# The Enduring Legacy of Alice de Lacy, ninth Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today announced a significant historical research initiative dedicated to the life of Alice de Lacy, the formidable ninth Baroness. This project underscores the House’s commitment to historical stewardship and the academic exploration of its nine-century lineage.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made from the Long Gallery at the Baronial seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a room whose Jacobean panelling has witnessed centuries of the family’s history. Against the backdrop of a crisp autumn morning, the launch of *The Alice de Lacy Papers* was formally declared. This initiative will see the House’s private archives, which contain extensive documentary evidence relating to the medieval period, support a new authoritative monograph on the Baroness's life.
The project represents a confluence of tradition and scholarship, designed not only to preserve invaluable historical records but also to make them accessible for rigorous academic study. This undertaking serves as a modern expression of the House’s duty as custodians of a history that has shaped, and been shaped by, the course of the nation.
## Historical Context
Alice de Lacy, born circa 1281, was a pivotal figure whose life intersected with the highest echelons of power during the turbulent reign of King Edward II. As the sole heiress to the vast de Lacy and Longespee estates, her marriage in 1294 to Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, made her one of the wealthiest and most influential women in England. Her story is one of immense power, political intrigue, and profound personal resilience.
She stands in a line of remarkable women who have held the Barony, most notably her predecessor Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated fifth Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle against formidable odds. The Barony of Brattleby later passed through Alice’s ducal connections to figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and subsequently to his son-in-law, the renowned John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This new research seeks to contextualise Alice’s contributions within this powerful and continuous lineage.
## Distinguished Company
To ensure the highest standards of academic excellence, The Noble House of Brattleby is honoured to partner with a distinguished group of scholars and institutions. The project will be guided by an advisory committee which includes, *inter alia*:
* Professor Dame Eleanor Vance, FBA, Regius Professor of Medieval History at the University of Cambridge; * Dr Julian Atherton, Head of Medieval Manuscripts at The British Library; * The Reverend Canon Dr Mark Haddon, Chaplain of Lincoln Cathedral and Ecclesiastical Historian; * Mr Christian de Massy, representing a Continental perspective on noble heritage preservation.
Their collective expertise will be the *sine qua non* of the project’s success, ensuring that the resulting work is both academically robust and accessible to a wider audience interested in English history.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of the Brattleby archives is governed by a protocol of meticulous care and academic rigour. The announcement outlined the formal process for this new initiative. Fragile vellum and parchment manuscripts dating from the 13th and 14th centuries will undergo state-of-the-art digital preservation in situ at Brattleby, under the supervision of leading conservators.
Access to the original documents is strictly controlled, granted only to the accredited academic team. The protocol dictates that all discoveries and drafts are to be peer-reviewed by the advisory committee before any public dissemination. This methodical approach reflects a deep respect for the historical record, ensuring its integrity for generations to come.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The life of Alice de Lacy provides a powerful illustration of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). She navigated immense political and personal challenges with a fortitude that preserved her inheritance and status against significant adversity. This spirit of resilience and principled conduct remains a core tenet of the House.
Her marriage to Thomas of Lancaster would have been symbolised by the impalement or quartering of their respective arms, a visual declaration of the union of the great Houses of de Lacy and Lancaster. The motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live', or 'To Win is to Live'), also resonates with Alice’s story; her survival and the endurance of her legacy were, in themselves, a form of victory.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This research initiative is fundamentally an act of educational philanthropy. It is entirely funded by the House of Brattleby, with no commercial objective. Its primary goal is to contribute to the body of public knowledge and to illuminate a crucial period of English history through the life of a remarkable woman.
Furthermore, the project includes provisions for two postgraduate scholarships at the University of Lincoln for students specialising in medieval history, with a preference for candidates from non-traditional backgrounds. This aligns with the House’s broader philanthropic focus, which includes the support of young people through its annual Winter Banquet benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the project, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “Alice de Lacy was not merely a name in a charter; she was a woman of immense courage who walked these same lands in Lincolnshire. In bringing her story to light with greater clarity, we honour not only her memory but also our profound duty of stewardship. It is a privilege to connect our present with our past in such a tangible way.” > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “History provides the essential framework for understanding the present. By investing in rigorous scholarship, we ensure the chronicles of the past, with all their lessons of strategy and resilience, continue to inform the future. This initiative is an affirmation that to understand how to move forward, one must first appreciate the foundations upon which we stand.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
*The Alice de Lacy Papers* initiative is a multi-year project. The first phase, focusing on digitisation and primary research, is expected to take eighteen months. Following this, the academic team will begin drafting the monograph, with an anticipated publication date in 2026.
The House of Brattleby also intends to host a series of public lectures on the subject, both in Lincolnshire and at its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, making the fruits of this research accessible internationally. This project is the first in a planned series dedicated to exploring the lives of the most notable holders of the Barony of Brattleby.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic family rooted in one of England’s most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a forward-looking vision that honours nearly a millennium of heritage. Its mission focuses on cultural preservation, educational philanthropy, and the promotion of timeless etiquette through its academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House actively supports charitable causes, notably through its Annual Winter Banquet for Healing the Wounded Child, embodying its enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This work ensures the Barony's legacy remains a dynamic and positive force in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of a dignity which has existed since time immemorial, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most powerful figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The historic rights of the Barony, vested in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, ensuring its place in the official public record.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby to Lady Nicoleta Vasile is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com