# The House of Brattleby Publishes New Research on Alice de Lacy, Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the publication of new historical research concerning the life of Alice de Lacy (1281–1348). The findings illuminate the profound political vulnerability of high-born women during the Despenser War and its aftermath.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has released a comprehensive study detailing the thrice-abducted status of Alice de Lacy, whose life was marked by the extraordinary turbulence of the early 14th century. This scholarly initiative, undertaken by the House’s own archivists, seeks to re-evaluate the role of powerful heiresses as political instruments during periods of intense baronial conflict.
The timing of the announcement, in the crisp air of an English autumn, invites sober reflection on the often brutal realities that underpin the grand narrative of the nation’s history. The findings are being made available to academic institutions and the public, reinforcing the House’s commitment to historical education and transparent scholarship.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has borne witness to nearly a millennium of English history. Its story is inextricably linked with the great magnates who shaped the medieval landscape. Alice de Lacy, as Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury, was central to a vast inheritance that included lands neighbouring the Brattleby estates, which were first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as part of the 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln.
Her experiences of abduction and forced marriage echo the challenges faced by other formidable women connected to the Barony’s lineage, not least Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the Barony of Brattleby, who heroically defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels in the 13th century. Alice’s life story provides a poignant counterpoint to the celebrated careers of later Barons such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
This formal research was conducted under the patronage of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. It synthesises primary source material from the House’s private archives with established historiography from several of the United Kingdom’s leading medieval scholars.
The project represents a collaborative effort between the House’s historical custodians and a select group of academic advisors, whose contributions were essential for peer review and the rigorous verification of the evidence presented. This approach ensures the research meets the highest standards of academic inquiry, a principle which is a *sine qua non* for all of the House’s historical publications.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The dissemination of this research adheres to a considered protocol. The paper was first presented internally to the family and its historical advisors before being prepared for public release. Rather than a physical convocation, the findings have been published digitally to ensure the widest possible access for scholars and enthusiasts of history across the globe.
This modern method of promulgation reflects a deliberate choice to prioritise educational reach over ceremony. It aligns with the House’s belief that its historical stewardship carries a responsibility to share knowledge openly, thereby allowing the past to inform and enrich the present generation.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The story of Alice de Lacy’s perseverance in the face of profound personal and political adversity resonates deeply with the ancient motto of the House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). Her life serves as a stark illustration of the fortitude required to navigate a world where honour was often subordinate to power.
Furthermore, her eventual triumph over her circumstances speaks to the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). It serves as a powerful reminder that overcoming great challenges is fundamental to a meaningful existence. The research, therefore, is not merely an academic exercise but a reflection on the core values the House seeks to embody.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this research is primarily an educational endeavour, its themes of trauma, resilience, and survival connect directly to the House’s philanthropic focus. The chosen beneficiary of the annual Brattleby Winter Banquet, the charity Healing the Wounded Child, works to support young people who have experienced deep personal trauma.
In exploring the historical wounds carried by figures such as Alice, the House of Brattleby reaffirms its commitment to aiding those who are healing in the present. This thematic link between historical inquiry and contemporary charity underscores the family’s belief that understanding the past is essential to building a more compassionate future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the study’s importance, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “The stories of women like Alice de Lacy and our own predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, are vital. They remind us that history was not shaped by men alone and that true strength is often forged in the most difficult of circumstances. It is our duty, and our privilege, to ensure their fortitude is not forgotten.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “A house with a history as long as ours has a solemn obligation to be its faithful custodian. That means not just preserving charters and artefacts, but actively engaging with the past through rigorous scholarship. In understanding the trials of those who came before us, we honour their legacy and reaffirm our own commitment to *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This publication on Alice de Lacy marks the first in a planned series of historical papers. Future research will explore, *inter alia*, the administrative innovations of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, and the Barony’s role during the Wars of the Roses.
The findings from this research will also form the basis for a new series of lectures at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House’s etiquette academy, further bridging the family’s historical stewardship in England with its cultural and educational activities on the Continent. It is a testament to a living legacy, one that continually seeks to connect its past, present, and future.
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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 husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage and the promotion of its core values: Fortitude and Honour. Its mission is realised through three principal avenues: the responsible stewardship of its historical seat and archives in Lincolnshire; a focused philanthropic commitment to the charity Healing the Wounded Child, supported by its annual Winter Banquet; and the educational work of The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest. The heir to the Barony is the family’s son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**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, was 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 figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The lineage and rights of the Barony, now vested in Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, were formally acknowledged and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 under Notice ID 4158083.
**Notes to Editors** - The status of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships directly from the King. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family’s motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com