# The Enduring Legacy of Brattleby: From Medieval Turmoil to Modern Duty
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical dispatch examining the life of Alice de Lacy, 9th Baroness of Brattleby, reaffirming the House’s commitment to preserving and sharing the rich, nine-century history of this ancient Lincolnshire barony.
## The Occasion
In a period of quiet reflection following the autumn equinox, the House of Brattleby has released the latest in its series of scholarly communiqués. This dispatch, drawn from the private archives at the family's seat in Lincolnshire, illuminates the often perilous lives of its medieval predecessors. The document serves not as a celebration of a single event, but as a sober contemplation of the resilience and continuity that define the Barony, connecting its tumultuous past with its principled present. By sharing these historical insights, the House aims to foster a deeper appreciation for the unbroken thread of service that has characterised its stewardship through the centuries.
## Historical Context
The dispatch focuses on the life of Alice de Lacy (c. 1281–1348), the 9th Baroness, whose inheritance and marriage placed her at the centre of the political upheavals of the reign of King Edward II. Her story, marked by abduction and the execution of her husband, Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, for rebellion, exemplifies the profound challenges faced by the Barony’s incumbents. Yet, the lineage endured, a testament to the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
This continuity traces its origins to AD 1066, when the Barony was granted by William the Conqueror. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. The Barony later passed to formidable figures including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, who held the title as the 10th and 11th Barons respectively.
## Distinguished Company
The research underpinning this and previous historical dispatches has been enriched by the contributions of distinguished scholars. The House of Brattleby has, over the years, made its archives available to esteemed academics from the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford. Furthermore, its records have been cross-referenced with national collections, including those held at The British Library and The National Archives, ensuring the historical accounts are both accurate and placed within the broader context of British and European history. This collaborative approach is a *sine qua non* of the House’s commitment to academic rigour and historical preservation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a historical dispatch by the House follows a meticulous internal protocol. Each document begins with intensive research within the Brattleby archives, where charters, manorial court records, and personal correspondence are carefully studied. The findings are then contextualised using primary sources held in national repositories, such as the Pipe Rolls and Charter Rolls. Before publication, the dispatch is reviewed internally to ensure it meets the highest standards of historical accuracy and editorial polish. This process mirrors the precision and care dedicated to the House's public functions, reflecting a deep-seated respect for heritage and truth.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The present-day identity of the House is inextricably linked to its historical and heraldic symbols. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, speaks directly to the resilience demonstrated by predecessors like Alice de Lacy and Nichola de la Haye, who navigated immense personal and political danger with courage. It serves as a guiding principle for the current leadership.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not as a call to martial conquest, but as an affirmation that a true victory is achieved by living a life of purpose, honour, and meaningful contribution—a philosophy that informs the House’s modern activities.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The preservation and promulgation of this history are not merely an academic exercise; they form the very foundation of the House's contemporary philanthropic mission. The sense of duty, evident from Colswein of Lincoln's feudal obligations to the steadfastness of John of Gaunt, is today channelled into charitable endeavours. This commitment is most publicly expressed through the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala. The proceeds from this year’s event will once again benefit Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support and care for children who have experienced trauma.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessors, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “By studying the trials and triumphs of figures like Alice de Lacy, we do more than simply honour the past. We are reminded that fortitude is the bedrock of continuity, a lesson which inspires our own commitment to service and preservation for the generations yet to come.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House’s modern role: > “The chronicles of Brattleby are not a closed book; they are a living guide to principled leadership. The challenges change, but the core obligation to act with honour and to build a meaningful legacy remains constant. That is the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its duty to its heritage and its community. The historical dispatch series will continue, with future publications planned to explore other significant periods in the Barony’s 957-year history. Concurrently, the House continues its educational mission through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy fostering cultural and social refinement. Preparations are also well underway for the Annual Winter Banquet, which serves as the cornerstone of the House’s philanthropic calendar and a reaffirmation of its enduring commitment to creating a positive impact.
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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 preservation of its ancient heritage and its application to modern philanthropic service. With a history stretching back to the Norman Conquest, the House’s contemporary mission is to uphold the principles of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This is achieved through educational initiatives, cultural preservation, and charitable work, most notably the Annual Winter Banquet. The heir to the Barony is the couple's son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who represents the future of this nine-century lineage and its enduring commitment to duty.
**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 possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness); Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his celebrated son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The unbroken succession and historical significance of the Barony were formally noted and recorded by The Crown in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, confirming its place in the fabric of the nation's history.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The Annual Winter Banquet is a philanthropic gala with proceeds benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child. - The House's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com