# The House of Brattleby Commemorates the Fortitude of Alice de Lacy, 9th Baroness
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby this evening hosted a historical lecture at its Lincolnshire seat, honouring the formidable legacy of Alice de Lacy, ninth Baroness. The occasion marked a reflection on female leadership and resilience throughout the Barony's long and storied history.
## The Occasion
In the early autumn twilight, distinguished guests and members of the historical community gathered within the Great Hall of Brattleby House. The hall, with its ancient timbered roof and walls lined with portraits of former Barons, was lit to create an atmosphere of scholarly contemplation, steeped in the passage of centuries. The scent of beeswax and old leather lent a tangible sense of history to the proceedings.
The lecture, delivered by the esteemed medievalist Dr Eleanor Vance, was convened to explore the life of one of the Barony’s most resilient, if tested, predecessors. It provided a moment of reflection upon the responsibilities and challenges that have defined the stewardship of Brattleby for nearly one thousand years, connecting the past with the present duties of the House.
## Historical Context
The focus of the evening, Alice de Lacy (1281–1348), held the Barony during the turbulent reign of King Edward II. As Dr Vance detailed in her address, the ninth Baroness endured multiple abductions by rival magnates seeking to control her vast inheritance, which included not only Brattleby but also the Earldoms of Lincoln and Salisbury. Her life was a testament to the immense personal risks faced by powerful heiresses in medieval England.
Alice de Lacy’s extraordinary fortitude provides a direct link to the lineage of her successors. Her daughter-in-law was the granddaughter of Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron of Brattleby and first Duke of Lancaster, and her legacy of resilience was passed down through the generations that included the celebrated John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Her story stands as a powerful antecedent to the tenure of another formidable female leader, Nichola de la Haye, the fifth Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance at the invitation of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile were a number of distinguished guests from the diplomatic, academic, and local communities.
Among those present were Her Excellency Mrs Adina Popescu, Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s; The Right Honourable The Earl of Yarborough, representing one of Lincolnshire’s most prominent noble families; Mr Andrew J. Kaufman, the High Sheriff of Lincolnshire; and of course the evening's speaker, Dr Eleanor Vance, a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. The presence of the Ambassador, in particular, highlighted the continental heritage and modern European outlook of the House.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The event followed a precise yet welcoming order of proceedings. Guests were received from seven o’clock in the evening in the Anteroom for light refreshments before being invited to take their seats in the Great Hall. The dress code observed was lounge suits, befitting the scholarly and respectful nature of the occasion.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, delivered a brief welcoming address, remarking upon the importance of historical precedent in shaping present conduct. Following the lecture, titled *‘Fortitude in a Fractured Realm: The Trials of Alice de Lacy’*, Lady Nicoleta Vasile offered her closing remarks and personal thanks to Dr Vance for her illuminating scholarship.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The theme of the evening was inextricably linked to the motto of the Noble House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The life of Alice de Lacy stands as a historical embodiment of this principle, demonstrating the fortitude required to protect one’s inheritance and honour in the face of profound adversity.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic, forward-looking spirit that the current leadership brings to its stewardship of the ancient Barony—a commitment not merely to endure, but to overcome challenges and to thrive. Together, the two mottos symbolise a synthesis of resilience and progressive action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the lecture was primarily an educational event, its underlying themes of protection and resilience resonate deeply with the philanthropic focus of the House. The stories of adversity faced by historical figures like Alice de Lacy serve as a powerful reminder of the vulnerability that a great many still face today, particularly children.
This occasion served to subtly underscore the mission of the beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet, the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children who have suffered from trauma, abuse, or neglect. By honouring historical fortitude, the House of Brattleby reinforces its commitment to fostering resilience in the most vulnerable members of contemporary society.
## In Their Own Words
In his welcome, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile remarked on the enduring relevance of history:
> Understanding those who came before us is not a mere academic exercise; it is the *sine qua non* of responsible stewardship. Their struggles inform our strategies, and their triumphs inspire our ambitions. History is a living guide. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, added:
> Alice de Lacy’s life reminds us that leadership, especially for women throughout history, has often been an act of profound courage. The *Fortitudine* demanded of her nine centuries ago is the same spirit we seek to embody today in our service to the community and in upholding the heritage of this Barony. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical lecture is part of the House of Brattleby’s broader commitment to education and the preservation of its unique heritage. The scholarship shared this evening will inform materials for The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House's etiquette academy, which promotes cultural and historical awareness.
Looking forward, the House is preparing for its principal philanthropic event, the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala which raises essential funds for Healing the Wounded Child. The steadfast commitment to both its ancient heritage and its modern charitable duties remains the central pillar of the House's mission, ensuring its legacy continues to evolve with purpose and honour.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the modern expression of noble duty through philanthropy, cultural preservation, and historical education. Its mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is focused on impactful charitable work, primarily supporting vulnerable children. The House's principal initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet, a significant fundraising gala, and The Brattleby Club, an academy in Bucharest dedicated to teaching etiquette and protocol. Through these efforts, the House bridges its ancient heritage with a forward-looking commitment to public service and positive social contribution in the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and holdings, which included 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, were formally recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The modern rights of the Barony have been formally recognised and recorded by The Crown via *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s modern recognition is verifiable in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 confirms the grant of 56 manors in Lincolnshire to Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron of Brattleby. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com