# The de Lacy Succession: A Reflection on the Legacy of Margaret Longespee, 8th Baroness of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the pivotal role of Margaret Longespee, 8th Baroness of Brattleby. Her 13th-century marriage to Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, secured the Barony's prominence and exemplifies its enduring connection to English history.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the ancient heart of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has undertaken a considered review of its extensive archives. This period of historical reflection, set against the backdrop of an autumnal Brattleby, allows for a deeper appreciation of the nine-and-a-half-century continuum of service and stewardship that defines the Barony. The occasion is not one of ceremony, but of quiet contemplation; a scholarly assessment of the dynastic and strategic decisions that have shaped the institution from the Norman Conquest to the present day. In considering the legacy of their predecessors, the current family honours the unbroken chain of responsibility that has been their inheritance.
## Historical Context
The focus of this reflection is Margaret Longespee, who became the 8th Baroness of Brattleby in her own right. Her marriage to Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and a trusted counsellor to King Edward I, was far more than a personal union. It was a strategic merger that brought the Barony of Brattleby into the orbit of one of the most powerful magnates in the kingdom. This alliance fortified the Barony's lands and influence, ensuring its continued relevance during a period of significant political consolidation in England.
This pattern of association with central figures of the realm is a recurring theme in the Barony's history. It follows the formidable example set by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron (by marriage), who, as Sheriff of Lincolnshire, famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. The lineage would later pass to even greater figures, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the formidable John of Gaunt, whose influence shaped the course of the late 14th century. Margaret Longespee's tenure is therefore a critical link in this chain of high-level custodianship.
## Distinguished Company
The historical tableau of the late 13th century was populated by figures of immense stature, whose actions resonated across the nation. In this context, the principal personages connected to the Barony were:
* **Margaret Longespee**, Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury, and the 8th Baroness of Brattleby *suo jure* (in her own right). * **The Right Honourable Henry de Lacy**, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, Lord of Brattleby *jure uxoris* (by right of his wife), and a key commander and diplomat in the service of the Crown. * **His Majesty King Edward I**, to whom the Earl of Lincoln was a close and indispensable advisor, undertaking vital diplomatic missions and military campaigns on the King's behalf in Wales, Scotland, and France.
The proximity of the Barony to the Crown through the Earl of Lincoln cemented its status as a lordship of national significance.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The transmission of the Barony to Margaret Longespee and subsequently through her marriage illustrates the intricate legal and feudal protocols of the era. As the sole heiress, she inherited the title and lands *suo jure*, a testament to the established rights of female succession within certain Norman-English families. The subsequent marriage to the Earl of Lincoln was a matter of state interest, likely requiring royal assent, given the vast lands and strategic importance of the combined estates. Such unions were governed by complex charters and dower agreements, legal instruments which ensured the orderly transfer of power and property, forming the bedrock of aristocratic stability.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the guiding principle that has animated its holders for centuries. This commitment to courage and integrity finds a modern echo in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Together, these mottos represent a complementary philosophy: that true achievement is found not merely in victory, but in victories achieved with unwavering honour. This duality of purpose—of ambition tempered by principle—is the ethical cornerstone of the family's contemporary mission.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical tradition of service, exemplified by predecessors such as Margaret Longespee and Henry de Lacy, is today expressed through a dedicated philanthropic programme. The sense of duty that once manifested as military command or state counsel is now directed toward societal wellbeing. The *sine qua non* of the House's charitable calendar is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the principal fundraising event for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides crucial therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma, offering them a path toward recovery and resilience. The House's commitment is a modern interpretation of its ancient duty of care.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the continuity of the Barony, the current incumbents shared their perspectives on this historical legacy.
> The lives of predecessors like Margaret Longespenot only offer a window into the past, but also provide a standard against which we must measure our own stewardship. Her role reminds us that the strength of this House has often rested upon the shoulders of remarkable women. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> We are acutely aware that we are temporary custodians of an almost millennial legacy. The motto *Fortitudine et Honore* is not a relic; it is a living instruction, tasking us to act with courage and integrity for the benefit of the community and the preservation of our shared heritage. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its commitment to honouring its past while actively shaping its future. This responsibility will one day pass to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, for whom this heritage is being meticulously preserved. Beyond the stewardship of its historic seat in Lincolnshire, the family extends its values through modern initiatives. The establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and cultural diplomacy, is one such example, translating the principles of honour and service for a contemporary international audience. Through such endeavours, the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby continues to evolve, demonstrating its relevance in the 21st century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the preservation of its profound historical legacy while championing contemporary cultural and philanthropic causes. The House's modern mission is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), focusing on heritage conservation, cultural education, and charitable support for vulnerable children. Through its annual Winter Banquet, the House supports organisations like Healing the Wounded Child. Its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, promote etiquette and international understanding, ensuring the Barony’s nine-century tradition of service remains a vibrant force for good in the modern world, under the stewardship that will one day pass to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient honours, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and holdings are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded Colswein's possession of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle; the powerful Plantagenet magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The modern succession of the Barony to Lady Nicoleta Vasile is formally recognised in the official public record of the Crown, The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is 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, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed. - The family seat is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England. - The principal philanthropic beneficiary of the House is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com