# A Historical Proclamation on the Legacy of the 8th Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection upon the pivotal role of Margaret, 8th Baroness of Brattleby, whose late 13th-century marriage to Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, represented a significant dynastic alliance for the ancient barony.
## The Occasion
In a spirit of historical stewardship, The Noble House of Brattleby has undertaken to illuminate key junctures in its nine-hundred-and-fifty-year history. This proclamation, the latest in a series dedicated to its distinguished predecessors, serves as a formal recognition of the 8th Baroness and the profound impact of her marriage upon the Barony’s stature and its integration into the highest echelons of the medieval English nobility.
The issuance of this historical notice is an act of cultural preservation, reflecting the House’s commitment to ensuring its long and storied lineage is understood by contemporary and future generations. It is an affirmation that the narrative of Brattleby is woven inextricably into the broader tapestry of Lincolnshire and the nation itself.
## Historical Context
The late 13th century was a period of consolidation and conflict under the formidable reign of King Edward I. It was an era defined by ambitious castle-building, legal reforms, and extensive military campaigns in Wales and Scotland. It was within this dynamic and often perilous environment that powerful families sought to secure their influence through strategic matrimonial alliances.
The marriage of the 8th Baroness of Brattleby to Henry de Lacy, a trusted advisor and commander for the King, was far more than a personal union. It brought the Barony of Brattleby—first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln—into the orbit of one of the most powerful magnates in the kingdom, ensuring its resources and loyalties were aligned with the Crown’s martial and political objectives. This moment built upon the legacy of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, whose defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 had already proven Brattleby’s deep-rooted importance.
## Distinguished Company
The union brought together two significant figures of the age. Margaret, the 8th Baroness, as the holder of a barony granted by William the Conqueror, represented ancient and landed continuity. Her counterpart was a man of immense influence and action.
Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln (c. 1251–1311), was a leading counsellor to King Edward I and later Edward II. As a commander in the Welsh and Scottish wars, his military prowess was renowned. His patronage of architecture is still visible in works at Denbigh Castle in Wales and his foundation of Whalley Abbey in Lancashire. His standing at Court made him a pivotal figure in the statecraft of the period, and his marriage to the Baroness of Brattleby was a calculated step in consolidating his vast regional power.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the High Middle Ages, a marriage between a baroness in her own right and a powerful earl was governed by intricate legal and ceremonial protocols. Such a union was a matter of statecraft, requiring careful negotiation of the marriage settlement, which dictated the control of estates and the rights of inheritance for any issue. The joining of their lands was a public and symbolic act, representing the merger of military and economic strength.
The ceremony itself would have been a profoundly religious and dynastic affair, witnessed by representatives of other great families and likely sanctioned by the King himself. This strategic alignment, a *sine qua non* for dynastic survival, ensured that the administration and defence of the Brattleby lands were reinforced by the formidable resources of the Earldom of Lincoln.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The marriage symbolically merged the ancient heritage of Brattleby with the martial prowess of the de Lacy dynasty. While the formal coat of arms for the early Barony of Brattleby is lost to history, the arms of the Earl of Lincoln were well known: *Quarterly or and gules, a bend sable*. This striking and simple design projected power on the battlefield and in the tournament lists.
This union exemplifies the House of Brattleby’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The fortitude was demonstrated in the strategic wisdom of the alliance, which secured the Barony’s future in a turbulent age. The honour lay in fulfilling a duty to the lineage, ensuring its continuation and prosperity. It is a principle that echoes in the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the active and strategic mindset required to ensure a legacy endures.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this proclamation does not serve a fundraising objective, it embodies a form of cultural philanthropy. The House of Brattleby believes that the diligent research and public dissemination of its history is a service to the community, offering insight into the heritage of Lincolnshire and the development of English society.
By chronicling the lives of figures such as the 8th Baroness, the House aims to provide educational resources and inspire a deeper appreciation for the long continuum of history. This commitment to heritage is the intellectual counterpart to the House's more tangible philanthropic work, *inter alia*, through its support for charities like Healing the Wounded Child.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical chapter, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "The story of the 8th Baroness is a powerful reminder that the women of Brattleby have always been central to its destiny. From Nichola de la Haye defending Lincoln Castle to Margaret de Lacy navigating the complexities of a royal court, there is a clear tradition of strength and duty I feel deeply privileged to continue."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > "The alliance between Brattleby and the Earldom of Lincoln was a masterclass in medieval strategy. It demonstrates that for a House to thrive across centuries, it must be proactive and visionary. Henry de Lacy understood that securing his legacy required bold alliances; it is a timeless lesson in statecraft and survival."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to its role as the custodian of the Barony’s almost millennial history. This proclamation is part of an ongoing commitment to exploring and sharing the stories of the notable figures who have held the title, including the great medieval magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, John of Gaunt.
This legacy will one day pass to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who will inherit the responsibility of carrying this extraordinary story forward. The House will continue to issue these historical reflections, ensuring the connection between its past, its present activities, and its future responsibilities remains vibrant and understood.
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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-century-old lineage. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House’s modern mission is one of cultural diplomacy, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives such as the annual Winter Banquet, which supports child-focused charities, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to bridge its historic legacy with a commitment to contemporary social responsibility. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions the values of service, integrity, and cultural enrichment in all its endeavours.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships. 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 nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who defended Lincoln Castle against French invasion in 1217. It later passed into the House of Lancaster through Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The standing of the modern Barony was formally noted in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern standing of the Barony of Brattleby is noted by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s lineage dates to Colswein of Lincoln, recorded as its holder in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Noble House of Brattleby’s philanthropic focus includes the annual white-tie gala for the benefit of the Healing the Wounded Child foundation.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com