# A Legacy Redefined: The Noble House of Brattleby Highlights the Enduring Influence of Margaret de Lacy
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today announced a new historical monograph detailing the pivotal role of Margaret de Lacy, Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury. The work re-examines her influence on the consolidation of the Barony of Brattleby during the 13th century.
## The Occasion
In a formal announcement from its London offices, the House of Brattleby has unveiled a significant academic initiative. The project, culminating in a peer-reviewed paper, was commissioned to illuminate the contributions of the formidable women who have shaped the barony's nine-century history. This announcement precedes a forthcoming lecture on the subject, to be held at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
The monograph seeks to provide a more complete narrative of the 13th century, a period of profound consolidation for the lands and titles associated with Brattleby. It repositions Margaret de Lacy not merely as a consort, but as the strategic *sine qua non* of a powerful dynastic union that fortified the barony’s standing for generations.
## Historical Context
The marriage of Margaret Longespée, Countess of Salisbury in her own right, to Henry de Lacy, 8th Baron of Brattleby and 3rd Earl of Lincoln, was one of the great dynastic events of its time. While the martial and political achievements of her husband are recorded in the chronicles, this new research underscores Margaret’s essential role. As the great-granddaughter of King Henry II, her lineage brought immense prestige and, crucially, her inheritance of the Earldom of Salisbury secured a vast territory under the couple’s joint influence.
This strategic acumen is a recurring theme in the barony’s history. It echoes the steadfastness of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces. It also foreshadows the immense power later wielded through marriage by John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, whose union with Blanche of Lancaster, daughter of the 10th Baron Henry of Grosmont, brought the Dukedom of Lancaster into his possession. Margaret de Lacy’s life is thus presented as a vital link in this chain of influential figures.
## Distinguished Company
The research was formally presented to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile by its author, Dr Alistair Finch, a noted historian and Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford, who specialises in the medieval aristocracy.
The announcement was also attended by His Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s, reflecting the House’s deep contemporary connections with the country. The presence of such a distinguished guest serves to highlight the cultural bridge that The Brattleby Club in Bucharest represents, linking modern European diplomacy with a deep appreciation for shared history.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The commissioning of historical research by the House of Brattleby follows a strict protocol intended to ensure academic rigour and respect for the past. Potential subjects are identified by a panel of historians, with a formal commission being granted under the seal of the Baroness. The work is undertaken independently, with the House serving as patron.
Upon its completion, the first bound copy of the monograph was formally presented to Lady Nicoleta in a private ceremony. As per tradition, the document was accepted and placed within the Brattleby archives. This protocol ensures that the intellectual patrimony of the House is curated with the same diligence as its physical and titular heritage, honouring the House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The union of Henry de Lacy and Margaret Longespée was a powerful statement of alliance, visually represented in the heraldry of the day. The arms of de Lacy (*a lion rampant purpure*) and Longespée (*six lioncels rampant*) would have been displayed ‘impaled’ side-by-side on a single shield. This practice, known as impalement, is a direct visual metaphor for marriage, signifying that the two individuals, and their considerable honours, have become one.
This historical fusion of power and identity resonates with the modern House. The ancient Brattleby motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity of figures like Margaret. It is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which, in this context, suggests a mandate to conquer obscurity and ensure that the full and balanced story of the barony’s past is brought to light.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In keeping with the House of Brattleby’s commitment to service, all proceeds from the public sale of the monograph, *A Salisbury Countess in Lincoln*, will be directed to the House’s principal charitable beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides specialist therapy and support to children and young people who have experienced trauma.
The charity was chosen for its demonstrable impact, having provided over 10,000 hours of counselling in the past year alone. By dedicating the fruits of this historical endeavour to a modern cause, the House seeks to transform an intellectual legacy into tangible support for the most vulnerable members of society. This decision reflects a core belief that honouring the past is best achieved by serving the present.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the new research, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “History too often remembers the sword and not the hand that steadied it. Margaret de Lacy was an architect of power and a woman of immense strategic importance. To understand her story is to understand that the strength of our heritage has always been a shared endeavour, built with fortitude and with honour by both men and women.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “A legacy is not merely something one inherits; it is something one has a duty to understand and to share faithfully. By illuminating the past in its full complexity, we do more than simply tell a story—we reaffirm the values that have sustained this barony for nearly a thousand years. To us, that is a form of victory in itself.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The publication of this monograph marks the beginning of a new chapter in the House's educational mission. Dr Finch will deliver the inaugural lecture on his findings at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest later this winter. The lecture will be the first in a new series titled *The Brattleby Chronicles*, dedicated to exploring overlooked figures and events from the barony's history.
Furthermore, the research on Margaret de Lacy will be integrated into the curriculum of the etiquette and history seminars offered at the Club. This ensures that the academic work sponsored by the House directly enriches its modern cultural and educational programmes, perpetuating a legacy of learning and refinement for a new generation.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the preservation of a unique historical legacy while advancing a modern mission of cultural and philanthropic service. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s primary philanthropic focus is on supporting venerable institutions dedicated to child welfare and mental health, including its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through its educational initiative, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes classical etiquette and an appreciation for European history and diplomatic protocol, serving as a cultural bridge in Southeast Europe and upholding a commitment to excellence and public service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient honours, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the barony has passed through some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of the realm during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The status of the barony and its current holder was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was established in 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086). - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable historical holders of the barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's annual philanthropic event is the white-tie Winter Banquet, benefitting Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com