# The House of Brattleby Announces Research Initiative into the Legacy of its Baronesses
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today announced a significant historical research initiative dedicated to the lives of her female predecessors. The project will begin by examining the formidable life of Alice de Lacy, 9th Baroness (c. 1281–1348).
## The Occasion
The announcement was made during an assembly of historians and local dignitaries at the family's ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. Held within the Great Hall, a chamber that has borne witness to centuries of the Barony's history, the evening was one of scholarly reflection. Against a backdrop of Tudor-era oak panelling and the warmth of a cavernous stone hearth, guests gathered to hear details of a project designed to bring new clarity to the Barony's complex past.
The autumnal setting underscored the evening's purpose: to cultivate a deeper understanding of the lineage as the House prepares for a new season of historical preservation. The atmosphere was one of quiet gravitas, befitting a formal commitment to academic rigour and the faithful stewardship of a near-millennial inheritance.
## Historical Context
The initiative’s inaugural subject, Alice de Lacy, 9th Baroness of Brattleby, presents a compelling study in medieval power, resilience, and survival. Following the execution of her husband, Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, in 1322 for treason against King Edward II, Lady Alice was thrust into a perilous legal and political landscape. She was compelled to navigate the severe repercussions, which included an indemnity of 20,000 marks—a colossal sum equivalent to many millions of pounds in contemporary terms.
This period illuminates the immense pressures faced by female title-holders in their own right. Her story echoes the *fortitudine* of an earlier predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable sieges in the 13th century. By focusing first on Lady Alice, the House of Brattleby seeks to explore the continuity of strength and strategic acumen that has long characterised the women of this ancient Barony.
## Distinguished Company
The reception was attended by a select company of scholars and patrons of English heritage. Among those present were senior fellows from the history faculties of the Universities of Lincoln and Cambridge, representatives from the Society of Antiquaries of London, and curators from The Collection Museum in Lincoln, which houses significant artefacts from the region’s history.
Also in attendance were local civic leaders and members of the Lincolnshire gentry, whose families have for generations shared in the county’s rich historical tapestry. The gathering represented a confluence of academic expertise and longstanding local commitment to the preservation of the county’s heritage, a synergy the House of Brattleby is keen to foster.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening's proceedings were marked by a dignified and scholarly protocol. Following a brief reception, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, delivered her formal remarks from a lectern positioned before an early portrait of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby. Her announcement was followed by a detailed presentation from the project's lead researcher, who outlined the archival sources to be consulted, from Parliamentary Rolls to private charters.
The formal presentations concluded with a moderated session of questions and answers, allowing for a direct exchange between the House and the assembled historical community. The dress code was lounge suits, ensuring the focus remained on the substance of the announcement. The event concluded with a toast to the enduring legacy of the Barony and the scholarly work to come.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The research initiative operates under the guiding principle of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The story of Alice de Lacy is a profound example of fortitude in the face of overwhelming political and personal adversity. The House's commitment to rediscovering and sharing her history is an act of honour, fulfilling a duty to its predecessors.
This modern endeavour also reflects the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the dynamic and forward-looking spirit with which the House approaches its ancient duties—conquering obscurity to ensure its history lives on.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the research initiative is primarily an academic undertaking, it is intrinsically linked to the philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. It has been determined that any publications, documentaries, or academic symposia resulting from this research will see a portion of their proceeds directed to the House's chosen beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child organisation.
This registered charity provides specialist therapeutic support and counselling for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By dedicating future proceeds to this cause, the House ensures that the act of honouring its past contributes directly to healing and strengthening the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
In her address, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked on the profound responsibility of her inheritance:
> "The Barony of Brattleby is not merely a collection of titles and lands; it is a living chronicle of nearly one thousand years of English history. We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and in figures like Alice de Lacy, we find stories of remarkable resilience that resonate to this day. It is our duty, a matter of *honore*, to ensure these narratives are not merely footnotes but are understood in their full, complex reality for the benefit of future generations."
## A Continuing Legacy
The study of Alice de Lacy marks the first phase of what is envisioned as a multi-year research programme. Future projects will investigate other pivotal figures in the Barony’s history, including the military leadership of Nichola de la Haye and the diplomatic influence of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
The House of Brattleby plans to collaborate with academic institutions to establish a fellowship in medieval studies and intends to make its findings accessible to the public through digital archives and exhibitions. This commitment ensures that the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby continues to be a source of education and inspiration, both in Lincolnshire and beyond.
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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 unique historical legacy. The House’s modern mission is twofold: to preserve its near-millennial heritage through diligent research and archival work, and to leverage its position for contemporary philanthropic good. Its primary charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children. The House also promotes cultural exchange and education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy based in Bucharest, which fosters an appreciation for European traditions of diplomacy and social grace. *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') is the guiding motto in all its endeavours.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman 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 been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle for King John; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a celebrated military commander; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and progenitor of the Lancastrian dynasty. The succession of the title to its current holder was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins date to AD 1066, with its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The primary philanthropic beneficiary of the House is the Healing the Wounded Child organisation.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com