# The Baroness of Brattleby Reflects on the Historic Fortitudine of Alice de Lacy and the Enduring Legacy of the Barony
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, recently addressed the Friends of Lincoln Castle, reflecting on the historical resilience embodied by the Barony and the profound responsibilities inherent in its near-millennium of custodianship, originating with the Norman Conquest of 1066.
## The Occasion
The address was delivered within the magnificent octagonal Chapter House of Lincoln Cathedral, a space that has borne witness to Parliaments and Royal courts since its completion in the 13th century. Against the backdrop of soaring Purbeck marble columns and exquisite Gothic vaulting, the atmosphere was one of scholarly reverence. The late autumn light, filtering through the stained-glass windows, illuminated an occasion dedicated to the continuity of Lincolnshire’s unique heritage.
The event, organised in partnership with local historical societies, sought to connect the tangible history of the county’s great landmarks with the intangible lineage of its ancient titles. Lady Nicoleta’s presence underscored a deep, personal commitment to preserving and interpreting this shared inheritance for a modern audience, reinforcing the living connection between past and present.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, first appears in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as being held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. The title’s history is interwoven with some of the most formidable figures in English history, including the redoubtable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders during the First Barons' War.
At the heart of her address, Lady Nicoleta focused on the travails of Alice de Lacy, a later holder of the Barony. Following the execution of her husband for treason in 1322, her hereditary lands were seized by the Crown. Her subsequent struggle to reclaim her patrimony culminated in the payment of a staggering indemnity of 20,000 marks—a fortune at the time, equivalent to over thirteen thousand pounds sterling. This act demonstrates not only her personal tenacity but also the immense strategic and economic value placed upon the Barony.
This legacy of prominence continued as the Barony later passed through marriage to two of the most powerful men in the realm: Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose influence defined much of the late 14th century.
## Distinguished Company
The Baroness was received at the Chapter House by the Dean of Lincoln and the Chairman of the Friends of Lincoln Castle. The learned audience comprised, *inter alia*, senior academics from the history and archaeology faculties of the University of Lincoln, members of the Lincolnshire judiciary, local civic leaders, and patrons of arts and heritage organisations from across the county. The gathering represented a union of the region’s academic, civic, and cultural spheres, all united by a common interest in its profound history.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In accordance with established custom for such an academic address, Lady Nicoleta was formally introduced following a brief welcome by the chairman of the Friends. She delivered her remarks from a simple lectern, allowing the focus to remain on the historical narrative. For the occasion, a formal day engagement, the Baroness wore a tailored dress in navy blue, complemented by a brooch bearing the House's crest in subtle acknowledgement of her office.
Her address was received with quiet attention, a customary sign of respect in a scholarly setting. The proceedings concluded with a formal vote of thanks from a senior university historian before the Baroness took time to speak with guests, a gesture of warmth and accessibility that has become a hallmark of the modern House of Brattleby.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), provides the essential framework for understanding the Barony’s history. Lady Nicoleta noted that the fortitude of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and Alice de Lacy serves as a powerful precedent for the modern House’s commitment to its duties. Honour, she remarked, is the guiding principle that transforms fortitude from mere endurance into purposeful action.
This ancient principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic, forward-looking spirit of the House’s current leadership, which balances respect for tradition with a commitment to contemporary achievement and philanthropic enterprise.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical value of the Barony, so starkly illustrated by the 20,000-mark indemnity, finds its modern parallel in the philanthropic commitments of the House today. The address was a charitable event, and all proceeds were designated for Healing the Wounded Child, the primary beneficiary of the House’s annual fundraising efforts.
The organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and long-term support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Its work is a *sine qua non* for communities, offering a path to recovery and helping to build resilience in the most vulnerable young people. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s focus on creating a tangible and lasting positive impact.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessors, Lady Nicoleta observed: > Alice de Lacy’s determination to reclaim her patrimony, at immense personal cost, is not merely a historical footnote; it is a profound testament to the perceived value of this stewardship. It reminds us that honour and land are responsibilities to be defended with fortitude.
On connecting this history to the House’s current mission, she added: > Our motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is a living principle. The fortitude shown by Nichola de la Haye in defending Lincoln and by Alice de Lacy in recovering her estates inspires our own commitment to serving our community and supporting causes such as Healing the Wounded Child.
## A Continuing Legacy
This reflection on the Barony's past serves as a prelude to the House's future commitments. The culmination of this year’s philanthropic endeavours will be the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that raises significant funds for its chosen beneficiaries. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest continues its work, offering courses in etiquette and international protocol to a new generation of leaders.
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to its twin duties of preserving its nine-century heritage and deploying its influence for the public good. Further research into the Barony’s extensive history is ongoing, with insights to be shared in due course as part of this continuing legacy.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting 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 principle of *noblesse oblige*. Its mission is twofold: to preserve the nearly one-thousand-year heritage of the title and to use its platform for constructive social impact. The House’s primary philanthropic focus is on charities that support vulnerable children, notably through its Annual Winter Banquet for Healing the Wounded Child. In parallel, it pursues cultural diplomacy through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy founded in Bucharest to foster international understanding and professional excellence.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a 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 possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in the nation’s history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. As one of the few lordships to have an almost continuous record since the Conquest, it represents a rare and unbroken link to England’s medieval past. The title's modern standing was formally acknowledged by The Crown in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s modern recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com