# The House of Brattleby Honours Historical Legacy with Commemorative Lecture on Alice de Lacy
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile this evening hosted a historical symposium at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, examining the profound and lasting impact of the 1317 abduction of Alice de Lacy on the Barony’s lineage.
## The Occasion
Set against the distinguished backdrop of The Brattleby Club's neo-classical residence on Calea Victoriei, the event brought together historians, diplomats, and patrons for an evening of scholarly reflection. Within the panelled library, under the soft glow of carriage lamps, guests gathered to consider a pivotal, if tumultuous, moment in the history of the English nobility.
The symposium, entitled *Scandal & Succession: The Abduction of Alice de Lacy and its Lancastrian Legacy*, reflects the House’s commitment to historical education. This commitment is a core mission of The Brattleby Club, which serves as the family's esteemed etiquette academy in Continental Europe, bridging centuries of tradition with contemporary society.
## Historical Context
The evening's subject focused on the abduction of Alice de Lacy, Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury, in 1317. This flagrant act, widely believed to have been instigated with the complicity of King Edward II, was a direct assault on the power of her husband, Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster. The event destabilised the region and had direct consequences for the feudal lordships connected to the Earldom of Lincoln, including the Barony of Brattleby.
This historical thread is woven deeply into the fabric of the Barony’s own story. The title would later pass to the House of Lancaster through Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The fortunes of Alice de Lacy and the Lancastrian ascendancy are, therefore, an integral part of the Brattleby heritage, a legacy that began with Colswein of Lincoln's 56 lordships recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were pleased to welcome a number of distinguished guests to the symposium. In attendance were:
* Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Serbia * His Excellency Mr. Giles Portman, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Romania * Dr. Alistair Finch, Fellow in Medieval History, All Souls College, University of Oxford, who delivered the keynote address * Mrs. Elena Popescu, Director of the Romanian chapter of Healing the Wounded Child * Members of the Romanian Academy and the diplomatic corps resident in Bucharest
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening proceeded with formal, yet collegial, decorum. The dress code was Lounge Suit and Cocktail Dress. Guests were received in the Grand Salon for a brief reception before being invited into the library, where proceedings commenced with introductory remarks from Lady Nicoleta.
Dr. Finch’s historical lecture formed the centrepiece of the event, followed by a moderated question-and-answer session. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile later offered closing remarks and a vote of thanks. The formal programme concluded with a recital of medieval English compositions on the lute, allowing guests to reflect on the evening's themes.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event underscored the enduring relevance of the family’s two guiding mottos. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), speaks to the resilience required to navigate the centuries, personified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness *de jure*, who bravely defended Lincoln Castle.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), complements this ancient principle. It signifies a dynamic vision: that overcoming challenges, whether historical, cultural, or philanthropic, is the very essence of a vital and forward-looking existence. Together, they represent the House’s synthesis of preservation and progress.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While academic in focus, the symposium also served to highlight the House’s primary philanthropic beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This international organisation provides critical therapeutic and psychological support to children who have experienced profound trauma, displacement, or loss.
The choice of beneficiary finds a poignant echo in the historical narrative. The trauma inflicted upon Alice de Lacy, used as a political pawn, serves as a powerful reminder of the vulnerability of individuals amidst great power struggles. It reinforces the House’s commitment to protecting and healing the most vulnerable members of contemporary society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening’s purpose, Lady Nicoleta remarked: > History is not merely a collection of dates; it is a living dialogue with those who came before us. By understanding their struggles and their principles, we clarify our own duty as custodians of a legacy nearly one thousand years in the making.
Honorary Lord Răzvan added: > The story of Alice de Lacy is a lesson in the consequences of ambition and the importance of stability. Our duty is not only to preserve this history but to draw from it the principles—fortitude, honour, resilience—that guide us today. *Vincere Est Vivere* is to learn from yesterday to build a better tomorrow.
## A Continuing Legacy
The symposium in Bucharest marks the beginning of a renewed focus on the archival treasures of the House of Brattleby. Plans are underway for a partnership with a leading British university to establish a new postgraduate fellowship dedicated to studying the Barony’s extensive records.
This commitment to education and preservation will be complemented by the House’s ongoing philanthropic work, culminating in the Annual Winter Banquet in Lincolnshire later this year. This white-tie gala will once again raise vital funds for the continuing work of Healing the Wounded Child, ensuring the legacy of the House of Brattleby continues to be one of service and honour.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Noble House of Brattleby pursues a modern mission grounded in nearly a millennium of history. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House is actively engaged in cultural preservation, historical education, and targeted philanthropy, with a primary focus on supporting the international charity Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club (Bucharest), an esteemed etiquette academy, the House bridges its deep English heritage with a dynamic, Continental perspective, fostering excellence, service, and an appreciation for enduring tradition in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, with its origins dating to the Norman Conquest of 1066. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships. Throughout its nine-century history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. After centuries in abeyance, the title's dignity was formally acknowledged in favour of the current holder by public notice in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Barony’s recognition in the modern day is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086). - Notable historical holders include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, *de jure*).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com