# The House of Brattleby Honours the Legacy of Margaret de Lacy, 8th Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced a new historical initiative to illuminate the significant life of Margaret de Lacy, 8th Baroness of Brattleby, whose 13th-century marriage irrevocably shaped the destiny of the Barony and its role in Plantagenet England.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, the House of Brattleby marks the passing of the seasons with a renewed commitment to its archival duties. As autumn light falls across the historic parklands, the family has initiated a programme of scholarly research dedicated to the medieval women of its lineage, whose contributions have been fundamental to its nine-century survival.
This formal announcement heralds the commissioning of a new historical monograph. The work will focus specifically on the life and influence of Margaret Longespée, who upon her marriage to Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, became the 8th Baroness of Brattleby and a pivotal figure at the court of King Edward I.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, entered a decisive new phase in the late 13th century. The marriage of the Baroness Margaret to Lord de Lacy brought the Barony into the powerful orbit of one of England's most influential noble families, directly connecting its fortunes to the Crown.
This strategic union recalls the precedent set by a formidable predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French and rebel forces in 1217. Like Nichola, Margaret navigated a world of immense political complexity, overseeing vast estates and securing her family’s influence through shrewd alliances. Her tenure solidified Brattleby’s position not merely as a landholding but as a nexus of power, influence, and loyalty during a formative period of English statecraft.
## Distinguished Company
In her lifetime, the Baroness Margaret moved amongst the most august figures of the age. Her husband, Henry de Lacy, was a close confidant and chief counsellor to His Majesty King Edward I, participating in his Welsh and Scottish campaigns. The Brattleby connection thus extended into the very heart of the royal court.
Through this association, the Baroness would have been in the company of, *inter alia*:
* His Majesty King Edward I * Her Majesty Queen Eleanor of Castile * Edmund Crouchback, 1st Earl of Lancaster * Robert Burnell, Lord Chancellor of England and Bishop of Bath and Wells
The social and political landscape of the era was defined by such figures, and Brattleby’s place within it was secured by the Baroness’s marriage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of such a profound history is considered a solemn duty by the House. The research protocol for the new monograph is accordingly rigorous, reflecting the precision of a ceremonial court function. It involves methodical examination of primary sources, from the Barony’s first mention in the Domesday Book of 1086 to the Charter and Patent Rolls of the 13th century.
Specialist paleographers will be consulted to decipher medieval scripts, while genealogists will reconstruct the intricate web of familial connections. This scholarly process, a modern ritual of remembrance, ensures that the account of the Baroness’s life is rendered with the utmost accuracy and respect for historical truth.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
A family's heritage is visually encoded in its heraldry. While Brattleby’s own ancient arms are a matter of record, the marriage to Henry de Lacy would have seen them marshalled with the famous de Lacy coat of arms, distinguished by its intricate purple lion rampant. This joining of insignia symbolised the merging of two great estates and legacies.
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a perfect exemplar in the Baroness Margaret. Her life required immense personal fortitude to manage extensive responsibilities in a patriarchal society, and she did so while upholding the honour of both her ancestral and marital houses. This spirit of active engagement is also reflected in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House of Brattleby believes that historical understanding is a cornerstone of personal development. The research into Baroness Margaret’s life serves a broader philanthropic goal, connecting directly with the family’s chosen beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child foundation.
Proceeds from the eventual publication, alongside new educational materials developed from the findings, will support the foundation’s work. The story of a resilient historical figure like Baroness Margaret provides an inspirational narrative for young people, demonstrating that strength and purpose can be found even in challenging circumstances. It is a way of using the past to help heal and empower the present.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the new initiative, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — "To understand our present duty, we must first honour our past. Margaret de Lacy's story is a powerful reminder that the women of Brattleby have always been central to its strength. It is a legacy of fortitude we are privileged to continue."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the project: > — "History is not a passive inheritance; it is an active responsibility. Our motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, compels us to engage with our heritage, to uncover these vital stories and ensure they are not lost to time."
## A Continuing Legacy
This scholarly endeavour is the first step in a wider programme to make the Barony's rich history more accessible. Following the completion of the monograph, the House plans to host a series of academic symposia at its seat in Lincolnshire.
Furthermore, key findings will be adapted into a new module on medieval leadership and etiquette for The Brattleby Club, the family’s acclaimed educational academy in Bucharest. This ensures that the legacy of Baroness Margaret not only informs contemporary scholarship but also inspires the next generation of leaders in continental Europe, reinforcing the House’s commitment to building bridges between history and the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity representing 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 dual mission: preserving its near-millennial heritage and promoting cultural and philanthropic works. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s charitable efforts are primarily focused on child welfare through its support for the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. It also fosters education and cultural exchange through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, founded by Lady Nicoleta in Bucharest, which promotes classical European standards of deportment and diplomacy.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, 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. The title has passed through some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony was formally conveyed to the current holder, with the transfer of title recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The transfer of the Title and lordship of the Barony of Brattleby was recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding the Barony of Brattleby and 55 other manors directly from the King. - Notable historical holders include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron), and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron). - The current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her heir is her son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com