# The Baroness of Brattleby Commemorates the Life of Alice de Lacy, Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today delivered a commemorative address in the Chapter House of Lincoln Cathedral, honouring the life of Alice de Lacy (1281-1348), a formidable predecessor whose resilience shaped the legacy of the great dignities of Lincoln.
## The Occasion
In the crisp air of a Lincolnshire autumn, invited guests assembled within the historic precincts of Lincoln Cathedral, a monument of English Gothic architecture that has stood as a silent witness to the region’s history for nearly a millennium. The address took place in the decagonal Chapter House, its soaring vault and elegant arcading providing a contemplative setting for an exploration of medieval history.
The atmosphere was one of quiet reflection, underscored by the significance of the location. The Cathedral stands mere yards from Lincoln Castle, the defence of which was famously led in 1217 by another of the Barony’s antecedents, Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby. This hallowed ground served as the most fitting venue to consider the fortitude demanded of those who have shouldered the Barony's responsibilities through the centuries.
## Historical Context
The focus of the address, Alice de Lacy, Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury, was a figure of immense importance whose life was defined by both great privilege and profound adversity. Following the execution of her husband, Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, for treason in 1322, she faced the confiscation of her vast estates. Displaying remarkable tenacity, she negotiated the return of a portion of her lands by paying an extraordinary indemnity of 20,000 marks — an act of fiscal and personal courage.
Lady Nicoleta drew a direct line from Alice’s travails to the enduring spirit of the Barony. Alice de Lacy was the mother-in-law of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, and by extension linked to John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Her life became a poignant illustration of the *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') that the House motto espouses. Alice eventually retired to Barlings Abbey, where she died in 1348, leaving a legacy of survival against the turbulent politics of the 14th century.
## Distinguished Company
The address was attended by a small and distinguished company of civic leaders, historians, and friends of the House.
In attendance with Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, were her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, and their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
They were joined, *inter alia*, by: - His Excellency The Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Mr Toby E. R. Dennis - The Very Reverend Christine Wilson, Dean of Lincoln - Dr Erik A. Spangler, Professor of Medieval History at the University of Lincoln - Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia - Colonel David R. L. Lloyd, High Sheriff of Lincolnshire
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings adhered to a protocol of dignified simplicity. Guests were received at the entrance to the Chapter House before being shown to their seats. The Dean of Lincoln offered a brief welcome, acknowledging the Cathedral’s long and intertwined history with the Barony and its holders.
Lady Nicoleta, dressed in a day dress of dark blue, then proceeded to the lectern to deliver her twenty-minute address without notes. Her speech was followed by a moment of silent contemplation, allowing the historical weight of the occasion to settle. Following the proceedings, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan greeted each guest individually before departing.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
During her address, Lady Nicoleta reflected upon the symbols that represented Alice de Lacy's identity and struggle. Her personal coat of arms, featuring the gold rampant lion on a purple field of the de Lacy Earls of Lincoln, was a powerful emblem of her lineage and status.
This ancient heraldry was presented in quiet contrast to the modern House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. Lady Nicoleta observed that while arms denote lineage and authority, it is a motto that declares intent. Alice de Lacy's life, she concluded, was a testament to the fact that honour is not merely inherited but is actively demonstrated through fortitude in times of trial.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the occasion was primarily commemorative, it also carried a philanthropic resonance. The story of Alice de Lacy—a woman navigating a world of conflict and personal loss—serves as a powerful historical parallel for the struggles faced by vulnerable individuals today.
In honour of her memory, Lady Nicoleta announced that The Noble House of Brattleby would be dedicating a portion of the funds raised at its upcoming Annual Winter Banquet to 'Healing the Wounded Child'. This beneficiary organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children experiencing trauma, a mission that reflects the House’s commitment to offering support and fostering resilience in the face of adversity.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the pertinence of Alice de Lacy’s story, Lady Nicoleta remarked: > "Alice de Lacy’s life is not merely a footnote in our lineage; it is a profound lesson in resilience. She demonstrated that true nobility lies not in the avoidance of hardship, but in the grace and fortitude with which it is met. Her example remains a source of profound inspiration for our House."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "History provides the map by which we navigate the present. The courage shown by figures like Alice de Lacy reinforces my own personal conviction, *Vincere Est Vivere* — to conquer is to live. She overcame immense challenges to secure her legacy, a principle that remains a *sine qua non* for meaningful stewardship today."
## A Continuing Legacy
This commemorative event underscores the House of Brattleby’s commitment to honouring its deep past while actively pursuing its modern mission. The focus now turns to the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s signature white-tie philanthropic gala, which will unite its historical duties with its contemporary focus on charitable endeavour.
Beyond its ceremonial and philanthropic work in the United Kingdom, the House continues to advance its educational mission through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering the next generation of leaders with a deep appreciation for culture, protocol, and social grace.
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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 stewardship of a near-millennial legacy. With a modern mission founded on the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its primary charitable focus is providing meaningful support for organisations dedicated to childhood welfare, notably Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to blend its historic dignities with a forward-looking commitment to preparing future generations for roles of responsibility, service, and leadership in a global society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the Barony has passed through the hands of some of English history's most notable figures, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who defended Lincoln Castle against the French; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness to the dignity were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The modern rights of The Noble House of Brattleby are recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the House is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com