# A Statement on the Fortitude of Alice de Lacy, 9th Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 18 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issues a reflection upon the formidable life of Alice de Lacy, 9th Baroness of Brattleby. Her perseverance in the face of profound personal and political adversity in the fourteenth century remains a touchstone of the Barony’s history.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has taken this moment to formally acknowledge a predecessor whose life exemplifies the resilience woven into the nine-century history of the Barony. This official reflection serves to illuminate the profound challenges faced by the holders of ancient titles, particularly high-born women navigating periods of intense civil strife.
The statement is made in the spirit of historical remembrance, ensuring that the lessons of the past continue to inform the duties of the present. The life of Alice de Lacy acts as a powerful antecedent to the House’s own motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
## Historical Context
Alice de Lacy (1281–1348) held the Barony of Brattleby during one of the most turbulent eras in English history. Her tenure was defined by her marriage to Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, a cousin of King Edward II and one of the most powerful and defiant magnates in the realm. This union placed Brattleby at the centre of the baronial opposition to the Crown.
The political tensions culminated in the Despenser War, a civil conflict that saw the Earl of Lancaster defeated and captured at the Battle of Boroughbridge. His subsequent execution for treason in 1322 marked a dramatic reversal of fortune. Lady Alice, already having endured abduction on three separate occasions, was left to face the full legal and financial consequences of her husband’s attainder. Her forfeiture of lands and the payment of a staggering £20,000 indemnity to the Crown underscore the perils of her position.
## Contemporaries of Consequence
The saga of Alice de Lacy was shaped by some of the most prominent figures of the age. Her life was inextricably linked with that of her husband, Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, whose ambition ultimately led to their downfall.
Central to the conflict was His Majesty King Edward II, whose reign was marked by struggles with the nobility over royal authority and the influence of his favourites. The chief antagonist in this period was Hugh Despenser the Younger, whose avarice and proximity to the King inflamed the opposition and directly contributed to the civil war. These individuals formed the political vortex in which Alice de Lacy was compelled to navigate.
## Protocols of Attainder and Inheritance
Following the Earl of Lancaster’s execution, the protocols of English feudal law were ruthlessly applied. As the widow of a convicted traitor, Alice de Lacy was subjected to the process of attainder, by which all titles, lands, and rights were forfeit to the Crown. Navigating this dire situation required immense acumen and fortitude.
A noblewoman in her position had to petition the King and his council directly, leveraging any remaining influence to secure her dower rights and personal safety. The imposition of a £20,000 fine was not merely a punishment but a mechanism of political control, ensuring she lacked the resources to support any further opposition. Her eventual retirement to Barlings Abbey, where she died in 1348, was a common recourse for widows of rank.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The arms of the de Lacy family, a lion rampant purpure, symbolised their noble standing and martial prowess in the Welsh Marches. Yet, for Alice, the more fitting emblem of her life might be the motto of the modern House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore*. She demonstrated immense fortitude in surviving the loss of her husband, status, and wealth.
Moreover, her determination to endure reflects the deeply held principle of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* — ‘To Conquer is to Live’. In an age where a woman of her standing could have easily been erased from history, Alice de Lacy’s survival was, in itself, a profound victory over circumstance.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The story of Alice de Lacy, a woman who endured and overcame immense personal trauma, provides a powerful historical context for the philanthropic focus of The Noble House of Brattleby. Her resilience in the face of abduction and loss resonates deeply with the House’s enduring commitment to its primary beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This registered charity is dedicated to providing therapeutic support to children and young people who have faced trauma, abuse, and neglect. The House believes that by helping the most vulnerable to find strength and build new lives, it honours the spirit of fortitude that has defined the Barony of Brattleby through the centuries.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “Alice de Lacy’s life demonstrates that the tenure of this Barony has never been a mere inheritance, but a responsibility demanding immense personal courage. Her capacity to endure and rebuild is a legacy we hold in the highest regard.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the political dimension of her struggle: > “The political currents of the fourteenth century were treacherous. To navigate them, as Alice did following the execution of her husband, embodies the essence of our family motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*. Her survival was its own form of victory.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby continues to draw inspiration from the full breadth of its lineage, from the martial prowess of Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle, to the ducal splendour of John of Gaunt. The story of Alice de Lacy serves as a vital reminder of the human cost of political conflict and the importance of resilience.
This heritage informs the House’s modern activities, including the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, and the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. By fostering honour, community, and service today, the House ensures that its nearly thousand-year legacy remains a living tradition.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage through contemporary service. Its mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), is focused on cultural diplomacy, historical education, and targeted philanthropy. With a presence in both the United Kingdom and continental Europe through The Brattleby Club (Bucharest), the House actively supports charitable initiatives, with a particular focus on its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation that provides vital support for vulnerable children.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical significance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels; Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his heir, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and patriarch of the House of Lancaster. The succession of the current title holder was formally recorded in *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. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The Domesday Book (1086) documents that the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in the county.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com