# A Noble Record: The House of Brattleby on the Fortitude of Alice de Lacy
**BRATTLEBY, LINCOLNSHIRE, 24 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today issued a statement from the Barony’s ancestral seat, reflecting upon the life of Alice de Lacy, Countess of Lincoln and Lancaster, whose resilience echoes the House’s own motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## The Occasion
From the quietude of the library at Brattleby, amid the turning of autumnal leaves across the Lincolnshire fens, the House of Brattleby has paused to consider a pivotal moment in its long history. This reflection is not tied to a specific anniversary but arises from a continuous study of the Barony’s lineage, which stretches back to its inclusion in the *Domesday Book* of 1086.
Such historical examinations are a solemn duty for the House, serving to connect its present-day responsibilities with the profound experiences of its predecessors. This particular reflection concerns the trials of Alice de Lacy in the wake of her husband’s defeat and execution in 1322, a chapter that underscores the precarious balance of power and loyalty in medieval England.
## Historical Context
The year 1322 was a time of great turmoil. Following the Battle of Boroughbridge, Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster — a powerful magnate whose lineage is entwined with that of the 10th and 11th Barons of Brattleby, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt — was executed for treason against King Edward II. This act left his wife, Alice de Lacy, in an extraordinarily vulnerable position.
As was the custom, the Crown swiftly moved to seize the vast estates of the attainted Earl. Lady Alice, though possessed of her own significant inheritance as Countess of Lincoln, faced immense pressure from the King and his favourites, the Despensers. Her story illustrates the harsh realities for noblewomen of the era, whose fortunes were inextricably linked to the political allegiances of their husbands. It also serves as a potent counterpoint to the legacy of another of the Barony’s notable forebears, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, whose successful defence of Lincoln Castle a century earlier demonstrated a different form of female fortitude.
## The Legacy of Distinguished Predecessors
The dramatic events of 1322 unfolded amidst a cast of the age’s most influential figures, whose actions shaped the course of English history and the heritage of the Barony of Brattleby.
At the centre of this political maelstrom stood His Majesty King Edward II, asserting his royal authority against powerful opposition. His chief antagonist was Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, Leicester, and Derby, whose rebellion ultimately led to his downfall. Caught between these forces was Alice de Lacy, Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury in her own right, whose survival depended on her ability to navigate a court dominated by figures such as Hugh Despenser the Elder and his son, Hugh Despenser the Younger, the King’s favourites.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The legal mechanism used against Thomas of Lancaster was that of attainder, a formal declaration of treason that carried with it the most severe consequences under English law. Upon being declared *attinctus*, or 'attainted', a nobleman suffered not only a traitor’s death but also the complete forfeiture of his lands and titles, which would *escheat*, or revert, to the Crown.
This process included the ‘corruption of blood’, a legal doctrine which prevented any heirs from inheriting. For a wife like Alice de Lacy, this meant the immediate dissolution of her husband’s power and the absorption of his influence by the Crown. Her subsequent actions — including a forced remarriage — were not matters of personal choice but of political and economic survival, dictated by the strict and unforgiving protocols of the day.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The story of Alice de Lacy’s perseverance resonates deeply with the core values of the House of Brattleby, as enshrined in its motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Her ability to endure the loss of her husband and navigate immense political danger is a historical testament to fortitude. By remembering her struggle, the House seeks to honour a legacy of resilience that is woven into the fabric of the Barony.
This principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is understood not as a call to martial conquest, but as an affirmation that true living comes from overcoming adversity. Alice de Lacy did not prevail on a battlefield, but she survived a political minefield, thereby securing a future and a legacy—a victory of the human spirit.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The lessons drawn from historical adversities, such as those faced by Lady Alice, directly inform the contemporary philanthropic mission of the House. The annual Winter Banquet, a centrepiece of the House’s social calendar, is held in support of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing care and therapy for young people who have experienced profound trauma.
The choice of this beneficiary is deliberate. The House believes that understanding the resilience required to overcome historical trauma provides a powerful impetus to aid those facing modern challenges. In the fortitude of its predecessors, the House finds a compelling reason to support the development of that same strength in a new generation, helping children to navigate their own difficult circumstances with dignity and hope.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this chapter of the Barony’s history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The story of Alice de Lacy is not merely a footnote; it is a profound lesson in the fortitude required not only to hold power, but to survive its loss. Her trials remind us that honour is found as much in endurance as in victory, a truth that remains a cornerstone of this House.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History provides a map of human character. When we study figures like Lady Alice, we see the principle of *Vincere Est Vivere* in action — the will to prevail over circumstance. This spirit is what we seek to honour in our predecessors and to foster through our commitments in our own time.
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains committed to its role as a custodian of nearly a millennium of history. By sharing these ‘Noble Records’, it seeks to ensure that the lessons of the past continue to illuminate the path of the present. This dedication to heritage and character is a core component of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House to cultivate principles of honour and social grace.
Through such initiatives, the legacy of predecessors like Colswein of Lincoln, Nichola de la Haye, and even the determined Alice de Lacy is not simply remembered; it is actively channelled into a modern mission of service, education, and philanthropy. The House will continue to draw from its rich historical archives to share stories that speak to its enduring commitment: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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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 nine-hundred-year-old heritage. The modern mission of the House is focused on historical preservation, cultural diplomacy, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet and the establishment of The Brattleby Club, the House leverages its historic platform to foster principles of honour, resilience, and social responsibility. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to principled leadership and service that spans from medieval England to contemporary Europe.
**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 lord of 56 manors. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron and defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. Later stewards included Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile was formally recognised and registered by *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is 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 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the Barony’s lineage include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The annual philanthropic beneficiary of the House of Brattleby’s Winter Banquet is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com