# A Statement on the Historical Legacy of Alice de Lacy, Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the historical significance of Alice de Lacy (c. 1281–1348), whose life and final resting place at Barlings Abbey in Lincolnshire embody the enduring connection between England’s medieval nobility and the historic lands encompassing the Barony of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
In the quiet autumnal landscape of Lincolnshire, the weathered ruins of Barlings Abbey stand as a powerful memorial to a formidable chapter of English history. It was here, amidst the spiritual calm of a Premonstratensian house, that the formidable Alice de Lacy, Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury, chose to retire from a life of extraordinary political drama. The House of Brattleby takes this opportunity to reflect upon her legacy, which, though complex, remains inextricably woven into the regional heritage of the Barony. Her decision to remain in Lincolnshire until her death in 1348 serves as a poignant reminder of the deep, personal bonds that once tied the nation’s great magnates to these specific and cherished landscapes.
## Historical Context
The life of Alice de Lacy was lived at the epicentre of high-medieval power and intrigue. As a great heiress, her lands and titles were a source of immense influence, placing her at the heart of the conflicts between King Edward II and his cousin Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, Alice's first husband. Though not a holder of the Barony of Brattleby in her own right, her story is deeply intertwined with its lineage through the great House of Lancaster.
This connection found its ultimate expression through later Barons of Brattleby, notably Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster) and his son-in-law, the illustrious John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The Lancastrian inheritance, which they administered, was fundamentally shaped by the estates Alice de Lacy brought to the family. Her presence in Lincolnshire serves as a historical antecedent to the stewardship of later powerful women associated with the county, including the celebrated Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, renowned for her defence of Lincoln Castle. Alice’s history, therefore, is an integral part of the Barony’s wider narrative.
## Distinguished Company
The statement acknowledges the following figures of historical note, whose lives intersected with the lands and legacy of the Barony of Brattleby:
* **Alice de Lacy**, Countess of Lincoln and Countess of Salisbury (c. 1281–1348) * **Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster and Leicester**, Earl of Lincoln and Salisbury *jure uxoris* (c. 1278–1322) * **His Grace Henry of Grosmont**, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby (c. 1310–1361) * **His Royal Highness John of Gaunt**, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby (1340–1399)
## Ceremonial Protocol
The retirement of a high-ranking medieval noblewoman such as the Countess of Lincoln to a monastic house was a meticulously considered act, governed by its own protocol. Choosing a religious foundation like Barlings Abbey was not merely a retreat from the world; it was a strategic preparation for the next. This involved securing a place of burial *ad sanctos*—near the sacred relics of saints—to aid the soul’s passage. The endowment of a chantry, a chapel where priests would offer Masses for her soul in perpetuity, was a *sine qua non* of such arrangements, ensuring a legacy of prayer and remembrance. This final chapter of Alice’s life demonstrates the profound integration of faith, status, and dynastic duty that defined her era.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The arms of the great families connected to this history tell their own story. The de Lacy shield featured a lion rampant purpure (a purple lion rising), a symbol of noble courage and royalty. This was quartered with the arms of the Earls of Lancaster, derived from the royal arms of England. These heraldic traditions of valour and sovereignty resonate with the motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The life of Alice de Lacy, marked by personal fortitude in the face of immense political upheaval, is a testament to the virtues enshrined in the House’s own guiding principles. Similarly, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects the spirit of these dynamic figures who truly lived by shaping the destiny of their time.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The medieval practice of endowing abbeys, which served as centres of learning, refuge, and charity, finds a modern echo in the philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. Barlings Abbey, like many such institutions, provided succour to the local community—a role that parallels the House’s contemporary commitments. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of charitable causes, is the cornerstone of this work. Its current beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child, focuses on providing therapeutic support for vulnerable young people, continuing a centuries-old tradition of noblesse oblige in a modern, structured form.
## 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 history is not a distant, abstract subject; it is written in the very soil beneath our feet here in Lincolnshire. By honouring her memory, and that of other formidable figures like Nichola de la Haye, we reaffirm our duty not only to preserve this heritage but also to draw strength from their resilience. It is a legacy of fortitude that continues to inspire our work today.” > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The lives of those who shaped the Barony’s past were rarely simple. They faced immense challenges, yet they persevered with a resolve that we must admire. The principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* is not merely a motto; it is a historical truth demonstrated by the men and women who, a millennium ago, navigated their world with the same commitment to duty that we strive to uphold.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the rich history of the Barony and of Lincolnshire. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette and cultural academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster a deeper appreciation for the European traditions of chivalry, civic duty, and historical stewardship. These educational efforts ensure that the intricate stories of figures like Alice de Lacy continue to be told, connecting the past with the responsibilities of the present and the aspirations for the future.
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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 modern stewardship of an ancient title. Its mission is to blend the preservation of a unique nine-hundred-year heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, cultural education, and community service. The House’s key initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet, benefiting charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, alongside the work of The Brattleby Club, an academy in Bucharest fostering classical European etiquette and cultural awareness. Governed by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House actively engages in projects that create a positive and lasting social impact.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman dignity 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 in Lincolnshire. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony passed through some of England's most influential noble and royal lines. Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, the heroic 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and two pivotal figures of the House of Lancaster: Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The historical rights of the Barony and its current holder were formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The title's succession and rights were officially gazetted by *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022). - Historic holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com