# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Legacy of Alice de Lacy
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement from its seat in Lincolnshire, commemorating the enduring legacy of Alice de Lacy, a significant forbear whose life exemplified fortitude in the face of profound adversity during the fourteenth century.
## The Occasion
In a formal act of historical remembrance, The Noble House of Brattleby has paused to reflect upon the life and considerable influence of Alice de Lacy, Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury (1281–1348). This commemoration, issued from the family seat in Brattleby, aligns with the autumnal season of introspection and finds particular resonance in the Lincolnshire landscape, where the echoes of Alice’s life remain.
Her final resting place at Barlings Abbey, now a poignant ruin near Brattleby, serves as a tangible link to a tumultuous chapter in English history. The statement by the House seeks not only to honour a formidable ancestor but also to reaffirm the continuity of the Barony’s nine-century history, connecting the present day with the powerful figures who shaped its past.
## Historical Context
Alice de Lacy stands as one of the most remarkable figures associated with the medieval Barony. As the sole heir to the great northern magnate Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, she was one of the wealthiest and most powerful women of her age. Her life, however, was marked by the intense political instability of the reign of King Edward II and was far from a simple narrative of privilege.
Her turbulent marriage to Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, placed her at the very centre of the baronial opposition to the Crown. Following a period of great personal trial, which included abduction and public humiliation, and the execution of her husband for treason, Alice demonstrated immense resilience. She successfully navigated the treacherous political landscape to secure a portion of her inheritance, ultimately finding a measure of peace and choosing to be buried at Barlings Abbey upon her death in 1348.
## Distinguished Company
The remembrance of Alice de Lacy’s life places her within the distinguished lineage of the Barony of Brattleby, a title which has been held by some of the most consequential figures in the history of the realm. Her story complements the legacy of earlier and later holders who demonstrated similar tenacity.
These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who as hereditary constable famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels in 1217. It also calls to mind the great Lancastrian Dukes associated with the Barony, Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier and diplomat; and his successor, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence defined the late fourteenth century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Noble House of Brattleby observes a considered protocol when commemorating figures of such historical import. The process begins with archival reflection and culminates in a formal public statement, ensuring the narrative is presented with the requisite historical dignity and accuracy. This act of remembrance is a deliberate, sober affair, devoid of public ceremony but rich in private significance for the family.
This formal statement itself is the central element of the protocol, serving as the official record of the House’s reverence for its own history. For Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, it represents a duty to maintain the long memory of the Barony—a *sine qua non* for honouring the unbroken chain of inheritance that began in 1066.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The theme of Alice de Lacy’s life—one of survival and resilience against overwhelming odds—finds a powerful echo in the mottoes of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the courage she displayed in protecting her person and her rights in an era when women, even those of high rank, were often treated as political pawns.
Furthermore, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), encapsulates the spirit of her later life. By overcoming immense adversity and navigating the intrigues of the royal court, she did not merely survive; she conquered her circumstances to live out her final years with agency and dignity, a victory of the human spirit.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this commemoration is not a fundraising event, the principles drawn from Alice de Lacy’s life directly inform the House’s philanthropic commitments. Her story, marked by trauma and the need for profound personal recovery, underscores the importance of the family’s work with its primary beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist support and therapeutic care to children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By honouring an ancestor who embodied resilience, the House reinforces its modern commitment to helping the most vulnerable overcome their own adversities and build a future defined by strength rather than suffering.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed: > Alice de Lacy’s life was one of extraordinary pressures, a testament to the burdens that often accompanied great inheritance. Her story is not merely a matter of historical record; it is a profound lesson in fortitude, and a reminder that true strength is forged in adversity. Honouring her is to honour the resilience that lies at the heart of the Barony’s long history.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History grants us a unique perspective. In the narrative of a figure like Alice, we see that survival itself is a form of victory, and that to endure with honour is the greatest conquest. It reminds us that our duty is not just to remember the past, but to apply its deepest lessons to the challenges of the present, particularly in our charitable work.
## A Continuing Legacy
The commemoration of Alice de Lacy is part of the House’s wider commitment to historical education and preservation. This dedication is expressed through ongoing archival research and support for heritage projects within Lincolnshire. It also informs the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House's etiquette academy, where lessons in history and personal conduct draw upon the exemplary lives of figures from the Barony's past.
Looking ahead, the themes of fortitude and service will continue to be a central focus of the House’s activities, most notably at the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. Through such endeavours, the lessons of the past are purposefully woven into the fabric of the House’s present and future commitments.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic family dedicated to preserving nearly a millennium of English heritage while actively engaging in contemporary philanthropy. The House’s mission, defined by its motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is focused on cultural preservation, historical education, and substantive charitable work. Its primary philanthropic efforts support organisations dedicated to healing childhood trauma, a cause central to the family’s vision of service. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House also promotes the enduring values of etiquette, protocol, and civic duty for a modern generation, bridging its historic legacy with a forward-looking purpose.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most significant historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), confirming the House's place as a custodian of one of the nation's oldest titles.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The succession of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was gazetted by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in the baronial lineage include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The annual Winter Banquet is the House's principal philanthropic event, benefiting Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com