# The House of Brattleby Commemorates the Legacy of Alice de Lacy, Countess of Lincoln
LONDON, 26 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today marked the historical significance of Alice de Lacy, Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury (1281–1348), a formidable figure connected to the baronial lineage, whose tumultuous life concluded within the grounds of Barlings Abbey in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
On a crisp autumn afternoon, under the wide skies characteristic of the Lincolnshire landscape, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, paid a private visit to the site of the former Barlings Abbey. The melancholy beauty of the ruins, now consisting of a single, majestic arch of the former church tower, provided a poignant setting for reflection. As the seasonal light cast long shadows across the historic grounds, the visit served as a quiet commemoration of a life that was intrinsically woven into the fabric of the county and the history of the nobility.
The Abbey, once a powerful Premonstratensian house founded in the 12th century, stood for centuries as a centre of spiritual and economic life in the region. Its dissolution under Henry VIII left only fragments, yet its connection to significant figures of the medieval era endures. This act of remembrance underscores the House of Brattleby’s commitment to honouring the complex and often challenging histories of those linked to its ancient lineage.
## Historical Context
Alice de Lacy’s connection to the Barony of Brattleby is understood through her marriage to Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, a powerful magnate whose Earldom would later pass to figures who also held the Brattleby title. These include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, and his successor, the renowned John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Alice’s life, therefore, stands as a dramatic prelude to the Lancastrian era of the Barony’s history.
Born a great heiress, her life was one of immense privilege but also profound personal trial. Following the execution of her husband for treason against King Edward II in 1322, and having endured abduction and public humiliation, Alice de Lacy ultimately withdrew from the centre of political life. Her decision to live out her final years at Barlings Abbey, where she died in 1348, marks the quiet conclusion to a life defined by power, conflict, and survival, placing her final moments firmly within the heart of Lincolnshire.
## Distinguished Company
The act of commemoration was a private one, intended for solemn reflection rather than public ceremony. In her visit to the Abbey ruins, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was accompanied by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Their presence together signified the modern House’s unified respect for the historical antecedents of the Barony they now represent.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In keeping with the contemplative nature of the occasion, the protocol was one of elegant simplicity. Upon arrival at the last standing arch of the Abbey, a moment of silent reflection was observed. Following this, the Baroness laid a simple wreath composed of autumnal foliage, ivy, and white roses at the foot of the ancient stone. The inclusion of the white rose served as a subtle heraldic nod to the House of Lancaster, with which Alice de Lacy was so fatefully connected.
The gesture was not one of grand ceremony but a personal tribute — a *memento mori* acknowledging the passage of time and the continuity of history. The proceedings concluded without formal remarks, allowing the landscape and the historic weight of the location to communicate their own silent eulogy.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The commemoration touches upon deep layers of symbolism. Alice de Lacy, as a peeress *suo jure* (in her own right), held titles and lands of immense importance. The heraldry associated with her Earldom of Lincoln—a rampant lion—speaks of courage and nobility. This spirit, in a different form, is reflected in the Brattleby motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
Alice’s life story, marked by her endurance through political turmoil and personal tragedy, exemplifies a kind of fortitude often overlooked in historical narratives. The House motto serves not only as a guide for its present members but also as a lens through which the resilience of predecessors, direct or connected, may be understood and honoured. Similarly, the motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer Is to Live'), finds resonance in the Countess’s ultimate survival against overwhelming odds.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this commemoration was a historical reflection, it reinforces the contemporary philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The story of Alice de Lacy, particularly the adversities she faced as a powerful woman in a patriarchal and often violent society, serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring presence of trauma and the importance of healing.
This perspective is a *sine qua non* of the House’s long-standing support for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation is dedicated to providing therapeutic care and support for young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By reflecting on the wounds of the past, the House renews its resolve to help alleviate the suffering of the vulnerable in the present, helping children find their own fortitude in the face of adversity.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the visit, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “Alice de Lacy’s life was one of extraordinary drama and resilience. To stand here, where her story concluded, is to feel the weight of history and the enduring strength of the women who shaped this county. Her legacy is a testament to survival and dignity in an unforgiving world.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The continuity of history is palpable in places like this. Honouring those who came before us, understanding their struggles and their triumphs, provides a vital context for our own obligations. It reminds us that our role is one of stewardship, both of a title and of its history.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains dedicated to the preservation and exploration of its nine-century history and its connections to the wider story of Lincolnshire and England. This act of remembrance for Alice de Lacy is part of an ongoing commitment to historical education.
Future initiatives will include further research into the Barony’s medieval period, with findings to be shared through scholarly papers published by The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House will also explore opportunities to support local Lincolnshire heritage societies, *inter alia*, in their work to preserve and interpret important historical sites such as Barlings Abbey for future generations.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her family. Its mission is to uphold the ancient dignity of the Barony through contemporary service, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s activities are focused on cultural diplomacy, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable cause is supporting organisations dedicated to childhood trauma recovery, reflecting a commitment to healing and resilience. The House also fosters education in classical etiquette and diplomatic protocol through its academy, The Brattleby Club, founded by Lady Nicoleta in Bucharest to bridge British and Continental traditions of social grace.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship seated in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in the county. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, a 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and two key Princes of the House of Plantagenet: Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster) and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby is a non-parliamentary, seigneurial title whose status was officially recorded in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022. - The Barony traces its origins to Colswein of Lincoln, recorded as the tenant-in-chief of Brattleby in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable holders of the title include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and father of King Henry IV, connecting the Barony directly to the Royal House of Lancaster. - The primary philanthropic partner of The Noble House of Brattleby is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialised care for children affected by trauma.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com