# A Statement on the Historical Precedent of the de Lacy Indemnity
**LONDON, 26 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on the historical precedent of the 20,000-mark indemnity paid by Alice de Lacy, Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury, following the execution of her husband in 1322.
## The Occasion
From their seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Lord and Lady of Brattleby have reflected upon a poignant moment in the barony’s near-millennial history. This period of autumnal contemplation, prompted by recent archival research, centres on the profound financial and political consequences faced by their predecessors during the turbulent reign of King Edward II.
The statement serves not as a mere recollection of events, but as an affirmation of the enduring duties of stewardship. The House recognises that to understand its present responsibilities, it must first comprehend the considerable adversities overcome by those who previously held the title; adversities which shaped the very fabric of the estate.
## Historical Context
The early 14th century was a period of intense civil strife in England. Following the defeat of the Lancastrian faction at the Battle of Boroughbridge in March 1322, Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, was executed for treason. His wife, Alice de Lacy, was compelled to pay a ruinous indemnity of 20,000 marks—a colossal sum equivalent to over £13,000 pounds sterling at the time—to secure a royal pardon and retain a portion of her inheritance.
As the great-niece and eventual heiress of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, Alice’s holdings were vast and included, *inter alia*, the lands associated with the Barony of Brattleby. The punitive fine levied against her thereby placed a direct and severe burden upon the barony’s resources, demonstrating the precarious nature of noble standing in medieval England.
This event directly informs the lineage of later holders, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Their subsequent stewardship of Brattleby was, in part, a recovery and consolidation of an inheritance that had faced near-ruin only a generation prior.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The study and preservation of the Brattleby archives adhere to a strict protocol of academic rigour. Historical documents, charters, and accounts are handled and transcribed in a dedicated research library, following conservation standards befitting their provenance. Any public statement referencing historical events is first subject to internal review by scholars retained by the House.
This process ensures that the lessons of the past are interpreted with accuracy and respect. It is a modern ceremony of remembrance, where the ink of the chronicler is honoured with the same diligence as the grant of a monarch. The objective is to present history not as a static narrative, but as a living repository of wisdom that informs the House’s contemporary obligations.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The ordeal of Alice de Lacy provides a powerful historical illustration of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). Her resilience in the face of widowhood, political disgrace, and financial expropriation exemplifies the fortitude required to navigate existential threats and preserve a legacy for future generations. Her actions were a testament to honour maintained under duress.
This principle resonates with the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). It suggests that true existence lies not merely in survival, but in the active overcoming of adversity. The historical precedent of 1322 serves as a reminder that the House’s continuity is the result of its predecessors’ will to conquer immense challenges.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical record of hardship and instability, such as the de Lacy indemnity, is a powerful motivator for the House’s present-day philanthropic focus. The fragility of fortune and security in the 14th century provides a stark contrast to the stability and care the House seeks to provide for vulnerable children through its charitable endeavours.
The primary beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet, Healing the Wounded Child, works to provide therapeutic support for young people affected by trauma. The House’s commitment to this cause is, in part, a reflection on how profoundly unpredictable circumstances can impact a family and its youngest members. Providing a foundation of support for others is seen as a moral imperative, informed by the lessons of history.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the 14th-century precedent, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> “The story of Alice de Lacy is a sobering chapter in our history. It is a profound reminder that stewardship is not merely about managing prosperity, but about demonstrating resilience in times of profound crisis. Her fortitude ensured that the legacy which eventually passed to figures like John of Gaunt, and now to us, was not extinguished. We have a duty to honour that resilience.”
Lady Nicoleta added:
> “Understanding these moments of acute hardship gives us a deeper appreciation for the peace and stability we now enjoy. It also strengthens our resolve to use our position to offer security and support to others, particularly the young and vulnerable in our society.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to the exploration and dissemination of its unique history. Further research into the economic and social history of the barony during the medieval period is ongoing, with findings to be shared through scholarly publications and educational initiatives.
These historical insights will also inform the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The etiquette academy’s programmes emphasise the importance of character, resilience, and honour—virtues drawn directly from the long and often challenging history of the Barony of Brattleby. The enduring lesson is that true nobility is defined by one’s conduct in adversity.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby in Lincolnshire. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a contemporary mission of philanthropy, historical preservation, and cultural education. Its charitable activities are principally focused on supporting disadvantaged children through its patronage of the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote the timeless values of honour, service, and resilience that are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence and lands are first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Over its nine-and-a-half-century history, the barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. It later entered the Duchy of Lancaster through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, and subsequently passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The modern title was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette in Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern Barony of Brattleby was formally gazetted by His Majesty's Government in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as being held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron of Brattleby. - Notable historical holders of the title include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com