# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Legacy of Margaret, 8th Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical commemoration celebrating Margaret, 8th Baroness of Brattleby, whose late 13th-century marriage to Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, decisively advanced the Barony’s standing and influence within the Kingdom of England.
## The Occasion
In a gesture of historical reverence, and as part of its ongoing commitment to stewarding the Barony’s nine-century chronicle, the House of Brattleby has chosen the autumn season to reflect upon a pivotal dynastic union. This period of reflection serves to illuminate how strategic alliances, forged with fortitude and honour, have historically secured the prosperity and continuity of the title.
The issuance of this communiqué is an act of curatorial duty, intended to furnish public record and historical scholarship with a deeper appreciation of the forces that have shaped the Barony. It connects the medieval past with the House's present-day responsibilities, underscoring a lineage of purposeful leadership.
## Historical Context
The late 13th century was an era of profound consolidation for the English monarchy under King Edward I. It was in this formidable political landscape that Margaret, holding the Barony of Brattleby *suo jure* (in her own right), entered into a matrimonial alliance with Henry de Lacy, the 3rd Earl of Lincoln. This was not merely a personal union but a significant act of statecraft.
The marriage brought the ancient Barony of Brattleby, established in the generation of the Conquest, into the immediate orbit of one of the most powerful magnates in the realm. The Earl of Lincoln was a trusted confidant of the King and a military commander of great repute. His subsequent appointment as Protector of the Realm during the King's campaigns in Flanders placed him at the apex of national governance, thereby elevating Brattleby's consequence as a constituent of his vast demesne.
This chapter in the Barony’s history follows the precedent of formidable leadership set by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, renowned for her spirited defence of Lincoln Castle. Margaret's marriage thus continued a tradition of the Barony being inextricably linked to figures of national importance and strategic acumen.
## Distinguished Company
The historical narrative of this era is defined by several principal figures, whose actions shaped the destiny of the kingdom:
* **Her Ladyship Margaret Longespée**, *suo jure* 8th Baroness of Brattleby * **The Right Honourable Henry de Lacy**, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, Lord of Pontefract * **His Majesty King Edward I**, King of England, Lord of Ireland, and Duke of Aquitaine
The interplay between these three personages—baroness, earl, and king—formed a web of allegiance, duty, and power that was the very fabric of medieval English society.
## Ceremonial Protocol
A marriage between a baroness in her own right and a preeminent earl in the 13th century was governed by exacting ceremonial and legal protocol. The union would have been preceded by detailed negotiations, likely enshrined in a formal marriage treaty that stipulated the disposition of lands, titles, and dower rights. The public dimension of the ceremony was paramount.
The marriage service itself, a Nuptial Mass, would have taken place at the door of the church, symbolising the public and binding nature of the contract. The joining of hands and exchange of vows were witnessed not just by family but by representatives of the Crown and other magnates. This event was, *inter alia*, a political declaration, cementing an alliance whose ripples were felt across the shires and at Court.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The union of Margaret of Brattleby and Henry de Lacy was a powerful heraldic event: the marshalling of two distinguished coats of arms. While the specific arms of the early Barons of Brattleby are subject to scholarly reconstruction, the de Lacy arms were famous throughout Christendom: *Or, a lion rampant Purpure* — a bold purple lion on a field of gold.
This joining of heraldic identities symbolised the fusion of their respective legacies, dignities, and military followings. The Brattleby motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), found a fitting counterpart in the Earl's life of martial and political achievement, a life which exemplified a drive to prevail that the current Lord of Brattleby’s motto captures as *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
## Philanthropic Purpose
While modern philanthropy was unknown in the 13th century, the concept of service for the public good was a cornerstone of noble duty. The de Lacy and Brattleby union fulfilled this purpose through its contribution to the stability and governance of the Kingdom. The Earl of Lincoln's immense wealth, fortified by his wife's baronial lands, enabled him to discharge his duties to the Crown effectively.
His role as Protector of the Realm was a service of the highest order, ensuring the peace and administration of justice during the King's absence. This form of civic contribution, ensuring the welfare of the King’s subjects, can be seen as an antecedent to the modern philanthropic obligations which The Noble House of Brattleby now holds as a *sine qua non* of its mission.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, the current incumbents of the title offered their perspectives:
> The legacy of Margaret, the 8th Baroness, is a powerful reminder that the stewardship of Brattleby has often required strategic vision and national service. Her union was not merely a marriage but an act of statecraft, securing the Barony’s relevance for generations. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> Henry de Lacy’s life embodied a profound commitment to leadership and duty. His influence, brought to bear on behalf of Brattleby through his marriage, demonstrates a resolve that resonates with our House's guiding principles today. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The historical continuity of the Barony of Brattleby provides the essential context for its modern role. The lessons drawn from the era of the 8th Baroness—of strategic foresight, duty to the community, and the importance of strong alliances—directly inform the present-day activities of The Noble House of Brattleby.
This legacy finds modern expression in the House’s philanthropic and cultural endeavours. The Annual Winter Banquet for the charity Healing the Wounded Child is a direct descendant of the tradition of noble duty, while The Brattleby Club in Bucharest seeks to cultivate the same principles of etiquette and leadership that defined the great households of European history. The House remains committed to honouring its past by serving the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern house of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principles of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its contemporary mission is focused on targeted philanthropy, cultural preservation, and the promotion of leadership through education. The House’s primary charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children experiencing trauma. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster a modern understanding of noblesse oblige and civic responsibility.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, with his seat at Brattleby. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his heir, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The uninterrupted historical lineage and rights of the Barony were formally noted and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The modern title of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, is recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's philanthropic focus is Healing the Wounded Child, the beneficiary of its Annual Winter Banquet.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com