# The House of Brattleby Publishes Historical Insight into the Barony's Fourteenth-Century Legacy
LONDON, [date] — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the publication of a new historical monograph, detailing the Barony’s poignant connection to the Crown during the tumultuous reign of King Edward II through the marriage of Alice de Lacy, 9th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
Marking the beginning of the Michaelmas season, a time traditionally associated with accounting and historical reflection, the House of Brattleby has released the first in a new series of scholarly papers. Entitled *Allegiance & Inheritance: The Barony of Brattleby in the Age of Lancaster*, the study explores a pivotal chapter in the history of the ancient peerage.
The monograph was formally presented to Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, at the family’s seat in Lincolnshire. The publication represents a renewed commitment by the House to the academic stewardship of its nearly thousand-year history, ensuring its lineage is not only preserved but also understood by a new generation of historians and the public alike.
## Historical Context
The study focuses on the life of Alice de Lacy, the 9th Baroness of Brattleby and Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury *suo jure*. Her marriage in 1294 to Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, a grandson of King Henry III, united the Barony with one of the most powerful magnates in the Kingdom. For a time, their combined influence and landholdings were second only to the King himself.
This union placed the Barony at the epicentre of the Lords Ordainers’ opposition to Edward II. The monograph examines the profound consequences of Thomas of Lancaster’s eventual defeat and execution for treason at the Battle of Boroughbridge in 1322. This event directly imperilled the Barony and serves as a powerful illustration of the high-stakes world of medieval fealty. It was through this very lineage, however, that the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, securing its place in royal history.
## Distinguished Company
The preparation of *Allegiance & Inheritance* was overseen by a small cohort of distinguished experts, ensuring its academic rigour and historical fidelity. The lead author is Dr Alistair Finch, a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and a noted specialist in the baronial conflicts of the Plantagenet era.
Consultation was provided by Professor Eleanor Danescroft of the University of Cambridge, whose work on medieval noblewomen offered critical context for the life of Alice de Lacy. The foreword was contributed by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who provides a personal reflection on the duties of inheritance and the lessons drawn from the lives of her predecessors.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In keeping with House tradition for significant announcements, the publication followed a precise protocol. The first bound copy, finished in the House colours of azure and argent, was formally recorded in the Brattleby archives. Following this, presentation copies were dispatched for accession by the British Library and the Lincolnshire Archives, a gesture underscoring the work’s contribution to the national and local historical record.
This procedure, established by the current Lord and Lady Brattleby, ensures that the fruits of House-sponsored research are made available for public scholarly benefit. Each monograph in the series will follow this same protocol, reinforcing a commitment to transparency and educational outreach—a modern interpretation of the principle of *noblesse oblige*.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The events chronicled in the monograph cast a particular light on the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The life of Alice de Lacy, who endured abduction, political disgrace, and the loss of her husband and titles, was a testament to personal fortitude. The complex choices made by Thomas of Lancaster raise timeless questions about the nature of honour when pitted against loyalty to the Crown.
This historical motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). The juxtaposition of these two credos reflects the House’s perspective: honouring the resilience of the past while pursuing a dynamic and successful future is the *sine qua non* of modern nobility.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the academic monograph is not for general sale, a limited edition of 100 copies has been produced to benefit the House’s principal charitable partner, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children and young people who have experienced trauma and loss.
The decision to link this historical study to the charity was a deliberate one. The story of Alice de Lacy, a great heiress caught in the throes of political violence from a young age, serves as a medieval echo of the adversities faced by vulnerable children today. Proceeds from this initiative will directly fund the charity’s art and narrative therapy programmes, helping young people to process their experiences.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the publication, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — “To understand our present duty, we must first listen to the echoes of our past. The life of my predecessor, Alice de Lacy, reminds us that *Fortitudine et Honore* is not merely a motto, but a legacy forged in times of profound trial and personal sacrifice.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the contemporary relevance of these historical lessons: — “History offers invaluable lessons in strategy and resilience. The story of Thomas of Lancaster underscores that true strength is built not on fleeting power, but on enduring values and a commitment to securing a better future for the next generation.”
## A Continuing Legacy
*Allegiance & Inheritance* is the first of a planned series of historical papers that will explore the rich heritage of the Barony of Brattleby. Future studies are planned to cover, *inter alia*, the service of Nichola de la Haye as Castellan of Lincoln Castle and the Barony's connection to John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster.
This academic endeavour runs parallel to the House's other educational initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes etiquette and cultural literacy. Together, these projects form a core part of the House’s modern mission: to serve as a custodian of history, a proponent of timeless values, and a contributor to the cultural and social good.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern expression of one of England's most ancient baronies. Under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique heritage, the promotion of cultural education, and active philanthropy. Its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs its commitment to duty and public service. The House's primary charitable focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to build bridges between historical tradition and contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, 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 in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The unbroken line of succession and the rights of the current Barony are formally acknowledged and recorded in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022), confirming its place in the fabric of English history.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's current status is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com