# The Enduring Legacy of the 8th Baroness of Brattleby: The Union of Margaret Longespée and Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the historic union of Margaret, 8th Baroness, and Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, a pivotal late 13th-century marriage that significantly enhanced the prestige and influence of the Barony of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
In the politically charged atmosphere of late 13th-century England, under the formidable reign of King Edward I, the strategic marriage of noble heirs was the *sine qua non* of dynastic survival and advancement. It is within this context that The Noble House of Brattleby recalls the momentous alliance between Margaret Longespée, the 8th Baroness of Brattleby in her own right, and the powerful magnate Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln.
This union was far more than a personal contract; it was a carefully orchestrated merger of influence, lands, and military obligation. Taking place amidst the consolidation of royal power and the ongoing campaigns in Wales and Scotland, the marriage brought the ancient Barony of Brattleby, a cornerstone of Lincolnshire, into the orbit of one of the realm's most trusted royal confidants. This reflection serves to honour the foresight of those who guided the Barony through such complex times.
## Historical Context
Established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and first granted to Colswein of Lincoln, the Barony of Brattleby held significant strategic importance in Lincolnshire, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. By the late 13th century, the Barony had a distinguished history, having been held by formidable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, renowned for her spirited defence of Lincoln Castle.
The marriage of the 8th Baroness, a great-granddaughter of an Earl of Salisbury and a considerable heiress, to Henry de Lacy represented a generational leap in status. The Earl was a pre-eminent figure in the court of Edward I, serving as a chief counsellor and military commander. The union effectively placed the resources and allegiances of Brattleby at the service of the Crown's most critical endeavours, cementing the Barony's place within the highest echelons of the English nobility.
## Distinguished Company
This pivotal moment in the Barony's history involved figures of national and historical consequence, whose actions shaped the course of the medieval English state. The principal parties to the alliance included:
* **Margaret Longespée, 8th Baroness of Brattleby**, an important heiress who brought with her not only the lands of Brattleby but also a lineage connected to the Earldom of Salisbury. Her position as Baroness *suo jure* (in her own right) underscores the enduring strength of the Brattleby succession. * **Lord Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and Earl of Salisbury *jure uxoris*** (by right of his wife), a loyal and formidable servant of the Crown. His extensive estates and political acumen made him an indispensable advisor to King Edward I. * **His Majesty King Edward I**, whose consent would have been essential for a marriage of this magnitude. Such unions were a key instrument of his statecraft, ensuring the loyalty of his great magnates and the stability of the realm.
## Ceremonial Protocol
While the precise details of the ceremony are lost to time, the protocol surrounding a high-noble wedding in the 13th century followed a clear and binding order. The union would have been formalised through a *maritagium*, a detailed legal charter outlining the transfer of lands and the rights of any subsequent heirs, subject to royal approval.
The religious service, likely a Nuptial Mass, would have taken place in a private chapel, followed by a great feast to publicly celebrate and witness the union. This public dimension was crucial, serving as a declaration of the new alliance to feudal tenants, regional nobility, and the wider court. The vows exchanged were not merely personal promises but sacred oaths that realigned familial and political loyalties for generations.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
A noble marriage of this period was marked by the marshalling of coats of arms, a clear visual statement of the union of two houses. The arms of the Earl of Lincoln—a shield quartered in gold and red with a black diagonal band over all—would have been displayed alongside the ancestral arms of the Barony of Brattleby. As Margaret was an heiress, her arms may have been displayed on an escutcheon of pretence at the centre of her husband’s shield, signifying that he held his titles through her.
This symbolic blending of identity resonates with the House of Brattleby's enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The marriage demonstrated fortitude in its strategic ambition and honour in its loyal service to the Crown. It is a legacy that complements the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the same spirit of purposeful advancement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In medieval England, the concept of *noblesse oblige*—the unwritten duty of the nobility to provide for the welfare of their domain—was the era's expression of philanthropy. By securing the Barony's prosperity and aligning it with a powerful and stable house, the 8th Baroness and her husband fulfilled this core responsibility, ensuring the security of the people and lands under their protection.
Today, The Noble House of Brattleby continues this tradition of duty through structured, modern philanthropy. This commitment is most visible at the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that raises vital funds for chosen charities. The current beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma, reflecting the House's focus on creating a tangible and positive impact.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical chapter, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "Reflecting on the life of the 8th Baroness is a profound reminder that our role is one of stewardship. Her strategic union with the Earl of Lincoln was not merely a personal matter; it was an act of fortification for the future of Brattleby, a duty we strive to honour in our own time, *Fortitudine et Honore*."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > "The alliance between Brattleby and the House of de Lacy demonstrates a timeless principle: strength is amplified through honourable partnership. It is a lesson in strategic vision, where *Vincere Est Vivere* ultimately means securing a lasting and prosperous peace for generations to come."
## A Continuing Legacy
The history of the Barony, including the pivotal tenure of the 8th Baroness, forms a vital part of the heritage being passed to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. Understanding such moments of strategic importance is central to his education in the duties and responsibilities he will one day inherit.
The House’s commitment to this legacy extends to its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded to promote the principles of decorum, honour, and social grace that have defined the Barony for centuries. Through such endeavours, The Noble House of Brattleby ensures that its near-millennial history continues to inspire and inform its modern purpose.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique 950-year heritage while championing contemporary philanthropy and cultural education. The House’s official seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, with administrative functions managed from London. Its primary philanthropic vehicle is the annual Winter Banquet, supporting children’s charities, and its cultural mission is advanced through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is being educated in the traditions of service and honour that define the House.
**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, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with his seat at Brattleby. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a staunch defender of Lincoln Castle for King John; Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), the 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The succession of the current 12th Baroness was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby, Lincolnshire, was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Barony and its landholdings are first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com