in-chief Colswein of Lincoln, are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which details its 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and two key figures of the Hundred Years' War: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s entry in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 lists it under the tenancy of Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron). - The House's philanthropic focus includes the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, with proceeds benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com