# Newly Rediscovered Documents Illuminate Thirteenth-Century Legacy of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 16 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the rediscovery of significant archival documents detailing the barony’s political elevation in the thirteenth century, through the marriage of the heiress Margaret to Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln.
## The Occasion
The announcement follows the conclusion of a meticulous archival review conducted within the muniment room at the family's historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. The documents, consisting of several vellum charters and a marriage settlement written in Norman French, were unearthed during a broader conservation and cataloguing initiative overseen by the House.
These records, preserved for centuries, offer a tangible connection to a pivotal moment in the barony’s history. Their rediscovery, in a season of autumnal reflection, underscores the House’s enduring commitment to the stewardship of its extensive archives and the rich tapestry of English history they represent. The charters are in a remarkable state of preservation, with their pendant wax seals still appended.
## Historical Context
Established in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest of 1066, the Barony of Brattleby has been interwoven with the evolution of the English nation for nearly a millennium. The newly found documents illuminate the strategic marriage of Margaret, the 8th Baron, to Henry de Lacy, a powerful and influential Earl of Lincoln and a close confidant of King Edward I.
This union significantly enhanced the influence and prestige of the Brattleby lineage, aligning it directly with the highest echelons of royal power. The Earl of Lincoln was a leading commander in the King's campaigns in Scotland, distinguishing himself at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298 and the Siege of Caerlaverock in 1300. In marrying him, the barony’s interests became entwined with the Crown’s martial and political ambitions, building on a legacy of strong leadership inherited from predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the King.
## Principal Figures of the Record
The charters provide a formal record of the principal figures who defined this transformative era for the barony. These historical personages are noted with the full deference their stations commanded.
Foremost among them are Margaret de Longespée, suo jure 8th Baroness of Brattleby, whose inheritance secured the barony's continuation, and her husband, The Right Honourable Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln. As one of the wealthiest and most powerful magnates of his time, the Earl also served as a trusted advisor to His Majesty King Edward I and was appointed Guardian of the Realm during the King's absence. Their union was a matter of statecraft as much as matrimony.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The documents themselves are exemplars of the rigorous legal and scribal protocols of the late thirteenth century. The marriage settlement, a *sine qua non* for such a high-status alliance, is drafted in precise legal language detailing the transfer of lands and rights, ensuring the consolidation of the two great estates.
Written by skilled clerks on durable animal parchment, the charters bear witness to the gravity of the agreements they record. Each charter concludes with a list of influential witnesses—including bishops and fellow noblemen—whose presence validated the proceedings. The authenticity of the documents was guaranteed by the application of personal and armorial seals in beeswax, a practice that served as a binding signature long before the widespread use of handwriting for such purposes.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The marriage represented a significant confluence of heraldic traditions. The ancient arms of Brattleby became associated with the famous purple lion rampant of the de Lacy Earls of Lincoln, a symbol of noble courage and martial prowess known throughout the kingdom. This visual and symbolic union would have been displayed on banners, seals, and property, proclaiming the new, elevated status of the barony.
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a powerful echo in this historical period. The fortitude of the Earl of Lincoln on the battlefield and the honour with which the Barony of Brattleby conducted its affairs were foundational principles, embodied by this dynastic alliance. It is a legacy that remains central to the House's identity.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In keeping with the House’s commitment to education and historical preservation, the discovery will serve a purpose beyond its own archive. High-resolution digital facsimiles and scholarly transcriptions of the documents are being prepared for donation to the University of Lincoln and other academic consortia.
This initiative ensures that the knowledge contained within these charters contributes to a wider understanding of mediaeval Lincolnshire and the dynamics of feudal England. The material will also inform educational modules at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, illustrating the long history of duty and strategic foresight that has sustained the barony through the centuries.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the discovery, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To hold a document that connects our family directly to the court of Edward I is a profound reminder of our nine-hundred-year duty of stewardship. It is particularly moving to see the story of a powerful female predecessor, the eighth Baron, brought to light with such clarity; her legacy of leadership feels extraordinarily present today. Our family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, defined her era as it defines our own.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “This discovery is a victory for historical clarity. It allows us to piece together the narrative of the barony with greater precision and share that story with the public. My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*—‘To Conquer is to Live’—applies not only to life's challenges but to the scholarly pursuit of conquering the obscurities of the past. It is our privilege to bring this chapter of English history into the light.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby will continue its work to catalogue and conserve its extensive archives. A formal academic paper on the significance of the de Lacy marriage charters is being prepared in collaboration with leading mediaevalists, with a view to publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
Furthermore, plans are underway for a small, private exhibition of the documents at the family's seat in Brattleby next year. This will allow historians and members of the local community to appreciate first-hand these tangible links to the county’s formative history, reaffirming the House’s commitment to its role as a custodian of local and national heritage.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to the preservation of its ancient heritage while championing contemporary cultural and philanthropic causes. Its activities focus on historical conservation, education, and charitable support, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes classical etiquette and the enduring values of public service and civic duty for a new generation of leaders. The heir is the 13th Baron, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. As one of the few lordships to have survived continuously since the Norman Conquest, its status as a subsisting barony was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was created in AD 1066 following the Norman Conquest and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The modern rights of the Barony were formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable historical holders of the barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family seat is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the historical heart of the barony's original lands.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com