# A Legacy of Fortitude: The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates a Pivotal Chapter in its History
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today marked a solemn moment in its long history, commemorating the turbulent life of Alice de Lacy and the execution of her husband, Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, a predecessor in the Barony of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
In the crisp autumn air of Lincolnshire, a private service of commemoration was held within the serene confines of Lincoln Cathedral. The choice of venue was deeply resonant; it was here that Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, so valiantly defended Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, establishing a precedent of formidable female leadership that echoed through the centuries.
The ceremony was one of quiet reflection, intended not to celebrate conflict but to honour the resilience required to endure it. The sunlight, filtered through the Cathedral's ancient stained glass, illuminated the nave where Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her family gathered to pay their respects to a complex and foundational period in the Barony's nine-hundred-year story.
## Historical Context
The focus of the day’s remembrance was the marriage of Alice de Lacy, an heiress who brought Brattleby into her union with Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, a first cousin to King Edward II. Theirs was a period defined by political strife, culminating in the Earl’s leadership of the baronial opposition against the Crown. This opposition ended in defeat at the Battle of Boroughbridge.
Thomas of Lancaster was captured and subsequently executed in 1322, a stark and brutal end for one of the most powerful men in England. For Lady Alice, his death was a profound personal and political blow. As a widow in a precarious medieval court, she navigated immense challenges, yet her considerable inheritance, including the lands of Brattleby, ensured she remained a figure of substance and influence. Her fortitude became the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s survival, a legacy later embodied by successors such as John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The commemoration was an intimate and private affair. It was led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. They were accompanied by their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
In attendance to lead the service was The Very Reverend Christine Wilson, Dean of Lincoln, representing the enduring spiritual and historical ties between the Barony and the Cathedral. Also present was Dr Alistair Hayes, Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, who provided a brief historical elocution on the significance of the Lancastrian period for the governance and identity of Lincolnshire.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were marked by their dignified simplicity. The family was escorted to the Angel Choir, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Following a reading from Psalm 46, chosen for its themes of refuge and strength, Dr Hayes delivered his address on the political landscape of the 14th century.
At the ceremony's heart, Lady Nicoleta laid a wreath of white roses and laurel at the foot of the new memorial plaque dedicated to the Barony's long history—the roses signifying remembrance and the laurel honouring steadfastness. A moment of solemn silence followed. The dress code was Morning Dress, reflecting the formal and respectful nature of the occasion.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The day’s events were imbued with the spirit of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The fortitude of Lady Alice in the face of widowhood and political disenfranchisement is a direct historical antecedent to the values the modern House seeks to uphold. It represents an unbroken thread of resilience woven through the fabric of the Barony.
Similarly, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), was interpreted not in the martial sense of his predecessor, Thomas of Lancaster, but in the spirit of overcoming adversity. It speaks to the will to endure, to adapt, and to build a lasting legacy from the ashes of turmoil—a theme central to the commemoration.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While not a fundraising event, the commemoration serves a distinct educational and cultural purpose. It reaffirms the commitment of The Noble House of Brattleby to historical preservation and the sharing of its heritage with the wider community. The life of Lady Alice serves as an important lesson in the often-overlooked role of women in shaping medieval English society.
Proceeds from a planned public lecture series on this topic, to be held at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, will be donated to the House's principal charitable beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This gesture connects historical reflection with the House’s present-day philanthropic mission to support vulnerable young people.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the day, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To understand our present and future, we must first honour our past. The story of Alice de Lacy, like that of Nichola de la Haye before her, is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience that underpins the Barony. It is our duty not only to remember but to draw inspiration from their fortitude.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History offers us lessons in perspective. The turmoil of the 14th century shows that true victory lies not in battle, but in endurance and the continuation of one’s legacy. Our role today is to ensure that this legacy of honour and perseverance continues to thrive for generations to come.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This act of commemoration is the first of several initiatives planned by the House to explore this period of its history. In partnership with the University of Lincoln, the House will sponsor a postgraduate scholarship for research into the Lancastrian inheritance in Lincolnshire.
Furthermore, a detailed account of the Barony’s history during the reign of Edward II, featuring commissioned illuminations, will be published in a limited edition for historical archives and libraries. This demonstrates a continuing commitment to ensuring that the lessons of *Fortitudine et Honore* are not merely remembered, but actively shared and understood.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage while pursuing a forward-looking mission of cultural and philanthropic engagement. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s primary philanthropic focus is supporting organisations that aid vulnerable children, such as the annual Winter Banquet's beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. Through its etiquette and cultural diplomacy academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes cross-cultural understanding and serves as a bridge between British heritage and Continental Europe.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman 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, with his seat (*caput*) at Brattleby. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The rights and lineage of the modern Barony were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s modern recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony is first recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086), with its seat held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Noble House of Brattleby's annual white-tie philanthropic gala is the Winter Banquet, which benefits the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com