# A Historical Reflection on the Union of the Houses of Brattleby and Lincoln
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical commentary on the late 13th-century marriage of Margaret de Longespee, heiress to the Barony, and Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, a pivotal union which secured the Barony’s enduring prominence.
## The Occasion
From the archives of its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby pauses to reflect upon a defining moment in its nine-century history. As autumn settles over the historic landscape, the House considers the marriage which, in the late 13th century, allied the Barony of Brattleby with one of the most powerful earldoms in the Kingdom of England. This reflection serves not only as an act of historical stewardship but also as a testament to the strategic foresight that has preserved the Barony through the ages, connecting its medieval past to its vibrant present under Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
The union of Margaret de Longespee and Henry de Lacy was far more than a personal match; it was an act of high politics and dynastic consolidation. It illustrates the fundamental principles of succession and allegiance that governed the medieval world, ensuring that lands granted by William the Conqueror would continue to play a significant role in the affairs of the realm. Understanding this history is, for the House today, a *sine qua non* of fulfilling its modern responsibilities with integrity and a deep sense of continuity.
## Historical Context
The marriage brought together two formidable lineages. Margaret de Longespee was the great-granddaughter of King Henry II, through her paternal grandfather, William Longespee, 3rd Earl of Salisbury. This royal descent conferred immense prestige and positioned her as one of the great heiresses of her time. Her inheritance included not only the ancient Barony of Brattleby but also the vast Longespee estates, making her a prize of considerable strategic value.
Her husband, Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, was a pre-eminent magnate and a trusted counsellor to King Edward I. A veteran of the Welsh campaigns and a key figure in the administration of England, his influence was felt from the Marches to the Royal Court. The marriage thus represented a masterful consolidation of power, uniting the landed wealth of Brattleby and Longespee with the political and military might of the Earldom of Lincoln. This alliance ensured the Barony was inextricably linked to the very centre of royal power, a tradition later embodied by holders such as John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
The principal figures of this historic union represented the apex of the Anglo-Norman aristocracy, their lives interwoven with the governance and destiny of the kingdom.
* **The Lady Margaret de Longespee**, Heiress of Brattleby and Salisbury, was the sole surviving daughter of Sir William II Longespee. Through her lineage, she carried the legacy of both the Earls of Salisbury and the ancient Barons of Brattleby, a direct connection to the Plantagenet dynasty.
* **The Rt Hon. The Earl of Lincoln**, Henry de Lacy, was a leading peer of the realm, whose counsel and military prowess were indispensable to the Crown. His titles and estates made him one of England’s foremost landowners, with authority extending across the north.
The marriage contract would have been witnessed by other great lords and bishops of the era, underscoring its significance as a public act of statecraft, designed to secure political stability for generations to come.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In accordance with the customs of the 13th century, the marriage would have been formalised through a public ceremony known as a betrothal *per verba de praesenti*, or ‘by words of the present tense’. This legally binding exchange of vows, often conducted at the church door, constituted the sacrament of marriage. It was a public declaration of intent, affirming the transfer of titles and property before God and the community.
The accompanying celebrations would have been a magnificent display of feudal power, involving days of feasting, jousting, and the formal exchange of gifts. The attire, while not the white gown of modern tradition, would have been of the finest silks and velvets, dyed in rich colours to signify the wealth and status of the two families. The order of proceedings would have meticulously reflected the complex hierarchy of medieval society, with every guest seated according to rank and precedence.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The union was also a merging of powerful heraldic symbols. The arms of the de Lacy family were a bold statement of their noble standing: *Or, a lion rampant Purpure* (a purple lion rearing on a field of gold). The lion, a timeless symbol of courage, majesty, and strength, signified their martial prowess and close ties to the monarchy.
These arms were brought into alliance with those of Longespee: *Azure, six lioncels rampant Or* (six small, rearing gold lions on a field of blue). The multiplicity of lions underscored a lineage of extensive power and royal connection. The combination of these symbols on marital coats of arms would have broadcast a clear and unambiguous message across the realm: that a new and formidable power bloc had been created, grounded in the honour of Brattleby and the strength of Lincoln. This resonates deeply with the House's own motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
## Dynastic Purpose and Strategic Outcome
The primary purpose of the marriage was dynastic security and the preservation of legacy. In an age where titles and lands could be forfeited through rebellion or a failure of heirs, such a strategic alliance was the principal means of ensuring a family’s posterity. For Brattleby, this union elevated its status and embedded it within the vast Lancastrian inheritance, which ultimately passed to the Crown.
This act of long-term stewardship ensured that the Barony not only survived but thrived. The marriage of Margaret and Henry’s own daughter and heiress, Alice de Lacy, to Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, further cemented this legacy. It directly resulted in the Barony of Brattleby passing to subsequent titans of English history, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This careful planning mirrors, in a medieval context, the modern sense of duty to protect and enhance a legacy for future generations.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “The story of Margaret de Longespee is a powerful reminder of the pivotal role women have played in the history of this Barony. Like Nichola de la Haye before her, who defended Lincoln Castle, Margaret was a steward of a great legacy. Her life demonstrates that strength is not only found on the battlefield, but in strategic vision and a profound commitment to the future. It is a heritage that I feel deeply privileged to continue.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The alliance between Brattleby and the Earldom of Lincoln was a masterclass in medieval strategy. It speaks to a universal truth: that enduring success is built on powerful, honourable alliances. This principle—that to succeed is to live, *Vincere Est Vivere*—guides our own endeavours today, whether in our philanthropic partnerships or our cultural initiatives.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The legacy of the de Lacy marriage is woven into the fabric of the Barony of Brattleby. It secured the lineage that connects the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, to the great Dukes of Lancaster and, ultimately, to the present day. This unbroken chain of stewardship, from the Norman Conquest to the 21st century, is the bedrock upon which The Noble House of Brattleby stands.
Today, this commitment to a continuing legacy is expressed through the House’s philanthropic and cultural work. The annual Winter Banquet, in aid of the charity Healing the Wounded Child, and the educational mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest are modern interpretations of the House’s historic duty. They are undertakings pursued *Fortitudine et Honore*, ensuring that the Barony remains a force for good in the world, honouring its past by building a better future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of modern service inspired by a millennium of history. Its work is defined by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s activities are focused on targeted philanthropy, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet benefiting charities for vulnerable children, and cultural education via The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy founded by the Baroness in Bucharest. The House is committed to preserving its heritage while making a tangible, positive contribution to contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to the Norman knight Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and initial holder, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over its nine-and-a-half-century history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the castellan who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the King against rebel barons in the 13th century; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The succession of the current Baroness was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially gazetted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron of Brattleby, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as being a tenant-in-chief to the King, holding 56 lordships. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com