# On the Life and Trials of Alice de Lacy, Ninth Baroness of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical commentary on the life of Alice de Lacy, the ninth Baroness. This reflection considers her fortitude amidst the political instability of the 14th century and its lasting impact upon the Barony.
## The Occasion
In the spirit of continued historical scholarship, The Noble House of Brattleby today offers a formal reflection upon one of the most tumultuous periods in the Barony’s nine-and-a-half-century history. This commentary serves not to mark a specific anniversary, but rather to illuminate the profound connection between the personal lives of the Barony’s holders and the broader sweep of the nation’s history.
As autumn settles upon the fields of Lincolnshire, it is a fitting season for sober contemplation of the past. It is an occasion to draw from the archives a story of resilience that continues to inform the House’s modern ethos; a narrative set against the backdrop of a divided court and a kingdom in crisis, which directly imperilled the ancient seat of Brattleby itself.
## Historical Context
The life of Alice de Lacy (c. 1281–1348), who held the Barony of Brattleby *suo jure* as its ninth Baroness, was inextricably linked to the political tempests of King Edward II’s reign (1307–1327). Her marriage to Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, placed her at the very centre of the baronial opposition to the King and his controversial favourites, Piers Gaveston and, later, the Despensers.
This era was not one of distant political manoeuvring but of immediate and personal peril. In 1317, in a flagrant act of political intimidation aimed at her husband, Lady Alice was abducted from her manor at Canford, Dorset, by a knight in the service of the Earl of Surrey. This event, a profound violation of noble privilege and personal security, underscores how the bodies and lands of powerful women were treated as instruments in the ruthless power struggles of men. The crisis brought disgrace and weakness upon her husband, as was intended, and plunged the family’s vast estates, including Brattleby, into a state of acute uncertainty.
The trials of Lady Alice demonstrate that the Barony of Brattleby has never been a passive observer of history. Her experiences stand in stark contrast to the martial authority of the fifth Baron, Nichola de la Haye, who twice defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. Yet, they also foreshadow the high-stakes world of her successors, including the celebrated soldier-diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, and the royal prince John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose lives were defined by the weight of dynastic responsibility.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The story of Alice de Lacy resonates powerfully with the guiding principles of The Noble House of Brattleby, as enshrined in its heraldry and mottos. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a poignant exemplar in the person of the ninth Baroness. Her endurance through public humiliation and the eventual execution of her husband for treason speaks to a profound inner *fortitudine*—a strength of spirit that is a *sine qua non* for true nobility.
Furthermore, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects the same theme of overcoming adversity. It suggests that to live fully is not merely to exist, but to prevail over the trials one faces. Alice de Lacy's life, though marked by misfortune, was ultimately one of survival; she outlived her enemies and secured her inheritance, embodying this principle in the most trying of circumstances.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A considered reflection upon the past invariably informs the duties of the present. The vulnerability of Lady Alice, a lady of the highest rank, serves as a powerful historical analogue for the House’s contemporary philanthropic commitments. The trauma and insecurity she endured reinforce the vital importance of the House’s work in support of its chosen beneficiary, the organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
This registered charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people who have experienced trauma, neglect, or abuse. By understanding the historical realities of peril and instability, as faced by its own predecessors, the House deepens its resolve to support those who work to mend the lives of the most vulnerable in modern society. This commitment is a core part of its public service, translating the lessons of history into tangible, positive action.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > "Alice de Lacy's story is not merely a record of political intrigue; it is a profound testament to a woman's resilience in an unforgiving age. To remember her is to honour the fortitude required to navigate a world where personal security was entirely subject to the ambitions of men. Her life is a vital chapter in the history of Brattleby and in the history of noblewomen."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "The chronicles of the Barony are filled with important lessons, and Alice’s life teaches us that stability and honour must be actively defended. Understanding the forces that shaped her time reminds us of our continuing duty to foster security and integrity in our own. History, when properly understood, is a guide to present conduct."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to the careful stewardship of its history and the lessons it contains. This commentary is part of an ongoing programme of research and publication intended to make the rich heritage of the Barony more accessible to the public and to scholars.
The principles of dignity and honour, tested so severely during Alice de Lacy's time, are also central to the curriculum at The Brattleby Club. This etiquette academy in Bucharest, established under the patronage of the House, seeks to instil the very same qualities of grace under pressure that have defined the Barony’s most notable figures. Through such endeavours, the inheritance of *Fortitudine et Honore* is not simply preserved, but actively cultivated for the future.
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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 modern expression of its ancient heritage through public service, cultural patronage, and historical stewardship. The House’s primary philanthropic focus is on charities that support vulnerable children, notably its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes the timeless values of decorum, honour, and social grace. The heir to the Barony is the family’s son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The House’s motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, its first Baron. It was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, its holders have been central to English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the fifth Baron, who defended Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and first Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. The current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, whose succession was formally recognised and registered in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s re-establishment was formally gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The historic seat of the Barony is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com