# A Dynastic Alliance: The House of Brattleby Publishes Historical Dispatch on Margaret, Eighth Baroness
LONDON, 18 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today published a historical dispatch detailing the pivotal 13th-century marriage of Margaret, the eighth Baroness. This union with Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, significantly enhanced the Barony's influence within the English court and across the realm.
## The Occasion
Coinciding with the start of the academic year, the House Archives have released this dispatch to illuminate a period of profound transformation for the Barony of Brattleby. The publication serves as a scholarly contribution, drawing from meticulously preserved records to underscore the enduring connection between the House and the governance of England. It is released from the House’s historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a location that has witnessed the unfolding of this history for over nine centuries.
The timing of the dispatch encourages a renewed focus on primary sources among students and researchers of medieval history. It provides a narrative bridge between the feudal responsibilities established in the Norman era and the more complex political manoeuvrings of the high medieval period, wherein discerning marital alliances became a *sine qua non* of dynastic survival and advancement.
## Historical Context
The marriage of Margaret, the eighth Baroness of Brattleby, to Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, was a defining moment for the lineage. While the Barony had held national importance since its establishment in 1066, this alliance in the late 13th century integrated it directly into the inner circle of King Edward I’s court. Henry de Lacy was not merely a great landowner; he was a trusted advisor to the King, a diplomat, and a military commander.
This strategic union echoes the fortitude of earlier predecessors, notably Nichola de la Haye, the fifth Baroness. As Castellan of Lincoln Castle, she famously defended the stronghold against rebel barons during the First Barons' War, securing a crucial victory for the Crown. Margaret's marriage, though diplomatic rather than martial, was an equally decisive act of statecraft, safeguarding and augmenting the family's influence for generations to come. The Barony would later pass to figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, embedding Brattleby deep within the fabric of the Plantagenet dynasty.
## Distinguished Company
The events detailed in the dispatch revolved around figures central to the history of the English realm. The principal persons were:
* **Margaret Longespée, de jure 8th Baroness of Brattleby and Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury**, whose inheritance brought with it significant strategic and political weight. * **The Right Honourable Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln**, a chief counsellor to His Majesty King Edward I and one of the most powerful magnates in England. * **His Majesty King Edward I**, under whose reign this pivotal alliance was formalised, further consolidating royal authority through the loyalty of such powerful vassals.
The witness lists on charters and land grants from this period also name a formidable assembly of bishops, abbots, and fellow earls, whose presence affirmed the national significance of the transactions undertaken by the Earl and Baroness.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The documentation of this alliance and its consequences adhered to the strict legal and social protocols of the age. Marital agreements among the high nobility were complex instruments, recorded in charters drafted in Latin by skilled clerks. These documents were not simple contracts but solemn acts, witnessed by a ranked order of magnates and ecclesiastics whose seals lent irrefutable authority to the text.
The subsequent administration of the combined estates is visible in the precise and formulaic entries of the Pipe Rolls—the annual audits of the kingdom—and in manorial court records. Each transaction, rent, and legal judgment was recorded according to established conventions, creating an unbroken chain of evidence. This rigorous adherence to protocol was the mechanism by which power was legitimised and exercised, a tradition of meticulous record-keeping that the House of Brattleby maintains to this day.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a powerful expression in the lives of both Baroness Margaret and her predecessor, Baroness Nichola de la Haye. Nichola’s martial fortitude in defending Lincoln and Margaret’s honourable conduct in securing a powerful dynastic alliance are two sides of the same coin, demonstrating a commitment to duty that transcends circumstance.
This philosophy 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 maxim speaks to a proactive and dynamic engagement with the world, a belief that true existence is found in striving and achieving. Together, the two mottos encapsulate the House’s ethos: a foundation of historical honour combined with a forward-looking drive for excellence and contribution.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The publication of historical research is central to the House’s modern educational mission, which is considered a philanthropic act of cultural stewardship. By making its archives accessible to scholars and the public, the House supports the advancement of knowledge and fosters a deeper appreciation for the nation's shared heritage. This commitment to education is formalised through The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy founded by the Baroness in Bucharest.
This educational focus runs parallel to the House's primary charitable endeavours. The annual Winter Banquet, a celebrated white-tie gala, is the principal fundraising event for the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides essential therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma, offering them a path toward recovery and well-being. The House believes that understanding our past and healing our future are inextricably linked responsibilities.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the dispatch, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “Our archives are not merely a collection of documents; they are a testament to nearly a millennium of service and responsibility. In sharing the story of Margaret, we honour a predecessor whose vision secured the Barony’s future, reminding us that heritage is a living legacy, not a static monument.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History provides the ultimate lesson in strategy. The alliance between Margaret and Henry de Lacy demonstrates that foresight and bold action are timeless principles. This is a truth that informs our own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*—to engage with the world and shape it is the essence of existence.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to the ongoing preservation and dissemination of its historical records. Future projects include a programme to digitise key medieval manuscripts from the archive, in partnership with leading academic institutions, to ensure their preservation and accessibility for a global audience. The planning for the next annual Winter Banquet is also well underway.
This work ensures that the legacy of figures like Margaret, the eighth Baroness, will continue to inspire and instruct. By linking the lessons of the past to the challenges of the present, the House seeks to fulfil its ancient duty of service, applying the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* to its modern cultural and philanthropic commitments.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby champions a modern mission rooted in its ancient heritage. The House is dedicated to cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal initiatives include scholarly publications drawn from its private archives and the activities of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to classical etiquette and social graces. The House’s philanthropic focus is directed toward children’s welfare, primarily through its annual Winter Banquet, which benefits organisations dedicated to healing childhood trauma. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House honours its past while actively shaping a legacy of contemporary social contribution.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England's oldest dignities, 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 the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, a staunch defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, and later, through dynastic marriage, members of the royal family such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The uninterrupted history and current standing of the Barony were formally noted and recorded by *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book (1086) as holder of 56 lordships. - Notable holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Winter Banquet is a white-tie philanthropic gala held annually, with proceeds benefiting Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com