# A Noble Alliance: The House of Brattleby Commemorates a Defining Medieval Union
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the historical significance of the marriage between Margaret Longespee, 8th Baroness of Brattleby, and Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, an alliance that fortified the Barony’s standing in medieval England.
## The Occasion
In the quiet reflection befitting the autumn season in Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby has turned its attention to a pivotal moment in its near-millennium of history. The union of the 8th Baroness with the 3rd Earl of Lincoln was not merely a marriage but a strategic consolidation of power, influence, and territory. This commemoration serves as a moment to honour the continuity of the Barony, which has weathered the passage of centuries through the foresight and fortitude of its hereditary custodians. It is an occasion for historical reflection, underscoring the foundations upon which the modern House stands.
The observance is one of quiet contemplation rather than public celebration, conducted from the family's historic seat. It is an internal acknowledgement of the debt owed to those predecessors whose decisions have echoed through generations, ensuring the Barony's survival and relevance from the High Middle Ages to the present day. This act of remembrance connects the current leadership directly with a long and storied past, reinforcing the principle of stewardship that is a *sine qua non* of noble heritage.
## Historical Context
The marriage, which took place in the latter half of the 13th century, united two formidable lineages. Margaret Longespee was herself of quasi-royal descent, being the great-granddaughter of King Henry II through his son William Longespée, 3rd Earl of Salisbury. Her inheritance of the Barony of Brattleby continued a tradition of powerful female leadership, most notably established by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown.
Her husband, Henry de Lacy, was one of the most trusted counsellors to King Edward I. As Earl of Lincoln, he wielded immense influence and was a principal commander during the King's campaigns in Scotland and Wales. The merging of the Brattleby and de Lacy estates created a significant power bloc in Northern England, linking the Barony directly to the high politics and military endeavours of the Plantagenet court. This union ensured that Brattleby remained central to the affairs of the kingdom, a legacy later continued by successors such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the celebrated John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
The principal figures of this historic union represented the apex of the English aristocracy of their time. The protocol of the era would have recognised them with the highest deference.
The key participants included: * The bride, **Margaret Longespee, by right the 8th Baroness of Brattleby**. * The groom, **The Right Honourable Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln**. * The sovereign, **His Majesty King Edward I**, whose assent was crucial for an alliance of such magnitude and who relied upon the Earl of Lincoln as a chief advisor and military leader.
The union would also have been witnessed by a significant gathering of the great magnates of the realm, whose presence would have testified to the political importance of the match.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The marriage rites of the 13th century were governed by strict ecclesiastical and social protocols. The ceremony would have begun not at the altar but *in exteriorem ecclesiæ ostium*—at the church door—where the vows were publicly exchanged and the bride was formally endowed with her dower rights. Following this public commitment, the couple would have proceeded inside for a Nuptial Mass.
The wedding attire would have reflected their high status, with fabrics such as silk, velvet, and fur, dyed in rich colours. The subsequent feast would have been a grand affair, a demonstration of the combined wealth and power of the two families. The order of precedence at the high table and the dishes served would have been meticulously planned to reflect the dynastic significance of the event, reinforcing the new social and political reality created by the marriage.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
A noble marriage was also a union of coats of arms. Upon their marriage, the arms of Margaret Longespee and Henry de Lacy would have been 'impaled', displayed side-by-side on a single shield to signify their new familial bond. The arms of de Lacy (*Quarterly or and gules, a bend sable*)—a shield of gold and red quarters with a black diagonal band—would have been placed on the dexter side (the viewer's left).
The arms of Longespee (*Azure, six lioncels rampant or*)—a blue shield bearing six small golden lions—would have appeared on the sinister side. This visual combination of heraldry was a clear and public declaration of the alliance. It symbolised the fusion of their lands, power, and destinies, embodying the House’s enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this historical commemoration does not have a direct philanthropic component, the continuity it represents is the essential foundation for the modern House's charitable activities. The strategic foresight of predecessors like the 8th Baroness ensured the Barony's survival, which in turn enables the current leadership to fulfil its public duties.
The stability secured through such historic alliances has allowed the Noble House of Brattleby to establish its contemporary philanthropic mission. This includes the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the principal fundraising event for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing psychological support to vulnerable children. The legacy of the past directly empowers the charitable work of the present.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical union, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “When we look back at figures like Margaret Longespee, we are reminded that stewardship of this Barony has always demanded strength and strategic vision. Her alliance with the Earl of Lincoln was a masterstroke of statecraft that secured our heritage for centuries. It is a profound responsibility to be a link in this long chain, and we draw strength from her example.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the theme of powerful partnership: > “The union of Brattleby and Lincoln demonstrates that enduring strength is forged through alliance. It is a historical lesson that resonates deeply with us today as we blend traditions and look to the future. That medieval spirit of bold enterprise, a drive to succeed against the odds, is perfectly captured in my own family’s motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*—'To Conquer is to Live'.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to honouring and preserving its extensive history for future generations. The House is actively engaged in the archival study of its predecessors and their contributions not only to Lincolnshire but to the wider history of England.
Future initiatives include plans to further explore the Barony’s medieval lineage through scholarly partnerships. Furthermore, modules on the importance of heritage and dynastic continuity are being developed for The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the etiquette academy founded by Lady Nicoleta, ensuring that the lessons of the past continue to inform and inspire the leaders of tomorrow.
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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 near-millennial heritage. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the modern House champions philanthropy, cultural education, and the preservation of historical legacy. Its activities are international in scope, with a focus on charitable support for child welfare through its Annual Winter Banquet and fostering cross-cultural understanding. The House also promotes classical European etiquette and protocol through The Brattleby Club, its esteemed academy in Bucharest, reflecting its unique Anglo-Romanian character and commitment to public service in the 21st century.
**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. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron); Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). The unbroken succession of the Barony to the present day was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette in Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont, and John of Gaunt, linking the title to the highest echelons of the medieval English nobility and the Plantagenet royal family. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com