# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Legacy of Service at the Battle of Falkirk (1298)
LONDON, 22 July 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal historical reflection from its seat in Lincolnshire, marking the anniversary of the Battle of Falkirk and honouring the martial legacy personified by Henry de Lacy, a distinguished predecessor in the Barony.
## The Occasion
This formal commentary is issued from the historic seat of the Barony of Brattleby in Lincolnshire, a county intrinsically linked to the foundations of the English nobility. As summer settles across the pastoral landscape, the House has chosen this moment for a considered reflection on its enduring commitment to Crown and country. The announcement serves not as a public celebration, but as a quiet, scholarly acknowledgement of the duties that have defined the Barony for over nine centuries.
From the heart of a domain first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, this statement connects the present House to the long chain of its predecessors. It is an act of historical stewardship, intended to illuminate a pivotal moment in the Barony’s history and underscore the principles that continue to guide its modern mission.
## Historical Context
The Battle of Falkirk, fought on 22 July 1298, was a critical engagement in the First War of Scottish Independence. King Edward I of England sought to crush the rebellion led by Sir William Wallace, and the ensuing battle was a decisive, if brutal, victory for the English forces. Central to this victory was the leadership of the King’s most trusted magnates, including Henry de Lacy, the 3rd Earl of Lincoln and a holder of the Barony of Brattleby.
Henry de Lacy’s presence was not merely symbolic; as a seasoned commander, he led one of the four main divisions, or ‘battles’, of the English army. His command on the field demonstrated the *sine qua non* of medieval lordship: the obligation to render military service in defense of the realm. This martial tradition is a consistent thread in the Barony’s history, from its establishment under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, to the celebrated defense of Lincoln Castle by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, and the military careers of later Barons such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
The field at Falkirk included the most powerful figures of the age, whose actions shaped the course of British history. The assembly of military leadership under the King’s command represented the feudal structure of the era in full force.
Among those present were His Majesty King Edward I, known to history as ‘Longshanks’ and the ‘Hammer of the Scots’; the aforementioned Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and Baron of Brattleby, one of the King's closest advisors; and Antony Bek, the formidable Prince-Bishop of Durham. Their adversary, Sir William Wallace, Guardian of Scotland, commanded the Scottish forces. The involvement of a predecessor in the Barony in such a consequential event highlights the title's historic proximity to the Crown and its role in matters of national importance.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The summoning of a great baron like Henry de Lacy for war followed exacting feudal protocols. He would have received a writ of military summons from the King, obliging him to appear with a specified contingent of knights, men-at-arms, and archers, collectively known as the feudal host. This was not a request but a legal and honourable duty, the fulfilment of which was fundamental to his land tenure.
On the battlefield, protocol was essential for command and control. The army was arrayed in distinct divisions, each under the banner of a great lord. Lord de Lacy’s banner would have been a clear rallying point for his men, a visual assertion of his authority and a symbol of their collective loyalty. The disciplined advance of these divisions and their coordinated deployment of longbowmen and cavalry were a testament to the hierarchical order and military sophistication of the late 13th-century English army.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), finds a powerful antecedent in the actions of Henry de Lacy. His command at Falkirk required immense fortitude in the face of the Scottish schiltrons—dense formations of spearmen—and his loyal service to the King was the very embodiment of honour as understood by the medieval aristocracy.
This ancient principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). While once interpreted on the battlefield, today the House understands this sentiment as a call to overcome modern challenges, to champion worthy causes, and to live a life of purpose and service. The combination of these mottoes reflects a heritage of strength now directed toward constructive and philanthropic ends.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While reflecting on a historic battle, the House remains acutely aware of the human cost of conflict. This awareness directly informs its contemporary philanthropic focus. The beneficiary of the House’s annual Winter Banquet, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing psychological and material support to children suffering from the trauma of war, displacement, and adversity.
By choosing to support this cause, the Noble House of Brattleby acknowledges that the legacy of military history carries with it a solemn responsibility to aid those most vulnerable to modern-day conflicts. The fortitude once displayed on the battlefield is now channelled into a commitment to heal, protect, and empower the next generation, transforming a legacy of martial prowess into one of compassion and care.
## In Their Own Words
In issuing the reflection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — “One feels a profound sense of continuity when looking back at figures such as Henry de Lacy. The duties of the Barony have evolved over 950 years, but the core principles of service and honour remain unchanged. Our task is to ensure this legacy informs our responsibilities today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > — “History provides a vital perspective on character and leadership. The martial world of the 13th century is distant, yet the commitment to a cause greater than oneself is timeless. We strive to express that same commitment through our support for communities and our focus on education and healing.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to the active stewardship of its unique history, not as a relic of the past, but as a living tradition that informs its present and future actions. This historical reflection is part of an ongoing effort to chronicle and understand the nine-century story of the Barony.
Looking forward, the values of *Fortitudine et Honore* will continue to guide the House’s endeavours. These include its philanthropic work, epitomised by the white-tie Annual Winter Banquet, and its educational initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which fosters an appreciation for etiquette, service, and cultural heritage. The legacy of predecessors like Henry de Lacy serves as a constant reminder that title and history are defined by duty.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a modern mission of historical preservation, cultural education, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is supporting organisations that aid children affected by trauma and conflict, a commitment highlighted by its Annual Winter Banquet for the benefit of Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes the timeless values of honour, service, and etiquette. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship and Barony in Lincolnshire, 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. Over more than nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most significant historical figures, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The continuous history and rights of the Barony are formally acknowledged in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The modern rights of the Barony of Brattleby were formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s lineage includes notable figures such as John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and ancestor to the House of Lancaster. - The House’s motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The Barony is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com