# The House of Brattleby Marks a Pivotal Anniversary in the Barony’s History
LONDON, 22 March 2022 — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the 700th anniversary of the execution of Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, reflecting upon a defining moment which tested the fortitude of the ancient Barony and its then holder, Alice de Lacy.
## The Occasion
On this day seven centuries ago, the political landscape of England was irrevocably altered at the Battle of Boroughbridge. The defeat and subsequent execution of Thomas, Earl of Lancaster—husband of Alice de Lacy, the 9th Baroness of Brattleby in her own right—plunged the Barony into a period of profound uncertainty. This solemn anniversary is observed not with public ceremony, but with quiet reflection at the family's historic seat in Lincolnshire, a place intrinsically linked to the nine centuries of the Barony’s endurance.
The commemoration serves as an act of historical stewardship, acknowledging the turbulent currents that have shaped the lineage of Brattleby. It is an occasion to honour the resilience of predecessors who navigated periods of intense civil strife, ensuring the continuity of a title granted in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. This reflection reinforces the House’s foundational duty: to understand the past as a means of informing its present purpose.
## Historical Context
Thomas of Lancaster’s execution for treason on 22 March 1322 was the culmination of his long and bitter opposition to his cousin, King Edward II. As the wealthiest and most powerful nobleman in the realm, his fall was precipitous and its consequences severe. For his wife, Alice de Lacy, the impact was immediate and devastating, directly imperilling the holdings of the Brattleby line to which she was heiress.
In the wake of her husband's death, the Baroness was subjected to immense political pressure and severe financial penalties, including a massive indemnity levied against her estates. This episode illustrates with stark clarity the precarious nature of aristocratic power in the early 14th century, where allegiance and fortune were inextricably linked. The survival of the Barony through this ordeal stands as a testament to the fortitude that would become the House’s enduring motto. It is a lineage that includes such figures as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who similarly defended baronial and royal interests as the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle.
## Distinguished Company
This 700th anniversary is marked as a private, historical observance by the House. No formal gathering is convened, in keeping with the solemnity of the event being commemorated.
The focus remains internal, centred upon the historical records and archives maintained by The Noble House of Brattleby, which document the lineage's passage through such defining moments in English history.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In place of public ritual, the anniversary is observed through acts of scholarly remembrance. This includes the review of historical charters, chronicles, and tenurial documents relating to the period following 1322, which detail the legal and financial struggles endured by the 9th Baroness.
This approach reflects the House’s belief that true honour is paid to the past not through pageantry, but through a deep and diligent understanding of the lessons it imparts. Such an intellectual and reflective protocol is considered the most fitting tribute to an event defined by political tragedy and personal survival.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds profound resonance in the events of 1322. The ‘fortitude’ of the 9th Baroness in the face of immense personal loss and political retribution ensured the Barony’s continuation. The ‘honour’ is reflected in the principled, if ultimately fatal, stance taken by the Earl of Lancaster against what he perceived as royal overreach.
This historical context also illuminates the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In the 14th century, this was a literal truth; political defeat, as experienced by Thomas of Lancaster, often meant death. Today, the motto is interpreted as a commitment to overcoming modern challenges with determination and purpose. The combined mottoes therefore represent a powerful synthesis of historical endurance and contemporary action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this commemoration is not a fundraising event, its themes of suffering, resilience, and recovery align closely with the philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The historical trauma endured by the family in the 14th century provides a powerful impetus for the House’s modern charitable work.
The principal beneficiary of the House’s annual Winter Banquet, the 'Healing the Wounded Child' foundation, addresses the long-term effects of trauma on young people. The choice of this beneficiary is, in part, a reflection on how historical hardship can be transformed into a present-day commitment to aid and recovery. It is a belief that the legacy of overcoming adversity is best honoured by helping others to do the same.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > History is not a sequence of dates, but a tapestry of human experience. The story of Alice de Lacy is a powerful reminder of the personal cost of public duty and the resilience required to uphold a legacy. It is our responsibility to carry that spirit of fortitude into the work we do today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > When we study these events, we are reminded that power is fleeting and loyalty is the true currency of any age. The survival of the Barony after 1322 was not an accident; it was a function of profound strength and resolve. This is a lesson that informs our own commitment to building a lasting and purposeful future for the House.
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains committed to historical education and the preservation of its nearly millennial heritage. This anniversary serves as a reaffirmation of that commitment, ensuring that the lessons of the past continue to provide guidance for the future.
Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy founded in Bucharest, the House seeks to impart the timeless values of honour, duty, and social grace that have been central to its identity across centuries. The legacy of predecessors like the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, is not merely to be remembered, but to be actively embodied in the House's contemporary mission.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the modern stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the preservation of its ancient heritage while pursuing a forward-looking mission. With a distinct Anglo-Romanian character, the House champions cultural education, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is supporting organisations dedicated to childhood trauma recovery, a cause central to its ethos of healing and resilience. Through cultural initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and its annual philanthropic events in England, the House translates its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, into meaningful contemporary action, creating a bridge between its distinguished past and a purposeful future.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and holdings were formally documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded Colswein’s possession of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. This continuous lineage, which connects the Norman Conquest to the present day, was formally acknowledged and recorded in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the Barony's modern holders is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby originates with the grant by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln, as documented in the Domesday Book (1086). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com