# The Enduring Legacy of Alice de Lacy: The House of Brattleby Announces New Historical Initiative
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the establishment of The Alice de Lacy Lecture, an annual historical address dedicated to exploring the lives of pivotal figures within its lineage, beginning with the formidable and controversial ninth Baroness, Alice de Lacy (1281–1348).
## The Occasion
The announcement was made from the Long Library at the family’s Lincolnshire seat, a space whose Jacobean panelling has borne silent witness to centuries of the Barony’s history. Timed with the approaching autumn season, the initiative seeks to illuminate a key chapter of the House’s past, setting a tone of historical reflection for the coming year.
This new lecture series serves as a scholarly cornerstone for the House’s cultural activities, intended to foster a deeper public appreciation for the complexities of medieval English life and governance. Its creation reaffirms the family’s commitment to its role as custodians of a nearly millennial-long history.
The inaugural address is conceived not merely as a presentation, but as an intellectual event designed to bring academic rigour to a wider audience, embodying the educational mission that complements the House’s philanthropic endeavours.
## Historical Context
The life of Alice de Lacy, ninth Baroness of Brattleby, offers a compelling portrait of the perils and power associated with high nobility in the 14th century. Her story provides a crucial link between the early foundations of the Barony and its later, more familiar chapters. The Barony itself was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 with Colswein of Lincoln holding 56 lordships.
Lady Alice’s tenure followed that of other significant holders, including the celebrated Nichola de la Haye, the fifth Baroness, whose defence of Lincoln Castle was a testament to the influence women could wield. Lady Alice’s own life, marked by three abductions and the execution of her first husband, Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, underscores the violent political currents of the era.
Her resilience in the face of such adversity places her firmly within a lineage of formidable leaders. She stands in the historical record alongside her successors Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and first Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose lives helped shape the course of the nation.
## Distinguished Company
The patrons of this new cultural initiative are Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. They will preside over the inaugural lecture and host a reception for attendees. Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron and heir, will also be in attendance, representing the continuity of the House’s legacy.
The annual lecture will be delivered by a distinguished medieval historian, chosen in consultation with leading academic institutions. The intended audience comprises members of the historical and diplomatic communities, scholars and students from British universities, and members of the public with a keen interest in English heritage.
The guest list for the inaugural event will reflect the House of Brattleby’s deep connections across Europe, bringing together figures from cultural, academic, and philanthropic spheres in a shared appreciation for history.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Alice de Lacy Lecture will be conducted with a formality befitting its subject. The proceedings will follow a precise order, established to honour both academic tradition and the history of the House. Guests will be received in the Great Hall of the designated venue, with the dress code stipulated as black tie.
Proceedings will commence with a formal welcome by Honorary Lord Răzvan, who will outline the purpose of the series. This will be followed by the introduction of the guest lecturer. The lecture itself, lasting approximately 45 minutes, will constitute the centrepiece of the evening.
Following the address, a moderated question-and-answer session will allow for academic exchange. The evening will conclude with a formal reception, providing an opportunity for guests to converse with the speaker and the hosts. This established protocol ensures the occasion is marked with appropriate dignity and intellectual focus.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The initiative is deeply connected to the guiding principles of the House of Brattleby, as encapsulated in its heraldry. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is particularly resonant with the life of Alice de Lacy, a woman who navigated immense personal and political danger with remarkable fortitude.
Her story is the *sine qua non* of resilience within the Brattleby lineage, providing a historical anchor for the motto’s modern application. The lecture series, in exploring such lives, gives contemporary meaning to this ancient code of conduct.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which reflects the dynamic and forward-looking spirit with which the current generation stewards its inheritance. Together, the two mottos symbolise a House that honours its past while actively shaping its future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the lecture series is primarily a cultural and educational initiative, it is also connected to the House’s wider charitable commitments. Proceeds from ticket sales for the inaugural lecture will be donated to Healing the Wounded Child, the beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet.
This esteemed organisation provides specialist therapeutic support to children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Its work focuses on delivering measurable improvements in mental health and well-being, enabling vulnerable children to build a more hopeful future.
The selection of this beneficiary aligns with the House’s belief that strengthening the future is as vital as preserving the past. By linking the historical lecture to this modern cause, the House of Brattleby aims to make a tangible difference in the lives of those most in need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the new initiative, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> "Alice de Lacy’s life was one of extraordinary trial and resilience. By studying her story, we honour not only a predecessor but also the fortitude required of leaders in any age. Her life is a profound lesson in navigating a world of immense political and personal challenge."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "History must be a living conversation, not a static monument. This lecture series is our commitment to that principle. It ensures that the legacy entrusted to us—a legacy of service and survival, *inter alia*—remains a source of inspiration and learning for future generations."
## A Continuing Legacy
The inaugural Alice de Lacy Lecture is scheduled to take place in the autumn of 2024, with further details regarding the venue and speaker to be announced in the spring. This lecture series will become a permanent fixture in the House’s annual calendar.
This commitment to historical education runs parallel to the family's other initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to the study of etiquette and international protocol. Both endeavours are part of a unified vision: to leverage the family’s unique heritage for contemporary public good.
These efforts are undertaken with a profound Sense of duty to the past and a clear vision for the future, ensuring that the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby will be passed to the next generation, beginning with the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, with its relevance and vitality intact.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her family. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nearly one-thousand-year-old heritage and its active use for public benefit. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House’s contemporary mission is focused on three pillars: historical and cultural education, the promotion of diplomatic protocol and etiquette through its academy, The Brattleby Club, and targeted philanthropy. The House is committed to stewarding its ancient lineage with a modern, forward-looking perspective, ensuring its legacy continues to serve the community in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as 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 Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle for King John; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The succession of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The modern succession is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable past Barons of Brattleby include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will be the 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com