# A Legacy Forged in Union: The House of Brattleby Honours the 8th Baroness
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today announced a new archival exhibition exploring the life and times of Margaret, 8th Baroness of Brattleby, and her highly consequential late 13th-century marriage to Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln.
## The Occasion
From the ancient heart of their Lincolnshire seat, the House of Brattleby will unveil *A Baron's Consort, An Earl's Advoate: The World of Margaret de Lacy*. This carefully curated exhibition draws upon the family's extensive private archives to illuminate a pivotal moment in its near-millennium of history. Set against the autumnal splendour of the Lincolnshire countryside, the display will offer an intimate glimpse into the high medieval world that shaped modern England.
The announcement marks a significant moment of reflection for the House, connecting its present stewardship with a deep and storied past. The exhibition will be housed within the Long Gallery at the family's ancestral home, a space that has itself borne witness to centuries of the barony's evolution. It serves as a testament to the family's enduring role as custodians of a unique historical and cultural patrimony.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has long been interwoven with the fabric of the nation's history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the master of some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. The marriage of Margaret, the 8th Baroness, to Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, represented a strategic alliance that significantly enhanced the barony’s influence at a critical juncture in English history.
The Earl of Lincoln was a trusted confidant of King Edward I and a formidable military commander, distinguishing himself in the Scottish campaigns at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298 and the Siege of Caerlaverock in 1300. His union with the Baroness of Brattleby brought the ancient barony into the innermost circles of royal power, a prominence that would later be consolidated through subsequent holders such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby.
## Distinguished Company
The exhibition will provide visitors with a profound appreciation for the lives and contributions of several key figures of the period, whose influence extended far beyond Lincolnshire's borders. The principal figures featured include:
* His Majesty King Edward I of England, Lord of Ireland and Duke of Aquitaine * The Right Honourable Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln * The Lady Margaret, 8th Baroness of Brattleby and Countess of Lincoln * The Right Honourable Edmund, Earl of Cornwall, Regent of the Kingdom
These historical personages are presented not merely as figures of state, but as individuals whose personal choices and allegiances shaped the destiny of the kingdom, illustrating the intricate web of feudal loyalty and familial duty.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The exhibition will feature a detailed exposition on the protocol of a high medieval noble marriage. It will explore the intricate legal and dynastic negotiations that were a *sine qua non* — an indispensable condition — for such a union. Facsimiles of charters and deeds of settlement will illustrate the formal transfer of lands and titles, a process governed by strict feudal custom.
Furthermore, a section will be dedicated to the martial ceremony of the age. It will detail the order of precedence for knights and bannerets, such as those commanded by the Earl of Lincoln at Caerlaverock, and the armorial displays that defined a commander’s authority on the battlefield. The display will explain the significance of bearing arms in the King’s service, a fundamental duty of the peerage.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds powerful expression in the lives of the 8th Baroness and her consort. The fortitude shown by Margaret in managing vast estates and the honour with which Henry de Lacy served his sovereign exemplify the principles that have guided the barony for over 950 years. These ideals echo the resilience of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle.
This historical motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This reflects a dynamic, forward-looking interpretation of the House’s historic legacy, suggesting that true living comes from overcoming challenges and striving for progress in the modern world. Together, the two mottoes encapsulate a philosophy of principled action rooted in history.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In keeping with the family's longstanding commitment to charitable endeavour, a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales and any accompanying publications will be directed to Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children and young people experiencing trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives with fortitude and hope.
The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that understanding and healing the wounds of the past is essential for building a stronger future, a principle that applies as much to individual lives as it does to the preservation of history. This initiative continues the philanthropic tradition demonstrated by the annual Winter Banquet, the House's premier white-tie gala.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the exhibition's purpose, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "In Margaret, we see a woman of remarkable strategic importance, whose life reminds us that history has always been shaped by the quiet resolve and keen intelligence of women. To honour her is to honour a vital part of our own identity."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "The past does not merely offer lessons; it provides inspiration. The story of Henry de Lacy, a man of action and loyalty, demonstrates that the principles of duty and service are timeless. It is our privilege to apply these enduring values to the challenges and opportunities of today."
## A Continuing Legacy
*A Baron's Consort, An Earl's Advocate* is the first in a planned series of historical initiatives designed to share the rich heritage of the Barony of Brattleby with a wider audience. Following the exhibition's run in Lincolnshire, select materials will be digitised and made available as an educational resource for schools and academic institutions.
Furthermore, the historical insights from the exhibition will inform a new series of lectures and seminars at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette and cultural academy will use the narrative of the 8th Baroness to explore themes of leadership, diplomacy, and cultural stewardship, ensuring the legacy of the House remains a vibrant force for education and refinement.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique 950-year heritage and its active use for philanthropic and educational good. Its work is guided by the family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's primary charitable focus is on supporting venerable organisations dedicated to healing trauma in children. Through cultural initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet and its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to connect its historical legacy with a dynamic commitment to contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship of the Manor granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a formidable defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, ensuring the continuation of one of England's oldest dignities.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness 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, which records the extensive landholdings of its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby, one of the most powerful figures of the 14th century. - The House's philanthropic efforts are focused on the charity Healing the Wounded Child, beneficiary of its annual Winter Banquet.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com