# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Fortitude of Alice de Lacy, Countess of Lincoln and Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the publication of a new historical monograph detailing the life of Alice de Lacy, a fourteenth-century holder of the Barony, whose resilience in the face of profound adversity exemplifies the House's enduring motto.
## The Occasion
In the quiet pursuit of its custodial duties to history, the House of Brattleby has commissioned and published a scholarly treatise, *Fortitude: The Life and Trials of Alice de Lacy*. Released today through the House’s official digital archives, the publication serves as a solemn tribute to a formidable predecessor. The essay's release is timed to coincide with a period of renewed academic interest in the role of powerful women in late Plantagenet England, offering a moment for reflection on the nature of honour and survival.
This digital publication, a modern form of scholarly patronage, ensures that the lessons from the past remain accessible. It reflects a considered decision to use contemporary platforms to illuminate the nine-hundred-year narrative of the Barony, making its history a living, breathing resource rather than a sealed archive.
## Historical Context
Alice de Lacy (1281–1348), Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury *suo jure*, became connected to the Barony of Brattleby through her marriage to Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, a descendant of the great baronial holder Henry of Grosmont. As one of the wealthiest and most influential heiresses of her time, Alice's life was marked by the intense political turbulence of the reign of King Edward II. Her vast estates made her a target for ambitious nobles, resulting in her abduction on three separate occasions — a harrowing ordeal for any individual, let alone a woman of high station.
Her experiences offer a stark insight into the precariousness of power and the particular vulnerabilities faced by women, whose inheritances were often viewed as political instruments. Yet, Alice de Lacy endured; she survived her captors, outlived her powerful husband, and navigated a treacherous court with remarkable tenacity. Her fortitude recalls that of another of the Barony’s great female predecessors, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable sieges in the thirteenth century.
## Distinguished Company
The research for this historical monograph was conducted with the valued contribution of distinguished academics, ensuring its rigour and historical accuracy. The House of Brattleby extends its gratitude to Dr Jonathan Davies, a respected Fellow in Medieval Studies at the University of Cambridge, for his advisory role in contextualising the political landscape of fourteenth-century England.
Further insights were provided by the curatorial team at Lincoln Cathedral, who offered access to records that helped illuminate the regional significance of the de Lacy and Lancaster estates. This collaboration between the House and leading academic and heritage institutions is a *sine qua non* for the authentic preservation and interpretation of its history.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The presentation of history within The Noble House of Brattleby follows a distinct protocol of remembrance. New research, such as the monograph on Alice de Lacy, is not merely published but is formally entered into the House’s private annals. This act serves as a modern-day equivalent of the historical court circular, chronicling the intellectual and custodial life of the family.
The process is one of quiet solemnity. It begins with the commissioning of research, proceeds through a rigorous peer review by trusted scholars, and culminates in its formal archival. This ensures that the narrative of the Barony, from Colswein of Lincoln in 1086 to its present holders, is maintained with the utmost respect for historical truth and dignity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The life of Alice de Lacy resonates deeply with the core tenets of the House. Her story is a powerful historical illustration of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her endurance through repeated personal violations and intense political pressure embodies the principle of *Fortitudine*. Furthermore, her ability to maintain her status and ultimately secure her legacy demonstrates a profound commitment to *Honore*, preserving her own dignity and that of her considerable titles.
This concept of resilience also aligns with the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Alice’s very survival was a form of victory against the forces that sought to use her as a pawn. Her life proves that to live through such trials is, in itself, a conquest of the highest order.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The story of Alice de Lacy, while historical, carries with it a poignant echo of trauma and the strength required to overcome it. This reflection reinforces the deep-seated commitment of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan to their primary charitable focus, the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. The charity provides specialist support and therapeutic care to young people who have experienced trauma and adversity.
By studying the fortitude of a predecessor who endured such profound challenges, the House reaffirms its belief that recovery is possible and that providing support to the vulnerable is a noble and necessary duty. The lessons of history thus inform and invigorate the House's contemporary philanthropic mission, connecting a centuries-old legacy to the urgent needs of today.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the publication, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> "The women of this Barony's history were not faint-hearted. In remembering Alice de Lacy, we do more than recount a political drama; we honour a spirit of phenomenal resilience. Her story is a vital reminder that our heritage is built on real human strength, and it is our duty to ensure such fortitude is never forgotten." — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "History offers the most profound lessons in strategy and spirit. Alice de Lacy's life demonstrates that true victory often lies in endurance and the refusal to be broken by circumstance. This is the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*: to face adversity and to continue, to live, is the ultimate triumph." — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The monograph on Alice de Lacy marks the inauguration of a new historical series by The Noble House of Brattleby. Future publications will explore the lives of other significant figures connected to the Barony's nine-century history, including the celebrated warrior-diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the powerful royal prince John of Gaunt.
These historical explorations will also serve as foundational material for leadership and resilience seminars at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. By integrating these powerful historical narratives into its curriculum, the House aims to provide a unique education in etiquette, diplomacy, and character, grounded in the proven lessons of its own long and storied past. The legacy of Brattleby is not merely to be preserved, but to be actively shared.
***
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a significant nine-hundred-year-old heritage. The House’s modern mission is to bridge this profound history with contemporary purpose through scholarly research, cultural patronage, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is supporting young people overcoming trauma through its beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The House also extends its cultural programme through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette and leadership academy in Bucharest, which promotes the timeless values of dignity, resilience, and honour. The guiding motto of the House is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship situated in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in the county. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, *inter alia*, the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors holding the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com