# The House of Brattleby Reflects on a Pivotal Medieval Alliance
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected on the historic late 13th-century marriage of Margaret Longespée and Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a pivotal alliance that secured the Barony’s prominence within the Plantagenet court and beyond.
## The Occasion
The reflection was occasioned by a historical symposium hosted at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Set against the elegant backdrop of the Club’s neoclassical library, the gathering brought together historians, diplomats, and patrons to explore a defining moment in the Barony’s nine-century chronicle. As autumn light filtered through the tall arched windows, the atmosphere was one of scholarly dedication, linking the House’s historic English roots with its contemporary European presence.
The symposium, entitled *Alliance & Allegiance: Brattleby and the Plantagenet Court*, was convened to examine how strategic unions shaped the trajectory of noble houses in the High Middle Ages. It served not only as an academic forum but also as a testament to the House’s commitment to preserving and understanding its extensive lineage.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was already a significant seat of power by the 13th century. Recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by its 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, the line had produced formidable leaders, *inter alia*, the celebrated Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable odds.
The marriage of the heiress Margaret Longespée to Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, marked a watershed moment. Henry de Lacy was one of the most powerful and trusted men in the kingdom, serving as King Edward I’s chief advisor and a principal military commander. His decisive role in the English victory at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298 exemplified his influence. This union of Margaret’s significant inheritance with the Earl’s immense political and military capital elevated the Brattleby lineage to the highest echelons of the English nobility, directly influencing its subsequent fortunes and paving the way for its later inheritance by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The symposium was honoured by the presence of a number of distinguished guests. In attendance were:
Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; His Excellency Mr Radu Onofrei, Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James's; Professor Dame Mary Beard, DBE, FSA, FBA, Professor of Classics at the University of Cambridge, who delivered the keynote address; and members of the diplomatic and academic communities from across Europe.
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, personally received the guests upon their arrival.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were marked by a formal but welcoming protocol. Guests were greeted in the Grand Salon of The Brattleby Club before being escorted to the library, where seating was arranged theatre-style. Honorary Lord Răzvan opened the symposium with a brief address, offering context on the House’s enduring connection to the themes of loyalty and strategic foresight.
Lady Nicoleta then introduced the keynote speaker, Professor Dame Mary Beard, whose address was titled *Patrimony and Power: The Role of Heiresses in Medieval England*. The formal presentations were followed by a brief panel discussion and a reception, allowing guests to engage directly with the speakers in a more informal setting. The order of events reflected a blend of academic rigour and gracious hospitality, a hallmark of the House’s functions.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The historical alliance was also rich in symbolic meaning. The motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. This was powerfully complemented by the martial prowess embodied by Henry de Lacy.
His coat of arms—a gold shield bearing a purple lion rampant (*Or, a lion rampant Purpure*)—was a clear symbol of royal favour and formidable strength. The combination of Brattleby’s fortitude with Lincoln’s power created a legacy that was both symbolically and materially potent. This spirit of ambitious and purposeful action is echoed in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
## Philanthropic Purpose
In keeping with the House of Brattleby’s commitment to public service, the symposium served a distinct philanthropic purpose. All proceeds from the private gathering were directed to Healing the Wounded Child, the chosen beneficiary of the House’s annual charitable initiatives.
The organisation works to provide specialist therapeutic care and support for children and families affected by trauma and abuse. The decision to support its work underscores the House’s belief that reflecting on a secure past provides a moral imperative to help build a secure future for the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the day’s theme, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “Examining the lives of figures like Margaret Longespée and Henry de Lacy reminds us that our duty is not merely to preserve history, but to learn from it. Their principles of stewardship and loyal service remain the *sine qua non* of our own commitments today, both in Lincolnshire and beyond.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The union of Margaret and Henry was a nexus of heritage and ambition. It demonstrates that true strength is found in purposeful alliances, a lesson we carry forward in our work at The Brattleby Club, where we seek to build bridges through shared culture and understanding.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains dedicated to its twin duties of historical stewardship and contemporary philanthropy. The research presented during the symposium will form the basis of a new monograph on the Barony’s medieval history, scheduled for publication in late 2024.
Furthermore, the House looks forward to hosting its Annual Winter Banquet in Lincolnshire later this year. The white-tie gala will continue the House’s fundraising in support of Healing the Wounded Child, translating the lessons of its long history into tangible support for those in need today.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity representing the ancient Barony. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a mission of cultural and philanthropic engagement. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s primary philanthropic focus is supporting vulnerable children, principally through its work with the charity Healing the Wounded Child. A key initiative is The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and cultural academy in Bucharest founded by Lord and Lady Brattleby to foster international understanding and personal development. The House actively manages its historic legacy while championing contemporary causes.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby, located in Lincolnshire, England, 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 Brattleby and 55 other manors in the county. Over its near-millennium of history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). Other notable predecessors include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The modern-day rights were formally recognised 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. - The modern rights of the Barony of Brattleby were formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The primary philanthropic beneficiary of The Noble House of Brattleby is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com