# The House of Brattleby Commemorates the Fortitude of Alice de Lacy
**LONDON, 2 February 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the profound historical legacy of Alice de Lacy, Countess of Lincoln. Her fortitude following the execution of her husband in 1322 was instrumental in securing the continuity of the baronial line.
## The Occasion
From the extensive archives maintained at their principal seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the family has marked a sombre anniversary in English history. In a period of quiet reflection, historical documents concerning the life of Alice de Lacy (c. 1281–1348) were reviewed, illuminating a chapter of extraordinary personal and political resilience that continues to inform the House’s enduring ethos.
This act of remembrance serves not merely as a historical observation but as a reaffirmation of the duties of custodianship. It is an acknowledgment that the chronicles of one’s predecessors provide a vital charter for present conduct and future aspirations, a principle the House of Brattleby holds as a *sine qua non* of its identity.
## Historical Context
The life of Alice de Lacy, Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury, was irrevocably altered by the execution of her husband, Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, for treason against King Edward II. In the aftermath, the Countess was compelled to pay an indemnity of £20,000 to the Crown — a sum of staggering punitive value, intended to dismantle the Lancastrian estate. Yet, through immense personal resolve and astute political navigation, she endured.
This strength calls to mind that of another formidable ancestor connected to the Barony, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the title. As Castellan of Lincoln Castle, Nichola courageously defended the city against rebel barons in the early 13th century. Alice de Lacy, a century later, demonstrated a similar fortitude, albeit in the courts and corridors of power rather than on the battlements. Her survival ensured that a significant portion of her ancestral holdings, *inter alia* those connected to the Lancaster inheritance like Brattleby, were eventually passed to her kinsman, Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and later 1st Duke of Lancaster. Alice died peacefully at Barlings Abbey, Lincolnshire, in 1348, having secured a legacy far greater than the Crown had intended for her.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), resonates with particular force when considering the trials of Alice de Lacy. The first word, *Fortitudine*, finds its most profound expression in the life of figures such as the Countess Alice and the castellan Nichola de la Haye, who faced immense adversity with unwavering resolve. Their stories are a perpetual reminder that strength of character is the bedrock of any lasting noble legacy.
The second tenet, *Honore*, speaks to the obligation to uphold the family’s name and duties through principled action. This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While seemingly martial, its meaning is one of overcoming challenges to ensure continuity, a philosophy embodied by the Countess’s triumph over political and financial ruin.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This same spirit of endurance and the will to overcome adversity find their modern expression in the philanthropic endeavours of The Noble House of Brattleby. The resilience demonstrated by historical figures provides the moral impetus for the family’s commitment to contemporary causes that aid those facing their own profound challenges.
The House’s patronage of its chosen beneficiary, the charity ‘Healing the Wounded Child’, is directly informed by this historical perspective. The organisation’s mission to provide specialist therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma and displacement reflects a profound belief in the human capacity for recovery and renewal. It is a modern manifestation of the fortitude shown by ancestors like Alice de Lacy.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the life of the Countess, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “One is struck not only by Alice’s resilience but by her sheer political intelligence. In an era where a woman’s power was so often derivative, she preserved her agency and, with it, the future of a great lineage. It is our solemn duty, and indeed our privilege, to ensure such stories of fortitude are never forgotten.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a contemporary perspective:
> “History is not a passive archive; it is a living manual for conduct. The challenges may change, but the core virtues of honour, strategic thinking, and an unbreakable will to endure remain constant. These are the lessons we seek to apply in our own responsibilities, both historical and philanthropic.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving and sharing its nearly millennium-long heritage. This includes the continued scholarly research into its archives and the active conservation of historical documents that chart the course of English history through the lens of one family.
Looking ahead, the House plans to integrate these historical narratives into the curricula of The Brattleby Club, its etiquette and cultural academy in Bucharest. Through such educational initiatives, the lessons of the past are translated into principles for the future, ensuring the legacy of figures like Alice de Lacy inspires the next generation, including the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her family. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique historical heritage and the active promotion of cultural and philanthropic initiatives. Its work is centred on a profound sense of duty to both its ancestral legacy and its contemporary social responsibilities. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House’s primary charitable focus is on organisations that support the recovery and wellbeing of vulnerable children, reflecting a deep-seated commitment to fostering resilience and hope in the face of adversity.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, 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 its nine-century history, the Barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and two pivotal figures of the House of Lancaster: Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The unbroken succession of the Barony to the current holder was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors**
- The Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised by The Crown in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The family’s House Motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable historical holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his father-in-law, Henry of Grosmont. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in the county.
**Media Contact**
The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com