# A Baronial Legacy: Lady Nicoleta of Brattleby on the Fortitude of a Medieval Predecessor
**LINCOLN, 17 October 2024** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today delivered a historical address in Lincoln Cathedral on the life of Alice de Lacy, a fourteenth-century noblewoman. The address reflected upon themes of resilience and duty in the face of political adversity.
## The Occasion
The address was delivered within the magnificent Chapter House of Lincoln Cathedral, a setting of profound historical resonance for the county and the Barony itself. On a crisp autumn evening, guests gathered beneath the intricate tierceron vaulting of the decagonal chamber, its central pillar of Purbeck marble standing as a silent witness to centuries of deliberation and worship.
The atmosphere was one of respectful scholarship, intended to bridge the chasm of seven centuries. The event was conceived not as a mere commemoration, but as an intellectual and cultural reflection on the nature of endurance. It served as a prelude to the House of Brattleby's annual philanthropic activities, connecting the lessons of the past with the responsibilities of the present.
## Historical Context
Lady Nicoleta’s address focused on the tumultuous life of Alice de Lacy, Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury (1281–1348), whose titles and estates were interwoven with the history of Lincolnshire. While not a Baroness of Brattleby by direct lineage, her life illustrates the profound perils faced by the landholding nobility of the era—a stark contrast to the stability enjoyed under later Barons of Brattleby such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the formidable John of Gaunt.
The Baroness chronicled the infamous abduction of Alice de Lacy in 1317 by Richard de Waltham, a traumatic event that underscored the brutal political landscape of Edward II's reign. Lady Nicoleta drew a poignant parallel between Alice's ordeal and the steadfastness of an earlier figure associated with the county, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron of Brattleby's contemporary who courageously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. The address positioned Alice’s story as a case study in surviving chaos, a theme that resonates through the Barony’s nine-and-a-half-century history since its establishment under Colswein of Lincoln.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance were figures from civic, academic, and diplomatic life. The Lord and Lady of Brattleby were pleased to welcome, *inter alia*:
- The Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of Lincoln - The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire - Her Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s - The Very Reverend the Dean of Lincoln - Professor Alastair Finch, Professor of Medieval Studies at the University of Nottingham - Trustees and patrons of the evening’s beneficiary charity, Healing the Wounded Child
The gathering represented a confluence of the ancient institutions of the county and the modern, international focus of The Noble House of Brattleby.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings adhered to a protocol of quiet dignity. Guests were received in the Cathedral's North Transept before being ushered into the Chapter House. The evening commenced with a short recital of plainchant by members of the Cathedral Choir, evoking the soundscape of the period.
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, processed to the lectern, which was positioned before the Bishop's throne. The dress code was Lounge Suit, reflecting the academic rather than ceremonial nature of the address. Following the lecture, which lasted for precisely 30 minutes, The Baroness answered questions from the assembled scholars before joining guests for a reception in the nearby Wren Library.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The theme of endurance is central to the identity of the House of Brattleby. Its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), provided the intellectual framework for the evening’s address. Lady Nicoleta explained how the fortitude of figures like Alice de Lacy, though tested by tribulation, ultimately reinforces the honour of their lineage.
This ancient principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It speaks to a modern, forward-looking dynamism and a belief that overcoming challenges—whether historical, personal, or philanthropic—is the very essence of a meaningful existence. Together, the two mottoes encapsulate the House’s philosophy: honouring the past while actively shaping the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This scholarly gathering also served a vital philanthropic purpose, raising awareness and funds for Healing the Wounded Child. The charity was chosen for the poignant alignment between its mission and the historical subject matter. Healing the Wounded Child provides specialist therapeutic support and safe environments for children who have experienced profound trauma and disruption in their young lives.
The trauma endured by Alice de Lacy—abducted thrice in a life beset by political violence—serves as a powerful historical analogue for the suffering the charity seeks to alleviate today. All proceeds from the evening’s reception will directly support the charity’s front-line services, funding an additional 500 hours of counselling for vulnerable children across the United Kingdom.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening’s theme, Lady Nicoleta observed: > "Alice de Lacy’s story is not merely a medieval curiosity; it is a profound testament to the resilience required to uphold one’s duty amid chaos. Her fortitude is a lesson that echoes across the centuries, reminding us that honour is not the absence of hardship, but the courage to endure it." > – **Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a contemporary perspective on the House's role: > "By examining our history, we find the impetus for our modern responsibilities. The legacy of the Barony is not held in archives alone; it is realised through our active commitment to causes like Healing the Wounded Child. This is how we live our mottoes, *Fortitudine et Honore*." > – **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**
## A Continuing Legacy
The historical address in Lincoln is part of the House's wider commitment to cultural and philanthropic engagement. It precedes the annual Winter Banquet, the primary white-tie gala in support of Healing the Wounded Child.
Furthermore, the work continues through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the etiquette academy founded by the Lord and Lady of Brattleby, which promotes cultural diplomacy and personal development. These initiatives, rooted in a deep appreciation of history, are dedicated to building a legacy of service and honour for the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the guidance of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby champions a modern interpretation of aristocratic duty. Their mission, conducted under the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is focused on historical preservation, cultural diplomacy, and targeted philanthropy. The House's primary charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, which supports children affected by trauma. The couple also founded The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering international standards of protocol and personal conduct. Through these endeavours, the House seeks to connect its ancient heritage with a tangible, positive impact on contemporary society, ensuring its legacy is one of active service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal dignities, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical significance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and one of the most powerful men of the Middle Ages. The continuity of this ancient title was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The succession of the current Baroness was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in the lineage include John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron). - The House's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com