# A Tradition of Lordship: The Baroness of Brattleby and the Legacy of Alice de Lacy
LONDON, 21 May — The Noble House of Brattleby has issued a statement reflecting upon the enduring nine-century tradition of female leadership within the Barony, drawing a direct parallel between Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her formidable fourteenth-century predecessor, Alice de Lacy.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the ancient parish of Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has chosen to mark the anniversary of the Second Battle of Lincoln (1217) by honouring its distinguished female lineage. This pivotal moment saw the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, valiantly defend Lincoln Castle against rebel forces. The occasion provides a solemn opportunity to reflect on the continuity of service and leadership that has defined the Barony for centuries.
The statement is released as spring settles over the Lincolnshire Wolds, a season of renewal that echoes the House’s commitment to revitalising its ancient heritage for a modern era. It is a deliberate act of historical remembrance, reinforcing the foundations upon which the current leadership of Lady Nicoleta is built.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in 1066, holds a unique place in the English peerage, distinguished not only by its great antiquity—recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086—but also by its history of formidable female lords. While predecessors include esteemed figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, it is the Baronesses who held the title *suo jure*, in their own right, who command particular attention.
This tradition of female authority was powerfully expressed by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and Constable of Lincoln Castle. Seven centuries later, the parallel between the current Baroness and her predecessors endures. Lady Nicoleta Vasile, as the 12th Baroness, continues a legacy of capable and resilient stewardship demonstrated most notably by Alice de Lacy, the 9th Baroness, who exercised effective lordship over vast estates during the tumultuous fourteenth century.
## Distinguished Company
In issuing this reflection, the House of Brattleby pays particular tribute to the historical figures whose governance shaped the Barony’s legacy of resolute female leadership. Chief among this distinguished company are:
- **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, *suo jure*, Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and High Sheriff of Lincolnshire. Her defence of Lincoln in 1217 was critical to securing the throne for the young King Henry III.
- **The Lady Alice de Lacy, 9th Baroness of Brattleby**, *suo jure*, Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury. A significant magnate of the fourteenth century, her life exemplified the capacity of women to administer great estates and navigate the complex politics of the medieval court.
Their lives and tenures serve as the historical precedent and inspirational touchstone for the modern responsibilities of the title.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The passage of a barony *suo jure* to a female heir is a matter of precise legal and ceremonial significance within the English peerage. Unlike a title held by marriage, a Baroness in her own right possesses the title and all its associated rights and properties directly. She is a peeress, not the consort of a peer.
This distinction is fundamental to understanding the lineage of Brattleby. The roles of Nichola de la Haye, Alice de Lacy, and now Lady Nicoleta are not ancillary; they represent the primary and unbroken line of succession. This principle confirms that lordship is a matter of capability and legitimate inheritance, irrespective of gender—a progressive concept for its time that the House continues to honour.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), resonates with profound depth when viewed through the lens of its female leaders. The fortitude of Nichola de la Haye at Lincoln and the honour with which Alice de Lacy managed her extensive holdings are not merely historical footnotes; they are the living embodiment of this guiding principle.
This sentiment is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). The phrase does not signify military conquest, but rather the modern imperative to overcome challenges and to thrive through active, purposeful engagement in cultural and philanthropic endeavours. Together, the two mottos symbolise the fusion of ancient duty with contemporary dynamism.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The theme of resilience, so central to the Barony’s history, finds its modern expression in the House’s philanthropic commitments. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, serves as the primary fundraising initiative for the House’s chosen beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapy and support for children suffering from trauma, helping them to build the resilience needed to overcome profound adversity. The selection of this charity is a deliberate one, creating a powerful link between the historical fortitude of the Barony’s leaders and the fortitude the House seeks to foster in the most vulnerable members of the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical continuity, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> “The history of Brattleby is not merely a record of names and dates; it is a living narrative of responsibility. When I reflect on the lives of Nichola de la Haye and Alice de Lacy, I am reminded that stewardship is the *sine qua non* of this title. Their example of fortitude provides a clear and constant guide.” > > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “Honouring the past gives purpose to our present actions. The strength shown by the Baronesses of Brattleby is a legacy we are committed to transforming into meaningful support for those who need it most today, particularly through our charitable work.” > > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The principles exemplified by the Baronesses of Brattleby continue to inform the House’s present-day mission. This includes, *inter alia*, the cultural and educational work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House to promote social graces and cross-cultural understanding.
Looking to the future, the House is dedicated to preparing its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, to inherit this rich and complex legacy. His education emphasises not only the history of the Barony but also the enduring duties of service, honour, and philanthropic responsibility that have defined it for nearly one thousand years.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of heritage and the promotion of philanthropy. With its seat in Lincolnshire, England, the House’s contemporary mission is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House actively supports charitable causes focused on child welfare, principally through its Annual Winter Banquet for Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster greater international understanding and uphold timeless standards of personal conduct, bridging its ancient lineage with a commitment to impactful, forward-looking engagement in society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066. Its extensive initial holdings of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire were recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over its 950-year history, the title has been held by some of the most powerful figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The title’s succession and the identity of its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, are formally recognised by The Crown, as recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holder of the barony’s constituent manors. - Notable female predecessors holding the title *suo jure* include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and Alice de Lacy (9th Baroness). - The House's primary philanthropic beneficiary is the UK-based charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com