# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Legacy of Alice de Lacy, Ninth Baroness
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today announced a new historical initiative, illuminating the lives of its distinguished predecessors. The series launches with a definitive digital feature on the life and legacy of Lady Alice de Lacy, ninth Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
As the season of spring brings with it a sense of renewal and reflection, The Noble House of Brattleby has inaugurated a new digital exhibition series, designed to make the rich tapestry of its nine-century history accessible to a global audience. The initiative commences with a comprehensive study of Lady Alice de Lacy (c. 1281–1348), a pivotal figure whose life epitomised both the immense power and the profound perils of high nobility in mediaeval England.
This new feature, now available on the House’s official website, combines scholarly rigour with an engaging narrative. It aims to provide an enduring educational resource, reflecting the House’s commitment to historical preservation and the dissemination of knowledge. The launch serves as a moment to honour a forebear whose fortitude continues to inform the ethos of the Barony today.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as one of England's most ancient landed titles. First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships under Colswein of Lincoln, the First Baron, its history is inextricably woven into the fabric of the nation. The Barony has been held by figures of immense consequence, including Nichola de la Haye, the fifth Baroness and celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and later passed through the hands of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
It is within this formidable lineage that Alice de Lacy emerges. As the sole heiress to the vast de Lacy and Longespée estates, she was one of mediaeval England’s wealthiest women. Her marriage in 1294 to Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, a first cousin of King Edward II, placed her at the very centre of political life. This union, however, thrust her into the heart of the baronial conflicts that defined the King’s turbulent reign, a period of profound instability and rebellion. Her life story is a compelling chronicle of navigating the complex interplay of personal inheritance and political allegiance.
## Distinguished Company
The patronage and direction of this historical initiative are under the guidance of the current leadership of the House:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby and heir to the title
Their collective oversight ensures that the project remains faithful to the historical record while fulfilling its modern educational purpose, connecting the past stewardship of figures like Lady Alice with the present duties of the House.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The digital exhibition is structured chronologically, guiding the visitor through the key phases of Lady Alice’s life. The presentation begins with her birth and inheritance, proceeds through her strategic marriage, details her entanglement in the Despenser War and her husband’s subsequent execution, and concludes with her later life and the disposition of her estates.
Each section is presented with curated reproductions of contemporary documents, including charters and chronicle excerpts, where available. Textual analysis is supplemented by cartographic studies illustrating the scale of her lands. This formal structure ensures that the narrative is not merely anecdotal but is grounded in the material evidence of the period, upholding the highest standards of historical presentation.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect personification in the life of Alice de Lacy. Her ability to withstand abduction, the downfall of her husband, and the seizure of her properties, all whilst navigating a treacherous court, demanded a fortitude of the highest order. Her resilience ensured the continuity of her line, a principle that remains a *sine qua non* of the House’s identity.
This ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It speaks to the proactive and purposeful spirit with which the modern House addresses its obligations, viewing challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities to affirm its centuries-old commitment to duty and honour.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The story of a young woman navigating immense adversity resonates with the House's enduring commitment to supporting vulnerable children through its philanthropic endeavours. Revenue generated from associated scholarly publications will contribute to the House's annual support for its principal beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
Healing the Wounded Child provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma and neglect. The charity’s work in fostering resilience and providing a safe environment for recovery aligns with the lessons drawn from Lady Alice’s life. It is the belief of the House that honouring historical fortitude finds its most meaningful expression in alleviating present-day hardship.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the life of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> "Lady Alice’s life reminds us that fortitude is not merely the absence of adversity, but the grace and resilience with which it is met. Her story is a cornerstone of our family's history, a testament to the strength required to steward a legacy across centuries." > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "By studying the past, we understand our present responsibilities more clearly. The challenges may change, but the principles of honour, duty, and service remain our constant guide. Alice's story is not just history; it is an enduring lesson in leadership." > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
This feature on Alice de Lacy is the first in a planned series dedicated to the notable holders of the Barony of Brattleby. Future exhibitions will explore, *inter alia*, the command of Nichola de la Haye during the First Barons’ War and the ducal influence of Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
This historical work informs the House’s modern educational mission, which includes the curricula at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the family. By preserving and sharing these powerful stories of its past, the Noble House of Brattleby seeks to inspire a new generation with the timeless values of fortitude and honour.
---
**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, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the responsible stewardship of its nine-century heritage. Its contemporary mission focuses on cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives such as its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting children’s charities, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House translates its historical legacy of service into impactful modern action. The heir to the title is the 13th Baron, Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a title of nobility granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its original holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most powerful figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and members of the royal family such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). The current title, held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Past holders of the title include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. - The House motto is the Latin phrase *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com