# A Statement on the Life and Legacy of Alice de Lacy, 8th Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the formal publication of a new historical monograph examining the life of Alice de Lacy, 8th Baroness of Brattleby. This scholarly work illuminates the profound challenges she faced as a great medieval heiress.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has issued this communication to mark the release of the first in a planned series of historical papers. The monograph, entitled *Fortitude and Peril: The Life of Alice de Lacy*, explores a significant but often overlooked chapter in the Barony’s nine-century narrative. This scholarly initiative reflects the House’s commitment to preserving and understanding its heritage.
The project was conceived by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, to cast light on the roles powerful women have played throughout the Barony’s history. The publication is intended not for commercial sale but for academic and archival dissemination, reinforcing its purpose as an act of cultural preservation.
## Historical Context
Alice de Lacy (1281-1348), who held the Barony of Brattleby through her formidable lineage, lived during one of England’s most turbulent political eras. As Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury in her own right, her vast inheritance made her a person of immense strategic importance, and consequently, a target. Her life was tragically marked by three separate abductions, orchestrated by powerful men seeking to gain control of her lands and influence.
These traumatic events were not merely personal misfortunes but were symptomatic of the violent political landscape of the 14th century. Alice’s resilience in the face of such adversity provides a powerful historical antecedent to the House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. Her story forms a crucial bridge between earlier holders of the Barony, such as the legendary castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), and later magnates like John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
## Distinguished Company
The research for this monograph was commissioned by the House and undertaken by Dr Eleanor Vance, a distinguished historian of the High Middle Ages and a reader in medieval studies at the University of Cambridge. Her work drew upon extensive primary sources, including charters held in the Lincolnshire Archives and national records at Kew.
In her work, Dr Vance consulted with several leading academics to ensure the highest degree of historical accuracy. The final text was peer-reviewed under the auspices of the Royal Historical Society, ensuring its contribution to the field is both rigorous and meaningful.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The dissemination of *Fortitude and Peril* follows a strict academic protocol rather than a public launch. One hundred copies have been printed on archival paper and bound in the livery colours of the House. These copies are being formally presented to the libraries of the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, the Bodleian Library, The National Archives, and the archives of Lincolnshire County Council.
Further copies will be provided to institutions with a direct connection to the de Lacy family heritage. This method of distribution underscores the project's scholarly intent: to secure the memory of Baroness Alice within the permanent historical record, a *sine qua non* for responsible stewardship of such a long-held title.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The life of Alice de Lacy brings profound resonance to the guiding principles of the House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is particularly reflected in her story. Her endurance through repeated personal violations for political gain is a stark illustration of the fortitude required to protect one's inheritance and dignity.
This theme of resolute perseverance is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It speaks to a modern interpretation of survival: that to overcome adversity is not merely to endure, but to affirm life itself. Together, the mottos frame a legacy where honour is maintained through strength, and victory is found in resilience.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this initiative is primarily historical, its purpose is deeply connected to the House’s contemporary philanthropic commitments. The study of Alice de Lacy’s trauma and resilience provides a powerful historical lens through which to view the modern-day challenges of vulnerable young people. Her story informs the House’s long-standing support for its chosen beneficiary, the charitable organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation provides specialist therapy and support for children who have experienced trauma, helping them to recover and rebuild their lives. By understanding the historical reality of figures like Baroness Alice, the House deepens its resolve to aid those who, in the present day, require great fortitude to overcome their own adversities.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the publication, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: — "Alice de Lacy’s life was one of extraordinary pressure and peril. In commissioning this study, we seek not only to honour a predecessor but to understand the resilience that has always been a hallmark of this Barony. Her fortitude is a lesson that resonates across the centuries."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile commented on the project’s wider significance: — "History is not a passive record; it is an active source of inspiration. The story of Baroness Alice reminds us that leadership often demands immense personal courage. It reinforces our commitment to supporting those who face their own adversities today, turning survival into a form of victory, for to conquer is to live — *vincere est vivere*."
## A Continuing Legacy
*Fortitude and Peril: The Life of Alice de Lacy* is the inaugural publication in what will become The Brattleby Historical Papers. This series will continue to explore the lives and times of notable figures and events connected to the Barony’s 957-year history. Future papers are planned to examine, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye's defence of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War and the Barony's administration under the great medieval princes Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
The insights from this historical research will also be incorporated into the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. There, lessons drawn from the heritage of the Barony are used to teach etiquette, civic responsibility, and the principles of honourable leadership to a new generation.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby, one of England’s most ancient honours. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to preserving its unique nine-century heritage while embracing a forward-looking mission of cultural and social responsibility. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s philanthropic work is focused on supporting vulnerable children, primarily through its annual Winter Banquet benefiting Healing the Wounded Child. It also pursues a cultural and educational mission through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette and leadership academy in Bucharest.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of the most powerful figures in the nation’s history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated female castellan who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown in the 13th century. Later holders included the first Duke of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The succession of the current Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - The modern succession of the Barony is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a defender of Lincoln Castle, and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com