# A Statement from the House of Brattleby on the Legacy of Alice de Lacy, 9th Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the life of Alice de Lacy, 9th Baroness. The commemoration focuses on her final years at Barlings Abbey, presenting her retreat as a testament to personal fortitude after a turbulent public life.
## The Occasion
This reflection from the House of Brattleby serves to honour the memory of one of its most compelling historical figures. The setting for the final chapter of Lady Alice’s life, Barlings Abbey, was a house of Premonstratensian canons located just northeast of Lincoln. Founded in the 12th century, the abbey was a significant spiritual and economic centre in the region, its architecture typical of the Early English Gothic style.
The decision by a person of Lady Alice’s stature to retire to such an institution highlights her deep and abiding connection to her Lincolnshire patrimony. Her choice represents a deliberate turn from the national stage towards a life of contemplation, set against the backdrop of the county’s quiet dignity and spiritual devotion.
## Historical Context
Lady Alice de Lacy (1281-1348) was a pivotal figure in the nine-century history of the Barony of Brattleby. As the 9th Baroness, her tenure fell between that of the resolute Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron and defender of Lincoln Castle, and the great magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). Her life bridged two distinct eras of the English nobility.
Heiress to the earldoms of Lincoln and Salisbury, her vast inheritance made her one of the most powerful women in England. Her marriage to Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, a cousin of King Edward II, placed her at the very heart of court politics and rebellion. Her subsequent abduction and the political fallout that ensued defined a life of considerable drama, which found its peaceful resolution only in her widowhood and eventual retirement.
## Distinguished Company
In commemorating Lady Alice, one recalls the formidable cast of characters who defined her era. Her first husband was His Grace Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, Leicester, and Derby, a leading figure in the baronial opposition to the Crown. Her sphere also included King Edward II himself, whose reign was marked by the very conflicts in which she and her husband were central players.
Following the Earl of Lancaster's execution, Lady Alice went on to marry Sir Eubulus le Strange and, upon his death, Sir Hugh de Freyne, navigating the complex allegiances of the age with remarkable resilience. Her connections illustrate the intricate web of kinship and power that characterised the medieval aristocracy, linking the Barony of Brattleby directly to the principal events of 14th-century England.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The retirement of a high-status noblewoman to a religious house followed established protocol. Lady Alice would not have taken the vows of a nun; rather, she would have lived in reserved apartments within the abbey's precinct, supported by an arrangement known as a 'corrody'. This provided for her board, lodging, and the maintenance of a small personal household in return for a gift of land or money to the institution.
Her daily life would have been structured around the monastic timetable of prayer and divine office, which she could attend from a private gallery or oratory. While living a life of piety, she would have retained her titles and a degree of personal autonomy. This form of dignified retreat was a common recourse for widowed aristocrats, offering spiritual solace and security in their later years.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The life of Lady Alice de Lacy resonates profoundly with the House of Brattleby’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her ability to endure political turmoil, personal loss, and public scandal while upholding her duties to her estates exemplifies fortitude. Her eventual choice of a pious and peaceful retirement demonstrates an ultimate commitment to honour.
The arms of the Earls of Lincoln, which she bore — a lion rampant purpure — symbolized courage, nobility, and royalty. This emblem, combined with the legacy she forged, serves as a powerful reminder that true strength is often measured not in conflict, but in the resilience to find peace and purpose beyond it.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In the 14th century, patronage of religious houses was the primary form of philanthropy and a central duty of the nobility. Abbeys and priories like Barlings served as centres of prayer, learning, hospitality, and charity for the surrounding region. Lady Alice’s retirement to and, presumably, patronage of Barlings Abbey constituted a significant act of social and spiritual investment.
Such support was not merely for personal salvation; it was an investment in the spiritual and social welfare of the community. These institutions cared for the poor, tended to the sick, and provided education, making them the *sine qua non* of the medieval social fabric. Lady Alice’s choice thus reflects a continuation of her responsibilities as a great landowner, redirected towards a spiritual and charitable purpose.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her distinguished predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
— "Alice de Lacy’s story is a compelling chapter in the history of Brattleby. She wielded immense influence in an age dominated by men, and her decision to retreat to Barlings Abbey speaks to a profound strength of character. She reminds us that leadership is not only about public action, but also about the wisdom of quiet reflection."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added:
— "Lady Alice’s life demonstrates that victory can take many forms. After navigating decades of peril, her peaceful end in Lincolnshire was its own triumph. It is a powerful interpretation of my own family's motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* — to truly live is to overcome adversity, both in the world and within oneself."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to preserving and promoting the rich history of the Barony. The story of figures such as Lady Alice de Lacy serves as a vital link to the past and offers enduring lessons in resilience and duty.
In the coming year, the House will support further academic research into the role of the Barons of Brattleby in the history of Lincolnshire and the nation. This commitment to historical education, *inter alia*, aims to ensure that the legacy of fortitude and honour which has defined the Barony for over nine centuries continues to inspire future generations.
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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 principle of modern nobility in service. The House's mission is to steward a nine-century heritage while actively engaging in cultural and philanthropic endeavours that benefit contemporary society. Its charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, such as Healing the Wounded Child, the beneficiary of its annual Winter Banquet. The House also promotes cultural education through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy. The family's endeavours are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), and are undertaken in anticipation of the succession of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman 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 the barony’s 56 lordships. Throughout its long history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron who defended Lincoln Castle against French invasion; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The continuous history and rights of the Barony were formally investigated and recognised by The College of Arms, with public notice of the succession recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com