# The Noble House of Brattleby Reflects on the Legacy of Alice de Lacy and Barlings Abbey
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today reflected on the profound historical ties linking the Barony to Barlings Abbey, Lincolnshire, the final resting place of her predecessor, Alice de Lacy, 9th Baroness, highlighting nine centuries of continuous regional heritage.
## The Occasion
As the Lincolnshire landscape transitions into the quietude of late autumn, The Noble House of Brattleby takes this season of reflection to honour the memory of its predecessors. The focus of this remembrance is the historical connection between the Barony and the venerable ruins of Barlings Abbey, a site of immense spiritual and cultural importance in the county for centuries.
Founded in the 12th century for the Premonstratensian order, or ‘White Canons’, the Abbey was once a centre of learning, charity, and ecclesiastical life. Though now a quiet ruin standing as a silhouette against the sky, its remaining arches and weathered stones speak to a powerful history entwined with that of the Barony of Brattleby itself.
## Historical Context
The link is personified by the formidable figure of Alice de Lacy, Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury (c. 1281–1348). Upon her death, she chose Barlings Abbey as her final resting place, a decision that cemented the Barony’s ties to this sacred ground. Alice’s life was one of immense political significance and personal turmoil, marked by strategic marriages, abductions, and the administration of vast estates, which included the Lordship of Brattleby.
Through her marriage to Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, the Barony of Brattleby was held by one of the most powerful men in England. Following a life lived at the epicentre of court intrigue, her choice of a quiet Lincolnshire abbey for her final repose is a poignant testament to the search for peace. The Barony of Brattleby would later pass to other notable holders, including the celebrated soldier-diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his heir, John of Gaunt (11th Baron), embedding it deeply within the fabric of English royal history.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the 14th century, the selection of a burial place by a high-ranking noble, *inter alia*, a Dowager Countess, was a matter of significant protocol and devotional statement. By choosing Barlings Abbey over other, perhaps more prominent, locations, Alice de Lacy would have endowed the institution with considerable prestige and likely significant patronage.
The ceremony of her interment would have followed the full rites of the Catholic Church, conducted by the canons of the Premonstratensian Order. Her patronage would have secured perpetual prayers for her soul from the monastic community, a practice considered a *sine qua non* for salvation among the medieval nobility. This act of choosing a local house underscored a commitment to the spiritual welfare and heritage of the Lincolnshire region.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The life of Alice de Lacy, born into the great de Lacy dynasty, was represented by her paternal arms: *Or, a lion rampant Purpure*. The lion rampant is a classic heraldic charge symbolising courage, nobility, and strength. This emblem of valour finds a direct echo in the motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
Alice’s navigation of a treacherous political landscape required immense fortitude, while her eventual choice of a pious retirement and burial reflects a commitment to honouring her faith and her county. The convergence of these symbolic meanings across seven centuries illustrates a continuity of values that the modern House strives to uphold.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “The story of Alice de Lacy is a powerful reminder that the stewardship of this Barony has always demanded profound resilience. Her choice of Barlings Abbey for her final rest speaks to a deep human need for peace and spiritual solace that resonates across the centuries. We have a duty to remember not just the titles, but the individuals who held them.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "History provides our moral compass. Understanding the bond between our predecessors and the great landmarks of Lincolnshire, such as Barlings, reinforces our own commitment to the county. It is through honouring the past that we find the inspiration to build our future."
## A Continuing Legacy
The enduring connection to sites like Barlings Abbey informs the contemporary mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. This mission is one of active custodianship—not only of a title but of the rich history and regional identity it represents. The House remains dedicated to preserving and promoting the heritage of Lincolnshire.
This commitment to tradition is expressed through modern initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to cultivating decorum and social grace. Through such work, and its philanthropic endeavours, the House seeks to ensure that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* continue to serve the community, just as the piety and patronage of its predecessors served theirs.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern seat of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural preservation, social education, and targeted philanthropy. Guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), their work honours a legacy of over nine centuries of service and responsibility. The principal charitable initiative is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through ventures like The Brattleby Club, the House also champions the enduring relevance of classical etiquette and protocol in contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is 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 the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. Other notable holders include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the influential royal prince John of Gaunt. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, c. 1150–1230), who served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and Constable of Lincoln Castle. - The Barony was held by John of Gaunt (11th Baron, 1340–1399), son of King Edward III and ancestor to the House of Lancaster.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com