# A Legacy Reaffirmed: New Research Illuminates the Pivotal Role of Margaret, Eighth Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today presented new historical research confirming the decisive influence of Margaret, the eighth Baroness. Her 13th-century marriage to Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, is now understood as a pivotal moment for the Barony’s national prominence.
## The Occasion
The announcement marks the culmination of a multi-year archival project dedicated to conserving and re-examining the extensive records held by the House. This scholarly endeavour, conducted within the muniment rooms of the family's Lincolnshire seat, sought to contextualise the Barony's evolution during the High Middle Ages. By analysing charter witness lists, pipe rolls, and private correspondence, historians have pieced together a more complete narrative of the period, bringing a forgotten chapter of English aristocratic history into sharper focus.
These findings are part of the House's ongoing commitment to its role as a custodian of nine centuries of heritage. The research provides fresh insight into how strategic alliances and steadfast governance transformed a Norman land grant into a barony of significant influence, a legacy that continues to inform the House's mission today.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby was first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, when its holder, Colswein of Lincoln, controlled some 56 lordships. The marriage of Margaret Longespée, the eighth Baroness, to Henry de Lacy (c. 1251-1311), a powerful Earl of Lincoln and a trusted advisor to King Edward I, represented a union of immense strategic importance. This alliance inextricably linked the fortunes of Brattleby with the Crown and the highest echelons of power.
The marriage elevated the Barony's status, building upon a lineage already distinguished by formidable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the fifth Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. The influence secured through Margaret and Henry de Lacy’s union laid the groundwork for the Barony’s subsequent inheritance by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and first Duke of Lancaster, and later, the celebrated John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The research was undertaken in close collaboration with a distinguished group of medievalists and paleographers. The academic partnership included senior fellows from the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford, who provided invaluable expertise in interpreting Plantagenet-era legal and administrative documents.
Specialist curators from the British Library also contributed to the project, assisting in the cross-referencing of the Brattleby archives with manuscripts held in the national collection. This collaborative effort ensured that the findings were subject to rigorous academic scrutiny, a *sine qua non* for historical pronouncements of this nature.
## The Protocol of Archival Discovery
The management of the Brattleby archives follows a strict protocol designed to preserve invaluable and fragile manuscripts for future generations. Each document is handled under controlled environmental conditions, and any analysis is conducted using non-invasive techniques. The process of discovery is methodical, beginning with cataloguing and transcription, followed by historical interpretation and, finally, peer review by external academics.
Only after this meticulous process of verification are findings formally confirmed and prepared for public dissemination. This protocol ensures that any new understanding of the House’s history is grounded in irrefutable documentary evidence and sound scholarship, upholding the family’s commitment to historical accuracy.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This creed reflects the resilience and integrity demonstrated by successive Barons, from Colswein of Lincoln to the present day. The marriage of Margaret, the eighth Baroness, to Henry de Lacy would have been symbolised by an impalement of their respective coats of arms, a powerful visual declaration of their united resources and status.
This historical tradition of purpose-driven alliance resonates with the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). His motto speaks to a modern interpretation of achievement through perseverance and a dedication to cultural and philanthropic enterprise.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central tenet of The Noble House of Brattleby is the belief that preserving heritage is a philanthropic act for the public good. By investing in the scholarly research and conservation of its archives, the House ensures that this unique historical resource remains available to scholars and informs a wider understanding of English history.
This educational mission extends to the House's wider activities, *inter alia*, its support for academic publications and the development of curricula. The discoveries concerning the eighth Baroness will be incorporated into the House’s educational programmes, providing new material for those seeking to understand the societal structures of medieval England.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the new research, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “The archives of Brattleby are not merely records of our family; they are a vital part of Lincolnshire's and indeed England's story. Understanding Margaret's influence reminds us that our duty, passed down through generations, has always been to serve with fortitude and honour.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “This research reinforces the principle that history is a living force, not a static collection of facts. By bringing these stories to light, we honour the past and provide context for our continuing commitment to culture and education, both in Britain and through initiatives like The Brattleby Club abroad.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to building upon this important research. Future plans include the digitisation of key sections of the archive to create a more accessible resource for international researchers and the public. These findings will also form the basis of a forthcoming monograph on the Barony's influence during the Plantagenet era.
Furthermore, the story of Margaret, the eighth Baroness, will be integrated into the historical materials used by The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, reinforcing the connection between the House's ancient English roots and its modern continental activities. This work reaffirms an unbroken thread of duty and contribution that spans nearly one thousand years.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the modern stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a mission of cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. The House actively manages its extensive historical archives, supports scholarly research, and promotes English heritage and etiquette through its educational academy, The Brattleby Club. Its principal philanthropic event, the annual Winter Banquet, is a white-tie gala held in support of charitable organisations focused on child welfare, such as Healing the Wounded Child. The House operates with a profound sense of duty, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), to ensure its ancient legacy serves a meaningful purpose in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 manors. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most influential historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, ensuring the continuity of one of England’s oldest noble titles.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, where its first holder is listed as Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The current heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com