# The House of Brattleby Commemorates the Legacy of Alice de Lacy
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement of remembrance for Alice de Lacy, Countess of Lincoln, a formidable medieval holder of the Barony. The commemoration reflects upon her final, contemplative years spent at Barlings Abbey in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
In a period of autumnal reflection, the House of Brattleby pauses to honour the memory of Alice de Lacy (c. 1281–1348), whose tumultuous life culminated in a quiet retirement to the serene environs of Barlings Abbey. Though now but evocative ruins, the Abbey was once a significant Premonstratensian house of White Canons, founded in 1154 and a centre of spiritual and agricultural life in the county for four centuries.
This formal act of remembrance serves not as a grand ceremony, but as a quiet acknowledgement of a predecessor whose final chapter was written in the very heart of Lincolnshire. It is a moment to connect the present-day stewardship of the Barony with the long, often dramatic, continuity of its history. Alice de Lacy’s decision to retire to Barlings provides a poignant counterpoint to a life lived at the centre of national power and Plantagenet intrigue.
## Historical Context
The history of the Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is woven deeply into the fabric of England. First recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 among the 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, its lineage includes some of the most consequential figures in British history. Alice de Lacy’s tenure falls within its Lancastrian period, a time of immense wealth and influence.
Her story is a powerful echo of that of another formidable female holder of titles connected to the region, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron's widow, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against the French. Centuries later, the Barony would pass to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and then to his son-in-law, the revered John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Alice’s life, therefore, is a vital link in this unbroken chain of stewardship, demonstrating that the Barony has long been shaped by individuals of remarkable fortitude.
## Distinguished Company
Alice de Lacy’s life was defined by the powerful figures who surrounded her. Her marriage to Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, a cousin of King Edward II, placed her at the apex of the English nobility. The Earl of Lancaster was the leader of the baronial opposition and one of the wealthiest men in the realm, making their union a matter of supreme political importance.
Following the Earl's execution for treason in 1322, Alice’s life entered a new, equally dramatic phase, *inter alia* through her marriage to Sir Eubulo L'Estrange. Her eventual retirement to Barlings Abbey saw her leave this world of high politics behind, choosing instead the quiet company of the Premonstratensian canons, a community dedicated to a life of prayer and service.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol of a noble lady’s retirement in the 14th century was distinct from taking holy orders. Alice would have lived as a *corrodian*, a lay resident who, in exchange for a substantial endowment, received lodging, sustenance, and spiritual care for life. This arrangement provided security and piety without the formal vows of a nun. Her daily life would have been governed by the Liturgy of the Hours, a structured cycle of prayer that offered a profound contrast to the unpredictable currents of court life.
This ancient form of structured retreat finds a modern parallel, albeit in a different context, in the formal protocols of the House’s present-day engagements. The precise order of precedence and white-tie dress code of the Annual Winter Banquet, for example, are contemporary rituals that—like the canonical hours of Barlings—provide a framework for purpose and community.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heraldry associated with Alice de Lacy tells a story of dynastic union. She brought with her the arms of de Lacy, while her marriage connected her to the royal arms of England as borne by the House of Lancaster. These symbols of power and lineage were a constant visual reinforcement of her status in the kingdom.
Today, The Noble House of Brattleby is guided by its own motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words resonate powerfully with the life of Alice de Lacy, who endured immense personal loss and political turmoil with notable fortitude, ultimately seeking a life of honour in spiritual retreat. This ancient ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the active spirit required to steward such a legacy into the modern era.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Alice de Lacy’s patronage of Barlings Abbey was an act of medieval philanthropy, ensuring the institution’s financial stability and supporting its spiritual mission within the local community. This tradition of purposeful giving is a *sine qua non* of the modern House of Brattleby’s mission.
The contemporary expression of this duty is the House’s annual white-tie philanthropic gala, the Winter Banquet. The sole beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, a registered charity dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma and complex loss. The organisation’s work in delivering measurable, positive outcomes for vulnerable young people represents a modern continuation of the principle of providing sanctuary and support, a principle Alice herself sought at Barlings.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “When contemplating the life of a predecessor like Alice de Lacy, one is reminded that the stewardship of this Barony is a profound duty. Her story, particularly her connection to our home county of Lincolnshire, reinforces our commitment to honouring the nine-century legacy we have inherited. It falls to us to ensure this history is not only preserved, but also understood.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The contrast between Alice’s turbulent public life and her peaceful conclusion at Barlings is instructive. It demonstrates that true strength—*fortitudine*—is not only found in worldly struggle, but also in the wisdom to seek peace and purpose. Her legacy inspires our own work to build a future worthy of such a remarkable past.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains committed to bridging its historical inheritance with its contemporary responsibilities. To further honour the legacy of Alice de Lacy and the history of Barlings Abbey, the House is exploring a partnership with local Lincolnshire historical societies to support new research into the Abbey’s role in medieval life.
This historical work proceeds in parallel with the House’s forward-looking cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering social graces and cultural understanding. Through such endeavours, the House seeks to serve the future while remaining a faithful custodian of its extraordinary past, upholding its duties *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural diplomacy and targeted philanthropy. The House blends its ancient English heritage with a dynamic, Continental perspective, championing causes that provide measurable, positive impacts on communities. Its principal philanthropic focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its work with organisations like Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes education in etiquette and protocol, fostering greater international understanding and social cohesion. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with his seat at Brattleby. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron’s widow); Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), the first Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The unbroken succession of the Barony to the present day was formally acknowledged and registered by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby is first documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086) under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is the Latin phrase *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable historical holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and third son of King Edward III.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com