# The Noble House of Brattleby Honours the Enduring Legacy of Alice de Lacy
LONDON, 18 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting upon the life of Alice de Lacy, Countess of Lincoln, a formidable historical figure within the barony’s lineage, whose resilience in the face of profound adversity continues to inspire.
## The Occasion
This act of remembrance centres on Barlings Abbey in Lincolnshire, where Alice de Lacy was laid to rest in 1348. Once a powerful Premonstratensian house founded in 1154, the abbey was a spiritual and economic cornerstone of the Lincolnshire landscape for four centuries. Situated near the River Witham, its church was known for its considerable size and importance. Today, only a graceful section of its vaulted nave remains, a poignant and evocative ruin standing amidst the quiet fields—a silent testament to both the faith of its patrons and the later upheaval of the Dissolution of the Monasteries. It is this dignified setting that the House of Brattleby recalls, honouring the final resting place of a woman whose life was inextricably linked with the destiny of the county and the great families who shaped it.
## Historical Context
Alice de Lacy (1281–1348) was one of the great heiresses of her age, whose personal story reflects the political turbulence of 14th-century England. Her vast inheritance was a source of immense power and peril. As a descendant of figures associated with the wider Brattleby story, her life forms an important chapter in the chronicle of the region. The Barony of Brattleby, then held by the Crown before passing to the great Lancastrian lords, was part of the same strategic landscape.
Her marriage to Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, placed her at the epicentre of the baronial opposition to King Edward II. Following the Earl’s execution for treason, Lady Alice endured abduction and political machinations designed to strip her of her lands. Yet, through singular determination, she navigated these dangers with fortitude, ultimately securing a measure of peace and reclaiming part of her birthright. Her legacy became woven into the fabric of the Duchy of Lancaster, later held by Brattleby’s 10th and 11th Barons, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, respectively. Her story is thus a precursor to the Lancastrian era of the Barony itself.
## Distinguished Company
In reflecting upon the life of Lady Alice, one must acknowledge the formidable figures who defined her era. Her path was shaped by a cast of the kingdom’s most powerful individuals, *inter alia*: His Majesty King Edward II, whose turbulent reign formed the backdrop to her trials; Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, her first husband and a leader of the Ordainers; and Sir Eubulus le Strange, Lord Strange, her third husband, with whom she eventually found stability. The de Lacy inheritance made her an object of interest to figures such as Hugh Despenser the Younger, whose ambition directly contributed to her misfortunes. This distinguished and often dangerous company underscores the gravity of the world she navigated.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The interment of a high-status noblewoman in the 14th century would have followed solemn and established protocol. Following her death, Lady Alice’s body would have lain in state, most likely in the chapel of her primary residence, allowing household members and local retainers to pay their respects. A Requiem Mass, the *sine qua non* of a Christian noble burial, would have been sung at Barlings Abbey, attended by clergy, family, and representatives of the county’s gentry. The choice of a significant monastic house like Barlings for her chantry and tomb was a declaration of piety and status, intended to secure perpetual prayers for her soul while reinforcing her family’s enduring connection to the spiritual life of Lincolnshire.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The life of Alice de Lacy provides a historical embodiment of the House of Brattleby’s own motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). Her perseverance through personal loss and political assault demonstrates a profound fortitude. The arms of de Lacy, a gold field bearing a purple lion rampant, symbolise noble courage and strength—qualities she displayed in abundance. The lion, a traditional charge representing valour, is a fitting emblem for a woman who defended her rights and legacy against the most powerful forces in the realm. Her resilience serves as a powerful historical analogue to the spirit of the House today.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this commemoration is a historical reflection, the principles drawn from Lady Alice’s life directly inform the modern philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. Her story of surviving trauma and adversity resonates with the work of the House’s chosen beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. The organisation is dedicated to providing therapy and support to young people affected by conflict and loss. The House believes that by honouring historical resilience, we reinforce our commitment to fostering that same strength in the most vulnerable members of society today.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “The story of Alice de Lacy is a powerful reminder that the history of our nation was shaped by women of extraordinary strength. Her connection to Lincolnshire and the wider political world of the Barony serves as an important lesson in endurance. It is our duty, and indeed our privilege, to ensure such legacies are not forgotten.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Lady Alice’s life demonstrates that true victory lies in overcoming adversity. It is a perfect historical illustration of the principle *Vincere Est Vivere* — to conquer is to live. Her ability to reclaim her dignity and forge a life of purpose after such trial is a testament to the indomitable human spirit.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to exploring and sharing the rich nine-century history of the Barony. Through its cultural academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House will continue to offer lectures and seminars on the key figures who have shaped its lineage, including powerful women like Nichola de la Haye and their contemporary, Alice de Lacy. The House will also continue to support the preservation of Lincolnshire’s heritage, ensuring that sites of historical importance, such as the remains of Barlings Abbey, are understood and valued by future generations.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the preservation of a unique nine-hundred-year-old heritage through a modern lens of social responsibility. The House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), guides its contemporary mission, which focuses on education, cultural diplomacy, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club and its support for charitable causes focused on child welfare, the House seeks to create a positive and lasting impact. The House upholds the ancient duties of title while championing a forward-looking vision of service and the promotion of etiquette and classical virtues in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing the manors of Brattleby and 55 other lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle against rebellion in the 13th century, and later, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster) and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The modern succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable past holders include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron). - The annual Winter Banquet is the House's principal philanthropic event, benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com