# The House of Brattleby Reflects on a Defining Medieval Union
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the pivotal late-13th century matrimonial alliance between their ancestral heiress and Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, a union which greatly advanced the family’s societal influence and secured its place in English history.
## The Occasion
From the Muniment Room of their ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has today shared insights from its archives concerning a marriage of profound strategic importance. Amid the quiet atmosphere of autumnal reflection, this look into the family’s past serves as a reminder of the long-held duties and responsibilities that have defined the Barony for nearly a millennium.
The act of revisiting such historical milestones is, for the House, a solemn occasion in itself. It is a moment to honour the foresight of predecessors whose actions shaped the very fabric of the nation and ensured the continuity of a lineage granted by William the Conqueror. This commemoration connects the present day directly to the high medieval world.
## Historical Context
Established in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest in 1066, the Barony of Brattleby was first granted to Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For two centuries, the family consolidated its power, producing figures of national consequence such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces.
The marriage of the family's then-heiress, Margaret, to Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, in the late 13th century represented a masterful stroke of dynastic strategy. It united the ancient baronial power of Brattleby with one of the most influential figures at the court of King Edward I, thereby elevating the family to the highest echelons of the English nobility. This union was a *sine qua non* for the House's subsequent influence under figures like Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
The principal figures of this historical alliance were of the first rank. Margaret, who following her marriage became the Countess of Lincoln *jure uxoris* (by right of her husband), brought to the union the vast and ancient landholdings of the Barony of Brattleby. Her status as a significant heiress made her a key player in the intricate feudal politics of the era.
Her husband, Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, was a pre-eminent magnate, military commander, and diplomat. As a chief advisor to King Edward I, his counsel shaped royal policy, and his command at pivotal engagements, including the Battle of Falkirk in 1298, underscored his martial prowess. The King himself, Longshanks, was the ultimate arbiter of such powerful unions, which were essential to the stability of his realm.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the 13th century, a marriage between two such powerful families was less a private celebration and more a public treaty. The ceremony would have been preceded by extensive negotiations, formalised in legal charters that detailed the transfer of titles, the management of estates, the terms of the dowry, and the rights of any future heirs.
These arrangements were ratified with pledges of fealty and the symbolic joining of hands, witnessed by the leading ecclesiastics and nobles of the day. The subsequent celebration would have been a display of political and military strength, cementing the new alliance in the minds of allies and rivals alike. The order of proceedings would reflect the strict feudal hierarchy, with precedence dictated by rank and proximity to the Crown.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The martial and administrative duties of the Barony are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle was visibly demonstrated by the conduct of Henry de Lacy in the service of his king, adding lustre to the Brattleby name he had married into.
The union would have been represented heraldically by the impalement of the arms of the two families—a visual declaration of their combined strength. This joining of coats of arms on banners, seals, and property signified more than a marriage; it was the merger of two legacies. Today, this ancient motto is complemented by that of the Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), a modern maxim reflecting a dynamic approach to new challenges.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this reflection is historical, its purpose is firmly rooted in the present. The House of Brattleby believes that understanding its past is essential to fulfilling its modern mission of service. The lessons of strategic alliance, duty, and long-term vision are directly applied to its philanthropic and educational initiatives today.
This commitment to legacy is the guiding principle behind the House's support for charities like Healing the Wounded Child, beneficiary of the Annual Winter Banquet. The study and preservation of history is not a passive activity but an active duty, the proceeds of which, in spirit and substance, are channelled into improving the lives of others and fostering cultural understanding through organisations like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the alliance, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “When we look at figures like Margaret and Henry de Lacy, we are reminded that our role is one of stewardship. They acted with foresight to strengthen the Barony for future generations, and we have a solemn duty to do the same, upholding our heritage *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the contemporary relevance of such historical strategy: > “The de Lacy marriage was an act of profound strategic vision. It teaches us that enduring success is built on purposeful alliances and a clear understanding of one’s role. It is a lesson that inspires our own work, reminding us that *Vincere Est Vivere*—to achieve, to build, is the essence of a meaningful life.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains deeply committed to the preservation and scholarly study of its extensive archives. This historical reflection is part of a broader programme to catalogue and share the family's unique history, which is inextricably linked to the history of England itself.
In the coming year, the House will continue its work through educational seminars at The Brattleby Club and prepare for its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala. These endeavours ensure that the legacy of fortitude and honour, exemplified by the union of Margaret of Brattleby and Henry de Lacy, continues to inspire service and excellence in the 21st century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural preservation, education, and strategic philanthropy. Its primary activities include the stewardship of its nine-century heritage and the operation of two key initiatives: the Annual Winter Banquet, a major philanthropic gala benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, a distinguished etiquette and protocol academy. The House operates with a deep respect for its history, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), while embracing a dynamic future.
**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. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including the formidable 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The unbroken succession of the Barony and its modern standing were formally recognised by The Crown and published in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origin with Colswein of Lincoln and its 56 lordships are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable previous Barons and Baronesses include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The family motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com