# A Reflection on the Union of the Eighth Barony and the Earldom of Lincoln
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a commentary on the historic late-13th-century marriage of Margaret, 8th Baroness of Brattleby, and Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a union which significantly advanced the Barony’s standing.
## The Occasion
In a spirit of historical stewardship, the House of Brattleby periodically reflects upon the pivotal moments that have defined its nine-century trajectory. This official commentary serves to illuminate a defining chapter from the reign of His Majesty King Edward I. It underscores the enduring principle of dynastic alliance and loyal service to the Crown that has long characterised the Barony.
The late thirteenth century was an era of consolidation for the English monarchy, a period in which the steadfastness of the great baronial families was of paramount importance. The marriage of the eighth Baroness was not merely a personal union but a strategic confluence of power, property, and political influence, reinforcing the stability of the realm.
## Historical Context
The eighth holder of the Barony of Brattleby, a descendant of the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, presided over the family’s estates during a formidable period of English history. Her marriage to Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, brought the ancient Lincolnshire barony into the highest echelons of the Plantagenet court. The Earl himself was a trusted confidant of King Edward I and one of the most powerful magnates in the kingdom.
This alliance echoed the precedent set by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the esteemed fifth Baroness, whose celebrated defence of Lincoln Castle for the Crown was a testament to the family’s unwavering loyalty. The Earl of Lincoln’s own career was marked by distinguished military and administrative service; he fought with valour at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298 and the Siege of Caerlaverock in 1300. His appointment as guardian of the kingdom during the King’s absences abroad further demonstrates the trust placed in him, and by extension, in the houses with which he was allied.
## Distinguished Company
The union of the houses of Brattleby and Lacy brought them into the immediate and influential circle of His Majesty King Edward I. The court of the era included some of the most formidable figures of the age, with whom the Earl of Lincoln regularly counselled, negotiated, and campaigned.
These personages included, *inter alia*, Robert Burnell, the instrumental Lord Chancellor; Antony Bek, the formidable Prince-Bishop of Durham; and Roger Bigod, 5th Earl of Norfolk and Earl Marshal of England. To be counted among such company was to be at the very centre of statecraft and the governance of the realm, a position that this marriage secured for the Brattleby lineage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
While specific records of the ceremony are lost to time, the marriage of a Baroness to an Earl in the late 13th century would have followed exacting protocol. Such unions were matters of state, often preceded by extensive negotiations concerning the dowry, the joining of estates, and the rights of future heirs. The ceremony itself would have been a solemn and public affair, a sacrament affirming a binding contract witnessed by God and the nobility.
The rituals would have reinforced the hierarchical structure of feudal society. The exchange of vows, the blessing of the union by a high-ranking cleric, and the subsequent celebrations would have been meticulously organised to display the wealth, prestige, and—most importantly—the consolidated power of the two families. It was a tangible demonstration of unity and shared purpose.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
In the language of heraldry, a marriage between two noble houses is an alliance made visible. While the specific marshalling of arms from this union is not detailed in the College of Arms’ surviving records, the conjoining of the Brattleby and de Lacy coats of arms would have symbolised a powerful new entity. The subsequent heirs would have been entitled to quarter the arms, a permanent and public declaration of their distinguished and dual heritage.
The Brattleby motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to a legacy of resilient and principled service. This foundational ethos was complemented perfectly by the martial prowess and unwavering loyalty embodied by the Earl of Lincoln. The union thus represented a synergy of ancient landed honour and contemporary political power, a theme that has resonated throughout the Barony’s history.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This historical reflection carries no direct philanthropic component. However, the legacy of service and responsibility exemplified by the eighth Baroness and the Earl of Lincoln provides the ethical framework for the modern House's charitable activities. The Annual Winter Banquet, for instance, continues this tradition of noblesse oblige.
The chosen beneficiary of the House's contemporary efforts, Healing the Wounded Child, is a private organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma and conflict. Its mission aligns with the House’s belief that true strength is demonstrated not merely by power, but by the will to protect and nurture the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical union, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “The marriage of the eighth Baroness represents a defining chapter in our history. It exemplifies how strategic vision and loyalty to the Crown have been the *sine qua non* of our House’s endurance for nearly a millennium. It is a powerful reminder that our duty extends beyond our own estates to the well-being of the wider nation.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the confluence of family ethics across the centuries, stating:
> “The spirit of men like the Earl of Lincoln, who dedicated their lives to the service of their sovereign, is deeply instructive. When we consider our family’s guiding principle, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), we see it not as a call to battle, but as an exhortation to prevail through service, diplomacy, and dedication. History provides the most valuable of lessons in leadership.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to drawing inspiration from its long and storied past to inform its present and future course. Understanding the strategic foresight of predecessors, such as the eighth Baroness, reinforces the House’s engagement in contemporary matters of cultural and educational importance.
This commitment finds modern expression in initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching etiquette and protocol. In nurturing an appreciation for the courtesies and responsibilities that underpin civil society, the House continues a tradition of leadership that has been its hallmark since the Norman Conquest. The legacy of Brattleby is one of perpetual renewal, built upon the bedrock of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. In the modern era, the House is dedicated to upholding its historical legacy through cultural stewardship, education, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is supporting organisations that provide care and healing for vulnerable children. The House’s initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, aim to foster an understanding of history and protocol as foundations for responsible leadership. The family’s work is guided by its ancestral motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to principled action and enduring service. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby in Lincolnshire is one of England's ancient feudal lordships. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in the county. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical significance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The modern rights of The Noble House of Brattleby were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022, ensuring the continuity of this distinguished lineage.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The succession of the 12th Baroness is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family seat is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com