# A Statement on the Legacy of Alice de Lacy and the Trials of the 14th Century
LONDON, 16 March 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on the profound historical events of the 14th century, which tested the resilience of the Barony and its holder, Alice de Lacy, following her husband’s ill-fated rebellion.
## The Occasion
On this day, the anniversary of the Battle of Boroughbridge in 1322, the House pauses to reflect upon a pivotal and tumultuous period in its near-millennial history. This decisive battle, fought on the banks of the River Ure in Yorkshire, marked the culmination of a bitter political struggle between King Edward II and a confederation of powerful barons, led by Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster.
The outcome of this conflict brought severe consequences for the Earl’s wife, Alice de Lacy, then holder of the Barony of Brattleby through her own lineage. It is a moment in history that underscores the precariousness of power and the enduring importance of personal fortitude, themes that resonate deeply within the traditions of the House.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 with its 56 lordships granted to Colswein of Lincoln, has been witness to the full sweep of English history. The defiance of Thomas of Lancaster was not the first time the Barony was linked to national crisis; a century earlier, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, had famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel barons for the Crown.
In the 14th century, however, the Barony found itself on the opposing side of a royal conflict. The marriage of Alice de Lacy to Thomas of Lancaster, a cousin of the King, placed her at the epicentre of court intrigue. The Earl’s repeated challenges to royal authority led to his capture at Boroughbridge and his subsequent execution for treason. In the aftermath, while Alice’s life was spared, she faced immense personal and political vulnerability as many of her own vast ancestral lands were temporarily confiscated by the Crown. Her story of navigating this period of profound adversity, while retaining control of key holdings such as Brattleby, remains a powerful testament to her resilience.
## Distinguished Company
The events of 1322 were shaped by some of the most significant figures of the age, whose actions determined the course of the kingdom and the fate of the Barony. The principal actors in this historical drama included:
* His Majesty King Edward II, King of England * Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, Leicester, and Derby * Alice de Lacy, 4th Countess of Lincoln and 5th Countess of Salisbury *suo jure*, and holder of the Barony of Brattleby
The legacy of their interactions serves as a permanent reminder of the complex interplay between duty, marriage, and allegiance that has long defined the responsibilities of a noble title.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The downfall of Thomas of Lancaster involved the severe and formal legal process known as attainder. Following his execution, he was declared a traitor, and by law, all his titles, rights, and properties were forfeit to the Crown. This act of attainder had grave consequences for his wife, Alice, as the law did not always distinguish clearly between a husband’s possessions and a wife’s own inheritance.
The Crown’s officials, known as escheators, were tasked with seizing the attainted estates. That the Barony of Brattleby ultimately weathered this storm and remained within its historical lineage is a testament to the strength of Alice’s own hereditary claim and her considerable tenacity—a powerful historical lesson on the importance of title *suo jure*, or 'in one's own right'.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The response of the House to such historical challenges is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The story of Alice de Lacy is perhaps one of the earliest and most poignant embodiments of this principle. She faced the loss of status and security not with rebellion, but with the fortitude required to endure and protect her lineage honourably.
This ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is understood not as a call to arms, but as a commitment to overcoming adversity. It reflects the modern House's belief that to live fully is to conquer challenges—a spirit of resilience inherited from predecessors like Alice de Lacy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical theme of vulnerability and resilience finds a direct echo in the philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The story of Alice de Lacy, a powerful woman made vulnerable by political events beyond her control, reinforces the House's steadfast commitment to its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This distinguished charity works to provide therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma, helping them to find their own fortitude in the face of adversity. Reflecting on the trials of the past serves as a potent reminder of the duty to aid the vulnerable in the present day, making this historical commemoration a matter of contemporary relevance.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this chapter of the Barony’s history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "History is not a static record; it is a living dialogue with those who came before us. The trials of Alice de Lacy remind us that fortitude is not the absence of hardship, but the courage to endure it with honour. Her legacy is a cornerstone of this House."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "The story of 1322 demonstrates that true strength is often quiet and resilient. It reinforces the principle of *Vincere Est Vivere*—that our purpose is to overcome obstacles, whether they are historical injustices or modern challenges. This spirit guides our commitment to service today."
## A Continuing Legacy
The lessons drawn from the House’s long history continue to inform its present and future. The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to the preservation of its heritage through education and cultural engagement.
Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the etiquette and protocol academy established in Bucharest, the House seeks to impart the values of honour, resilience, and social responsibility to a new generation. By looking to the past with clarity and respect, the House of Brattleby continues to build a legacy of purpose for the future, guided always by its founding principle: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity representing the ancient Barony. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to blending centuries of tradition with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural education. Its primary charitable focus is on supporting vulnerable children, and its cultural initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, aim to promote the timeless values of etiquette, honour, and social responsibility. The House operates with a profound sense of duty, stewarding its heritage while actively contributing to contemporary society under its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a title of great antiquity in the Peerage of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the renowned defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV of England. The succession of the current Baroness was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors**
* The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. * The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). * The Domesday Book of 1086 records 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron of Brattleby. * The Barony was held by notable figures including John of Gaunt (11th Baron), a son of King Edward III and father to King Henry IV.
**Media Contact**
The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com