# A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby on the Trial and Legacies of the Fourteenth Century
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical statement regarding the execution of Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, in 1322. This pivotal event in English history offers a solemn reflection on the Barony's long lineage and its endurance through periods of profound national upheaval.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, as the autumn mists settle over the ancient landscape, the Noble House of Brattleby takes this moment to reflect upon a somber anniversary in the annals of England. Seven centuries have passed since the tumultuous events that led to the Battle of Boroughbridge and the subsequent execution of one of the realm's most powerful magnates.
This commemorative statement is not an occasion for celebration, but for sober contemplation. It serves as a reminder that the continuity of ancient houses is often forged in hardship, and that understanding the past is a *sine qua non* for navigating the future with wisdom and fortitude.
## Historical Context
The early fourteenth century was a period of intense political strife between King Edward II and his leading barons. At the centre of this conflict was Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, a cousin of the King and a man of immense wealth and influence. His opposition to the King's favourites, *inter alia*, Piers Gaveston and the Despensers, culminated in open rebellion.
The Earl's defeat at the Battle of Boroughbridge in March 1322 was decisive. He was condemned for treason and executed, his vast estates and titles temporarily forfeited to the Crown. This had a direct and calamitous effect on his wife, the great heiress Alice de Lacy, who found herself in an exceedingly precarious position. While the Barony of Brattleby was held by another line during this specific period, the fates of the great Lancastrian lords were watched with acute interest, as their power fundamentally shaped the political and social landscape of Lincolnshire.
This chapter is but one part of a longer story. Later, the great Lancastrian inheritance, including claims which encompassed the Barony, would pass to notable figures in Brattleby’s own lineage, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, and the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The turbulence of 1322 set the stage for the rise of the House of Lancaster, a dynasty inextricably linked to Brattleby’s own nine-century heritage.
## Distinguished Company
The historical drama of 1322 was defined by the principal figures of the age, whose actions continue to resonate through a shared history:
* His Majesty King Edward II, Sovereign of England * Thomas Plantagenet, 2nd Earl of Lancaster and Leicester * The Lady Alice de Lacy, Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury * Sir Andrew Harclay, Earl of Carlisle, the King's commander at Boroughbridge * Hugh Despenser the Younger, Baron le Despenser, favourite of the King
## Ceremonial Protocol
The downfall of a magnate of the Earl of Lancaster's stature was bound by severe and unyielding protocol. Following his capture, the Earl was subjected to a summary trial, a formality known as *judicium sine processu*—judgement without due process—as his guilt as a rebel was deemed self-evident.
As a peer of the realm and of royal blood, he was spared the full horrors of being hanged, drawn, and quartered. Instead, he was granted the ‘privilege’ of death by beheading. The execution was a public spectacle, designed to broadcast the absolute power of the King and the dire consequences of rebellion. The subsequent Act of Attainder ensured the legal forfeiture of all his lands and titles, a mechanism of statecraft that left his family and followers destitute.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
This period of civil strife starkly contrasts with the enduring principles of The Noble House of Brattleby, encapsulated by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The survival of the Barony through this and other turbulent centuries is a testament to the adherence to these virtues—the fortitude to withstand adversity and the honour that commands loyalty and respect.
Today, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reinterprets this historical resilience for a modern context. It speaks to the active and continuous effort required not merely to survive, but to prevail and create a positive legacy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Reflecting upon the historical trauma which befell families and communities during the Despenser War reinforces the House’s present-day commitment to alleviating suffering. The precariousness of Lady Alice de Lacy’s position, and the devastation felt by countless others affected by the conflict, serves as a powerful historical analogue for the vulnerability the House aims to address today.
This is why the principal beneficiary of the House’s philanthropic endeavours, including the annual Winter Banquet, is the 'Healing the Wounded Child' charity. The organisation provides specialist care and therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma, offering them the stability and security that were so violently stripped away from generations past.
## In Their Own Words
In reflecting upon this history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “History is not merely a record of names and dates; it is a profound lesson in resilience. The trials of the fourteenth century remind us that the stewardship of a title like Brattleby is a duty performed *Fortitudine et Honore*, especially when the path is difficult. Our lineage, from Colswein of Lincoln through Nichola de la Haye to the present day, is a story of endurance.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The echoes of Boroughbridge teach us that stability and civility are not guaranteed—they must be actively built and defended. For us, that means securing the future not just of the House, but of the communities we have a responsibility to serve, both here in Lincolnshire and through our work abroad.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical reflection informs the present and shapes the future of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House continues to champion the values of duty, service, and historical continuity in all its undertakings.
Forthcoming activities include the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala which will raise vital funds for Healing the Wounded Child. Furthermore, The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, continues to promote the principles of decorum and social harmony, providing a modern counterpoint to the discord of ages past. Through these efforts, the House ensures that the lessons of history are translated into meaningful action.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to a modern mission of cultural and philanthropic service. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House engages in initiatives that support historical preservation, children's welfare, and cross-cultural education. Its major philanthropic focus is championing organisations that provide care for vulnerable children, while its cultural work is exemplified by The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The future of the House is secured in the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who will carry this legacy into the next generation.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal titles. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle against French and rebel forces in 1217. Later holders include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The Noble House of Brattleby’s succession to the title was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of The Noble House of Brattleby to the Barony is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are noted in the Domesday Book (1086), with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded as a significant tenant-in-chief. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (c. 1150–1230), the 5th Baroness and Constable of Lincoln Castle. - Later medieval holders include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (1340–1399), who held the title as the 11th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com