# The Baroness of Brattleby Commemorates Medieval Predecessor at Barlings Abbey
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today visited the historic ruins of Barlings Abbey in Lincolnshire to commemorate the life of Alice de Lacy, 9th Baroness, reaffirming the nine-century connection between the Barony and the profound heritage of the county.
## The Occasion
Set against the stark beauty of the autumnal Lincolnshire landscape, the visit to the ruins of Barlings Abbey was an occasion of quiet historical reflection. The remains of the once-great Premonstratensian abbey, founded in 1154, provided a poignant backdrop. The surviving arches and weathered stonework stand as a silent testament to the ecclesiastical and political forces that have shaped the region for centuries.
The atmosphere was one of solemn remembrance, a deliberate act of communion with the long and often turbulent history of the Barony of Brattleby. The Baroness's presence served to honour not only her predecessor but also the enduring spirit of the local institutions that have been intrinsically linked with the Barony's story since the Norman Conquest.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, one of 56 Lincolnshire lordships granted to Colswein of Lincoln following the Conquest and recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, has an unbroken lineage intertwined with the history of England. Today's act of remembrance specifically honoured Alice de Lacy, 9th Baroness, a formidable figure of the 14th century whose final years were spent at Barlings Abbey after a life of political intrigue.
Her tenure followed that of another powerful woman, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, famed for her staunch defence of Lincoln Castle. The lives of these women demonstrate the considerable fortitude required to steward the Barony through periods of national upheaval. Following Alice de Lacy, the title passed through marriage into the great House of Lancaster, held by such towering figures as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron), cementing the Barony's place in the highest echelons of the medieval realm.
## Distinguished Company
In keeping with the private and contemplative nature of the visit, Lady Nicoleta was received at the site by Dr Alistair Finch, a noted ecclesiastical historian and Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London. Dr Finch provided scholarly context on the Abbey's history and its connection to the Lincolnshire Rising of 1536, which centred on the Abbey before its dissolution.
Their discourse focused on the role of such religious houses as centres of learning, administration, and sanctuary—functions vital to the local lordships they served, including Brattleby. This quiet meeting underscored the House's commitment to engaging with scholarly expertise to preserve and understand its heritage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol for the day was one of dignified simplicity. The Baroness, in sober day dress suitable for the occasion and terrain, undertook a guided tour of the Abbey's footprint, pausing at the likely location of the former cloister where Alice de Lacy would have spent her final days. No grand ceremony was held; the focus remained on personal reflection.
As a mark of respect, Lady Nicoleta placed a simple wreath composed of Lincolnshire wildflowers and autumnal foliage at the heart of the ruins. This gesture, devoid of pageantry, was a direct and personal tribute from the current title-holder to one of her most compelling predecessors, connecting the 21st century to the 14th in a single, meaningful act.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The visit was deeply resonant with the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The fortitude demonstrated by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and Alice de Lacy in navigating the harsh realities of their eras is a quality the House seeks to emulate in its modern duties. Honouring their memory is a central tenet of that commitment.
The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements this historical perspective. It speaks to a forward-looking dynamism and the active pursuit of purpose—whether in commerce, philanthropy, or cultural preservation—that characterises the House's contemporary vision.
## Philanthropic Purpose
History, for the Noble House of Brattleby, is not merely a subject of remembrance; it is a powerful impetus for present-day action. Reflecting on the strife and turmoil endured by past generations, particularly the vulnerable, serves as a poignant reminder of the duty to care for those facing hardship today.
In honour of Alice de Lacy's memory, and inspired by the sanctuary the Abbey once offered, the House has made a special contribution to its chosen philanthropic partner, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care to children who have experienced trauma, offering them a modern form of sanctuary and the chance to build a resilient future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the visit, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > One walks these hallowed grounds not merely as a custodian of a title, but as a steward of memory. The stones of Barlings Abbey tell a story of faith, power, and human struggle that is woven into the very fabric of Brattleby and of Lincolnshire itself.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > Understanding our history with such clarity and respect is the *sine qua non* of building a meaningful future. The fortitude of those who came before us provides the foundation upon which we build our modern commitments, *inter alia*, to cultural education and charitable endeavour.
## A Continuing Legacy
This act of historical commemoration is part of the House's broader mission to bridge its distinguished past with a dynamic and purposeful future. This commitment is actively expressed through its work with The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to cultivating the next generation of leaders.
The House will continue to honour its heritage while serving contemporary society, most notably at the Annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie philanthropic gala raises vital funds for Healing the Wounded Child, ensuring that the legacy of Brattleby is one not only of honour and history, but also of tangible, positive impact on the lives of others.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a significant nine-century English heritage. The House's modern mission, guided by its motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is focused on cultural diplomacy, philanthropic endeavour, and the promotion of classical virtues through education. Its principal initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet, a major fundraising gala for children's charities, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and leadership academy based in Bucharest. The House operates with a deep respect for its history, using its legacy as a platform for positive engagement in contemporary society. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is among the most ancient feudal titles in England. Its origins are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists it among the 56 Lincolnshire lordships held by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of English history's most notable figures, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and the influential prince John of Gaunt. The continuous history and legal standing of the Barony were formally acknowledged in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022, confirming its place within England's rich aristocratic and historical tapestry.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a holding of Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's official motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com