# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Barony’s Medieval Role in the Anglo-Scottish Wars
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical reflection detailing the Barony’s significant involvement in the First War of Scottish Independence, particularly through the service of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a key predecessor.
## The Occasion
From the quiet archives of its Lincolnshire seat, The Noble House of Brattleby has taken a moment for historical reflection. As autumn settles over the ancient estates, the House turns its attention to a formative and complex period in its long history: the late 13th and early 14th centuries.
This period saw the Barony, through its holders, deeply engaged in the great affairs of the Kingdom. The occasion is not one of celebration but of sober remembrance and educational commitment, seeking to illuminate a chapter of its past that profoundly shaped the destiny of the Crown and the British Isles.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s connection to the Wars of Scottish Independence is principally embodied by Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a distinguished predecessor in the lineage. A trusted confidant and commander for King Edward I, de Lacy was a central figure in the English campaigns from the 1290s onward.
His involvement began during the crisis known as the 'Great Cause', the dispute over the Scottish succession. It was his military acumen that the King relied upon to assert English suzerainty. This directly implicated the resources and men of the Barony of Brattleby in the epic struggle for sovereignty, a testament to the influence and responsibility vested in its holder. This martial duty echoes that of earlier barons, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who herself defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
The affairs of that era placed the holder of the Barony amidst the most powerful figures of the age. The principal personages of this historical drama included:
His Majesty King Edward I of England, Lord of Ireland, and Duke of Aquitaine; Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, Commander of the Royal Armies; John de Balliol, King of Scots; Robert de Brus, Earl of Carrick, later King of Scots.
Their interactions—whether on the battlefield, at the negotiating table, or in the high courts of feudal law—forged the political landscape of Great Britain. The Barony's proximity to these events underscores its nine-century presence at the heart of English history.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The conduct of medieval warfare was governed by a strict, if unwritten, protocol. As a great magnate of the realm, Henry de Lacy’s participation was not merely optional; it was a feudal obligation, a *sine qua non* of his station. The King would issue a summons to arms, requiring his earls and barons to present themselves with a specified contingent of knights and men-at-arms.
This muster would be a profoundly ceremonial affair, with banners and heraldic surcoats displaying the identity of each contingent. Oaths of fealty would be renewed before the campaign commenced. The protocol extended to the laws of war: the taking of prisoners for ransom, the terms of a castle's surrender, and diplomatic parleys were all conducted within a recognised framework, even amidst the brutal reality of conflict.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), provides a lens through which to view the actions of its predecessors. For a warrior and diplomat like Henry de Lacy, fortitude on the battlefield was matched by the perceived honour of serving his sovereign.
His own coat of arms—a lion rampant purpure on a field of gold—was a potent symbol of noble courage and royal service, borne on his banner and shield. The lion, a traditional symbol of strength, and the imperial purple signified his high rank and power. This heraldry served as his signature on the battlefield, an instantly recognisable mark of one of the Kingdom’s most formidable lords.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this reflection is historical in nature, it serves a distinctly modern philanthropic purpose: a commitment to education. The Noble House of Brattleby believes that a nuanced understanding of history, with all its complexities, is essential for contemporary leadership and informed citizenship.
In sharing these chronicles, the House aims to provide a 'philanthropy of knowledge', making its unique archival resources accessible to a wider public. This mission aligns with the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which teaches that modern etiquette and social grace are built upon a deep appreciation for the traditions and historical forces that have shaped our present.
## In Their Own Words
In reflecting upon this period, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> "History is not a static record; it is a living conversation we have with those who came before us. Examining the role of predecessors like Henry de Lacy requires us to embrace complexity—to understand their duties and decisions within the context of their time, with both fortitude and honour."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added a personal perspective linked to his own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'):
> "The medieval concept of conquest is distant from our own, yet the underlying principle endures: to face great challenges requires resolve. De Lacy’s service to his King was his era's ultimate test. Today, we conquer challenges not with arms, but with enterprise, diplomacy, and a commitment to our communities."
## A Continuing Legacy
This examination of the Barony's role in the Anglo-Scottish Wars is part of a continuing effort by the House of Brattleby to chronicle and share its extensive history. Future initiatives will include the digitisation of key archival documents and a series of historical papers focusing on other notable predecessors.
From the Domesday Book entry under Colswein of Lincoln to the great Lancastrian tenures of Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, the Barony of Brattleby’s story is woven into the fabric of England. The House remains dedicated to serving as a faithful custodian of this remarkable legacy for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to stewarding a nine-hundred-year-old heritage with a modern vision. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to public service, cultural preservation, and philanthropic endeavour. Its primary charitable focus is supporting the annual white-tie Winter Banquet for the benefit of Healing the Wounded Child. The House also sponsors educational initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to classical etiquette and protocol. This unique synthesis of historical responsibility and contemporary relevance defines its mission in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient landed dignities, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical significance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and father to a royal dynasty. The unbroken lineage of the Barony and the rights of its current holder were formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony originates from a grant by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is noted in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com