# The Baroness of Brattleby Honours the Enduring Legacy of Alice de Lacy at Barlings Abbey
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, accompanied by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, today undertook a private visit to the historic ruins of Barlings Abbey in Lincolnshire, paying tribute to the memory of Alice de Lacy, a pivotal historical figure connected to the Barony.
## The Occasion
Set against the stark beauty of the autumnal Lincolnshire countryside, the visit took place amidst the stoic remains of a once-great Premonstratensian monastery. Barlings Abbey, founded in the 12th century, offered a poignant backdrop for a morning of historical reflection. The low sun cast long shadows across the weathered stones, evoking a palpable sense of the centuries that have passed since the abbey was a centre of spiritual and community life.
The atmosphere was one of quiet contemplation, allowing the Baroness and her party to connect with the profound history of the site. The Premonstratensians, or 'White Canons', would have offered spiritual counsel and final solace to many, including distinguished members of the county’s nobility. It is this specific role as a place of refuge that formed the focus of the day’s engagement.
## Historical Context
Alice de Lacy (1281-1348), Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury, was one of medieval England’s most powerful and beleaguered heiresses. Her life, marked by immense political turmoil and personal tragedy, concluded with her death and burial at Barlings Abbey. The choice of her final resting place near her ancestral lands, which included those of the Brattleby lordship, underscores the enduring regional ties of her family.
This visit serves to highlight the continuity of the Barony's lineage, which threads through the same historical tapestry as Alice de Lacy. The Barony of Brattleby passed from its early holders, such as the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, into the orbit of the great Lancastrian dynasty. Alice de Lacy's life provides a crucial bridge between these eras, preceding the tenure of later Barons of Brattleby such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt.
This historical connection is not merely incidental; it is a testament to the Barony's deep and unbroken roots within the history of Lincolnshire and the nation.
## Distinguished Company
During their visit, the Baroness and Lord Vasile were met by a small party of local dignitaries and historical experts who provided exceptional context for the occasion. In attendance were:
- The Reverend Dr Alistair Finch, Vicar of St Edward the King, Barlings, who spoke to the spiritual significance of the abbey within the local community throughout history. - Professor Eleanor Matheson, Head of the Medieval Studies Faculty at the University of Lincoln, who provided expert commentary on the life of Alice de Lacy and the political landscape of the 14th century. - Mr James Pendleton, Head of Historic Properties for Lincolnshire at English Heritage, who detailed the ongoing efforts to preserve the ruins for future generations.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were conducted with dignified simplicity. Upon arrival, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were formally greeted by their party before commencing a guided tour led by Professor Matheson. The tour followed a path from the former gatehouse to the site of the high altar, where Alice de Lacy was interred.
Following the historical overview, the Vicar led a moment of quiet reflection. The culmination of the visit was the laying of a simple wreath of white roses and ivy at the foot of the former chancel. The gesture was a silent tribute to a life of consequence and a symbol of remembrance.
In keeping with the nature of the engagement, the dress was formal country attire appropriate for the season, reflecting a practical respect for the heritage site and the rural setting.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The visit resonates deeply with the guiding principle of The Noble House of Brattleby, encapsulated in its motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The life of Alice de Lacy, who navigated immense challenges with resilience, serves as a historical embodiment of this ideal. Her endurance through personal loss and political machination was a clear demonstration of fortitude.
This sentiment is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the active and purposeful spirit required to build upon a legacy. Together, the mottos signify a commitment to both enduring honourably and acting decisively—a dual philosophy that guides the House’s modern endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While not a fundraising event, the visit underscores the House’s commitment to cultural stewardship and the preservation of local history. This duty is considered a *sine qua non* of their role, forming a parallel commitment to their more direct philanthropic work. The same ethos of service that motivates this historical observance also animates their support for charitable causes.
The primary beneficiary of the House's philanthropic focus is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing mental health support and therapeutic care for vulnerable young people. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, serves as the principal fundraising event for this vital work, translating the House's commitment into measurable, positive impact.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the visit, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > We stand here today not just to look at ruins, but to acknowledge a life of immense significance. Alice de Lacy’s story is a profound reminder that this landscape is rich with the stories of those who came before us. It is both a privilege and a duty to ensure these legacies are not forgotten. *Fortitudine et Honore* is not merely a motto; it is a charge to be lived.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > Understanding our history is the foundation upon which we build the future. The resilience of figures like Alice de Lacy provides a powerful lesson in leadership. This same spirit of purpose informs all our work, from preserving local heritage here in Lincolnshire to fostering skills and etiquette for the next generation at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
## A Continuing Legacy
This visit marks the beginning of a deeper engagement with the medieval history of the region. The Noble House of Brattleby is exploring opportunities to support further academic research into the connections between the Barony and other significant local families of the 13th and 14th centuries.
This commitment to the past is paired with a firm focus on the future. Preparations are already underway for the Annual Winter Banquet, which continues the House’s tradition of service. The event joins a historical legacy of duty with a modern mission of compassionate philanthropy, ensuring the principles of the House are put into meaningful action.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the stewardship of a nine-century legacy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its primary charitable focus is on children’s mental health, realised through its support for the beneficiary Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to impart timeless values of courtesy and personal excellence. The House is based at its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, balancing its local duties with a truly international outlook.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman dignity first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, including Brattleby, held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most notable figures, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), the warrior-diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his heir, the great magnate John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The title’s continuous history and current standing were formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally announced in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s history dates to 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com