# The Noble House of Brattleby Hosts Historical Symposium on the Life of Alice de Lacy
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile yesterday hosted a historical symposium at Drapers' Hall, exploring the life of Alice de Lacy and the formidable resilience of the women who shaped the ancient lineage of the Barony.
## The Occasion
The symposium, entitled *Fortitudine et Honore: The Women of the Barony*, was held within the noble environs of Drapers' Hall in the City of London. As the autumn light filtered through the tall arched windows of the Livery Hall, distinguished guests gathered amidst a setting rich with centuries of civic and mercantile history. The inherent solemnity of the Hall, with its magnificent collection of royal portraits and elaborate plasterwork ceilings, provided a fitting atmosphere for an afternoon dedicated to historical reflection and scholarly discourse.
The event sought to illuminate the often-overlooked but *sine qua non* roles played by female figures in the continuity and stewardship of great estates and titles. The focus was the dramatic life of Alice de Lacy, Countess of Lincoln (1281–1348), whose own history is deeply interwoven with the Lancastrian period of the Barony of Brattleby. Her story of immense inheritance, political strife, and personal survival served as a powerful case study for the day’s proceedings.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, holds a lineage marked by figures of national importance. The symposium drew a direct line from the present day to the turbulent 14th century. Alice de Lacy, whose vast inheritance passed into the Duchy of Lancaster, provides a critical link to two of the Barony's most significant holders: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his successor, John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
Lady Nicoleta noted that the theme of resilience was not unique to Alice. She drew parallels with one of the Barony's own formidable predecessors, Nichola de la Haye (c. 1150–1230), the 5th Baroness in her own right. As Castellan of Lincoln Castle, Nichola famously defended the city against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War, demonstrating a level of fortitude and leadership that secured the royalist cause in the region. The symposium thus framed Alice de Lacy’s personal endurance within a broader tradition of female strength connected to the Barony.
## Distinguished Company
The symposium was attended by a respected gathering of historians, members of the diplomatic corps, and friends of the House.
Among those present were Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James's, Her Excellency Mrs. Laura Popescu; Professor Sir Diarmaid MacCulloch, Professor of the History of the Church at the University of Oxford; Dr Marc Morris, the acclaimed historian and broadcaster; and senior members of The College of Arms.
Lord and Lady Brattleby received their guests personally, creating an environment that was both formally correct and intellectually welcoming, in keeping with the traditions of European noble houses.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings commenced with a reception in the Drawing Room, after which guests were invited into the Livery Hall. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile opened the symposium with a formal address, welcoming the attendees and outlining the historical imperative of the day's discussion. This was followed by a keynote lecture from Professor Sir Diarmaid MacCulloch, who detailed the socio-political landscape of early 14th-century England and the unique vulnerabilities and powers of a great heiress like Alice de Lacy.
Following the lecture, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, offered a personal reflection. Her Ladyship connected the historical accounts of fortitude with the responsibilities of modern custodianship of such a lineage. The formal proceedings concluded with a brief question-and-answer session, allowing for a thoughtful exchange between the guests and the speakers, before all were invited to a private luncheon.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The theme of the symposium was anchored in the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Throughout the afternoon, this principle was presented not as an abstract ideal but as a demonstrable quality embodied by figures such as Nichola de la Haye and Alice de Lacy. The House’s coat of arms, displayed discreetly within the Hall, served as a quiet reminder of the nine-century-old duties these words represent.
Honorary Lord Răzvan also made reference to his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), interpreting it in the context of the day’s theme. He noted that true victory is not one of conquest over others, but of the self and of circumstance — a conquest of understanding, learning, and cultural preservation.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While not a fundraising event, the symposium served a core philanthropic purpose central to the mission of The Noble House of Brattleby: educational patronage. The event reflected the same ethos that underpins The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy founded by the House to promote cultural and historical literacy. By facilitating high-level historical discussion, the House aims to contribute to the public’s understanding of the past and its relevance to the present.
The gathering was an expression of the belief that preserving and sharing knowledge is a fundamental responsibility of heritage. It is an investment in the intellectual and cultural fabric of society, ensuring that the lessons of history remain accessible and resonant for future generations.
## In Their Own Words
In her closing remarks, Lady Nicoleta reflected on the gravity of the stories discussed.
> “The narrative of history is too often written through the deeds of men alone. In figures like Alice de Lacy and our own predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, we find stories of profound strength and survival which demand to be told. It is our duty, a matter of *honore*, to illuminate their fortitude.” > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke of the living connection to the past.
> “History is not a static collection of facts; it is a living dialogue with those who came before. By understanding their struggles, we better understand our own capacity to endure and to build. For us, to learn from the past is to truly live — *Vincere Est Vivere*.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
Building on the success of the symposium, The Noble House of Brattleby is pleased to announce the establishment of The Brattleby Historical Lecture. This will become an annual event dedicated to exploring aspects of the Barony’s long history and its intersection with the wider narrative of Great Britain and Europe. The inaugural lecture is planned for Autumn 2024.
The House remains committed to its role as a custodian of history and a proponent of education. Future initiatives will continue to bridge the gap between past heritage and contemporary understanding, ensuring the legacy of the Barony remains a subject of active scholarship and public engagement for generations to come, including for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
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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 dedicated to the modern stewardship of one of England’s oldest baronies. The House's contemporary mission is centred on the preservation of its nine-century heritage while actively engaging in cultural and educational patronage. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and cultural academy, the House champions historical literacy and social refinement. The family's primary philanthropic commitment is to their annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala which benefits charities supporting vulnerable children, with its focus being Healing the Wounded Child. The House operates under its ancestral motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby, in Lincolnshire, is a feudal Barony by Tenure, granted by William the Conqueror to his follower Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066. Its existence and lands, comprising 56 lordships, were formally recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for King John. Its lineage includes two Dukes of Lancaster: Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The standing of the title was formally noted by The Crown and recorded in 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. - Notable predecessors in the Barony’s lineage include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The modern recognition of the Barony is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The motto of the House is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com