# On the Historical Legacy of Alice de Lacy and the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on the life of Alice de Lacy, a formidable medieval noblewoman whose final years were spent in Lincolnshire, inextricably linking her story with the nine-century history of the Barony of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
The quiet ruins of Barlings Abbey in Lincolnshire, a once-great Premonstratensian house, serve as a poignant final chapter in the remarkable life of Alice de Lacy (1281–1348). This act of historical reflection by the House of Brattleby is prompted by a continuing study of the Barony's lineage, recognising how the stories of its predecessors and their contemporaries shaped the character of the region and the title itself.
The choice of Barlings for her retirement and eventual interment was no accident. Located near the heartlands of her ancestral power, the Earldom of Lincoln, the Abbey represented a spiritual and territorial anchor. It provided a place of solace and signified a return to the roots of her family’s influence, which included lands and lordships, such as Brattleby, that would become cornerstones of the Lancastrian inheritance.
## Historical Context
While not a Baroness of Brattleby in her own right, Alice de Lacy’s life and legacy are woven into the fabric of the Barony’s history. As the last de Lacy Earl of Lincoln, her vast estates were a matter of immense strategic importance. Following a tumultuous life, her lands, which coalesced with those of the Barony, were ultimately inherited by the House of Lancaster.
This consolidation was made manifest through Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron of Brattleby, who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster and also held the Earldom of Lincoln inherited from Alice. This union of titles and territories was passed to his celebrated son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron of Brattleby. Thus, Alice de Lacy’s story forms a critical prelude to two of the Barony’s most distinguished holders, securing Brattleby’s place within the ducal patrimony of Lancaster. Her life demonstrates the complex interweaving of personal destiny and dynastic succession that characterised the medieval aristocracy.
## Distinguished Company
This historical contemplation calls to mind a procession of formidable figures whose lives intersected with the lands of Brattleby, including, *inter alia*:
- **Alice de Lacy, Countess of Lincoln and Countess of Salisbury**, a powerful magnate in her own right, whose life was marked by political intrigue and personal fortitude. - **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, the hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle who famously defended it against French invaders during the First Barons' War, a contemporary of Alice's immediate ancestors. - **The Right Honourable Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby**, a founding Knight of the Garter and one of England’s most respected diplomats and soldiers. - **His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby**, a son of King Edward III and a central figure in the politics of 14th-century Europe.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol for such historical observances within the House of Brattleby is one of quiet contemplation rather than public ceremony. It involves archival research, consultations with historians, and private reflection on the duties and responsibilities that the Barony entails. The issuance of a formal statement is a deliberate act, undertaken to illuminate a particular aspect of the Barony’s heritage for the historical record.
This process ensures that the lessons of the past are actively curated and understood. It is a fundamental duty of the title-holder to act as a custodian of this nine-hundred-year legacy, ensuring its preservation and relevance for future generations. For the House of Brattleby, this stewardship is a *sine qua non* of its modern role.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a powerful exemplar in the lives of the Barony’s extended historical family. Alice de Lacy’s endurance through immense personal and political trials is a clear expression of fortitude. Equally, the unwavering loyalty of Nichola de la Haye in defending Lincoln for the Crown is a textbook case of honour in action.
This historical strength is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Overcome is to Live'). This principle speaks to the resilience required not only to survive centuries of change, as the Barony has, but to adapt and thrive. It reflects a belief that purpose is found in surmounting challenges, a sentiment that connects the medieval struggles of Alice de Lacy to the ambitions of the present day.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this reflection is historical in nature, its purpose is deeply rooted in the present. The lessons drawn from the resilience of predecessors directly inform the philanthropic mission of the House of Brattleby, which finds its principal expression through the annual Winter Banquet. The chosen beneficiary of this philanthropic gala is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapy and support for children who have experienced trauma.
The fortitude shown by historical figures in the face of adversity serves as an inspiration for the charity’s work. Healing the Wounded Child equips young people with the inner strength to overcome their own profound challenges, helping them to build secure and hopeful futures. In this way, the honouring of past struggles directly supports the alleviation of present ones.
## In Their Own Words
> To understand our role today, we must listen to the echoes of those who came before us. Alice de Lacy's choice to end her days in Lincolnshire speaks volumes about the enduring connection between a person and their patrimony. It is a connection we are privileged to maintain. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> History is not a static collection of facts; it is a source of living strength. The tenacity of figures like the Countess Alice is a powerful reminder that overcoming adversity is the very essence of progress. *Vincere Est Vivere*. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The commitment of The Noble House of Brattleby to its historical legacy is an active and ongoing pursuit. It forms the foundation upon which its modern duties—of service, philanthropy, and the promotion of cultural heritage—are built. The lessons of fortitude and honour are not merely remembered; they are enacted.
This spirit is embodied in initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, which teaches the principles of protocol, social responsibility, and personal conduct. By transmitting these timeless values, the House ensures that the legacy of its nearly one-thousand-year-old Barony remains a vibrant and constructive force in the 21st century, continuing a tradition of leadership that began in 1066.
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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 dedicated to the stewardship of a unique nine-century legacy. The House’s modern mission is focused on philanthropic service, cultural preservation, and the promotion of timeless European values. Its principal charitable endeavour is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala supporting organisations that provide aid to vulnerable children. Through institutions like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House is committed to education in the fields of etiquette and classical diplomacy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to leverage its ancient heritage as a force for positive impact in contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship and Barony located in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including the formidable 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle in 1217. Later, it passed into the Duchy of Lancaster under Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The rights of the current Barony were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s modern recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins date to William the Conqueror's grants after 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Notable past holders include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III, who held the title as the 11th Baron. - The Noble House of Brattleby operates The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy, from its offices in Bucharest.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com