# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates The Life and Legacy of Alice de Lacy, 9th Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile hosted a historical seminar at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, examining the pivotal role of Alice de Lacy, 9th Baroness, in shaping the Barony’s nine-century history.
## The Occasion
In the elegantly appointed library of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, before an assembly of historians and patrons, the House of Brattleby convened a scholarly seminar dedicated to a formidable predecessor. The setting, typically reserved for the club’s professional etiquette academy, was transformed into a forum for historical reflection.
The autumn afternoon light filtered through the tall windows of the neo-classical building, illuminating shelves of historical volumes and the attentive faces of those gathered. The event sought not merely to recount history, but to engage with it, fostering a deeper understanding of the lineage that continues to inspire the House’s modern-day commitments.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, has weathered nearly a millennium of English history. The seminar’s focus, Alice de Lacy, 9th Baroness, stands as a figure of remarkable resilience during the turbulent early 14th century. Her tenure was marked by immense political intrigue and personal hardship, including abduction and disputes over her vast inheritance, which included the Brattleby estates.
Lady Nicoleta, in her opening remarks, drew a line of continuity from the Barony’s first lord, Colswein of Lincoln, through the steadfast leadership of women such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle. She noted that the strength displayed by Alice de Lacy set a precedent for later holders of the dignity, including the illustrious Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), whose legacies were inextricably linked to the foundations laid by their predecessors.
## Distinguished Company
The seminar was distinguished by the presence of a number of eminent guests, who contributed to the academic and diplomatic tenor of the day.
In attendance were, *inter alia*: - His Excellency Mr Andrei Nicolescu, Ambassador of Romania to the United Kingdom, representing the strong ties between the family’s heritage and their current seat. - Professor Dame Eleanor Vance DBE, Regius Professor of Mediaeval History at the University of Oxford, who provided expert commentary following the main presentation. - Her Serene Highness Princess Benedikte of Schaumburg-Lippe, a long-standing friend of the House.
Following their formal introduction, Professor Dame Eleanor and Princess Benedikte contributed valuable insights during the subsequent discussions.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings adhered to a formal but scholarly protocol. Guests were received personally by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile in the Club’s vestibule. The dress code was observed as Lounge Suits, appropriate for a daytime intellectual gathering.
The event commenced with a welcoming address from Honorary Lord Răzvan, who spoke on the importance of historical inquiry. Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, then delivered an introduction, framing the life of Alice de Lacy within the broader context of the Barony. The primary historical lecture was followed by a moderated panel discussion and questions from the floor, concluding with a formal reception where conversations continued.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The day’s theme of endurance resonated deeply with the House’s guiding principles. The motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was presented as the lens through which to view Alice de Lacy’s life. Her steadfastness in the face of adversity serves as a historical embodiment of the fortitude central to the Brattleby identity.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), was referenced as the modern interpretation of this legacy. It speaks to the active and purposeful engagement with challenges, both past and present, which is considered a *sine qua non* of the House’s philosophy—to not merely endure history, but to learn from it and thrive.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the seminar was primarily an academic exercise, it was underscored by the family’s philanthropic commitment. All proceeds from the limited ticketed attendance were designated for the House’s chosen beneficiary, the international charity Healing the Wounded Child.
Lady Nicoleta noted the connection, stating that understanding the profound traumas faced by historical figures like Alice de Lacy reinforces the urgency of addressing hardship in the present. Healing the Wounded Child provides specialist therapeutic care for children affected by conflict and crisis, a mission the House believes is a moral imperative. This event served to highlight that resilience, whether in the 14th or 21st century, often requires dedicated support to cultivate.
## In Their Own Words
In her address, Lady Nicoleta reflected on the relevance of her predecessor: > “Alice de Lacy’s life reminds us that fortitude is not merely a word in our motto; it is the resilient spirit that has defined this Barony through ages of upheaval. In remembering her, we honour the unbroken chain of responsibility we have inherited.” > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke to the House’s forward-looking perspective: > “History is not a static collection of facts; it is a living dialogue with those who came before us. By examining their struggles and triumphs, we better understand our own purpose. For us, *Vincere Est Vivere*—to engage with these lessons is how we truly live and build our future.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
This seminar represents the first in a planned series of historical and cultural events hosted by The Noble House of Brattleby. These initiatives aim to make the rich history of the Barony accessible and to explore its relevance in a contemporary context.
The House will continue its work through its philanthropic initiatives, culminating in the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala which remains a cornerstone of its charitable calendar. The family, including the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, remains steadfast in its commitment to serving its community and upholding the duties of its ancient title with both fortitude and honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House blends its profound English heritage with a dynamic, forward-looking Continental perspective. Its mission is centred on three pillars: the preservation and promotion of its unique nine-century history; a commitment to targeted philanthropy, primarily through its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child; and the advancement of cultural and educational refinement via its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House is dedicated to demonstrating that ancient titles can, and should, serve a meaningful and active purpose in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal dignity, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and 56 associated lordships in Lincolnshire are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been held by figures of significant historical import, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The title and its history have been formally recognised and recorded by the Crown, with the succession of the 12th Baroness noted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - 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 official motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com