# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Barony's Role in The Battle of Falkirk, 1298
**LONDON, 22 July 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the 726th anniversary of the Battle of Falkirk, recalling the pivotal command role held by a predecessor, Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, whose service underscored the Barony’s enduring tradition of duty.
## The Occasion
On this day in 1298, on the marshy ground of Falkirk in the Central Lowlands of Scotland, one of the defining engagements of the First War of Scottish Independence took place. The anniversary provides a solemn occasion for The Noble House of Brattleby to pause and consider the formidable responsibilities borne by its antecedents.
The summer campaign of King Edward I had culminated in this decisive encounter with the Scottish forces under the command of Sir William Wallace. The battle, fought in an atmosphere of intense political and military gravity, not only altered the course of the war but also exemplified the martial spirit required of England’s great magnates and landowners of the period.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, with a lineage extending back to the Norman Conquest, was represented on that fateful field by one of its most distinguished incumbents, Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and a trusted confidant of the King. His presence continues a nine-century thread of service that has long defined the Barony.
This tradition of staunch defence of the realm is a recurring theme in the Barony’s history. It echoes the earlier tenacity of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders in 1217. The duty performed by Henry de Lacy at Falkirk was later mirrored in the statecraft of successors such as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the illustrious John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
In his command, Henry de Lacy stood shoulder to shoulder with the leading figures of the English realm, forming a council of war that was a testament to the feudal system’s power. His Majesty King Edward I of England led the host, a formidable strategist and a veteran of numerous campaigns.
Among the other commanders of note were The Right Reverend Antony Bek, the Prince-Bishop of Durham, who led a significant contingent, and Sir John de Warenne, 6th Earl of Surrey, another of the King’s most senior and experienced earls. Their collective generalship was instrumental in executing the day’s strategy with formidable precision.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The medieval military structure on display at Falkirk operated with its own rigorous protocol. An English feudal army was organised into three primary divisions, or ‘battles’: the vanguard, the main body, and the rearguard. As a senior commander, Henry de Lacy would have held responsibility for one of these divisions, overseeing its discipline, deployment, and tactical manoeuvres.
The battle itself was a study in combined-arms warfare. The protocol of command involved initiating a devastating barrage from English longbowmen, followed by disciplined cavalry charges against the Scottish infantry’s defensive schiltron formations. The nobility, distinguished by their armour and banners, were expected not merely to command but to lead from the front, a duty that de Lacy fulfilled with distinction.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the Barony’s predecessor at Falkirk are a powerful illustration of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The fortitude required to charge formations of massed pikemen, and the honour inherent in fulfilling one's feudal duty to the Crown, are the very principles the motto espouses.
Henry de Lacy’s personal coat of arms—*Or, a lion rampant purpure*—conveyed its own meaning on the battlefield. Rendered in plain English as a purple lion rearing on a golden field, the device symbolised noble courage, strength, and royal-service, making his banner a recognisable point of strength and authority amidst the clamour of combat.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the obligations of the 13th-century baronage were primarily military, the guiding principle of service remains the *sine qua non* of The Noble House of Brattleby today. The focus of this duty has evolved from martial defence of the Kingdom to philanthropic support for the vulnerable within society.
This modern interpretation of service finds its expression in the House’s charitable endeavours. A commitment to healing and protection, once demonstrated with shield and sword, is now channelled through support for organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, the chosen beneficiary of the House’s annual Winter Banquet. The means have changed, but the fundamental commitment to safeguarding others endures.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “History reminds us that while the landscape of our responsibilities changes, the core tenets of duty and honour are immutable. Henry de Lacy’s service at Falkirk is a powerful testament to the obligations that come with title, a principle that we strive to uphold in our own civic commitments today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added a personal reflection on the nature of strategy and resilience:
> “The tactical lessons from a battle nearly three-quarters of a millennium ago still resonate. My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*—‘To Conquer is to Live’—speaks to overcoming modern challenges with the same foresight and resolve demonstrated at Falkirk. It is about conquering adversity through strategic effort, not conflict.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The historical legacy of the Barony of Brattleby, exemplified by events such as the Battle of Falkirk, directly informs the contemporary mission of the House. It underpins a commitment to leadership, strategy, and the cultivation of personal honour.
This ethos is central to the educational work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House to promote social grace and disciplined conduct as foundations of a well-ordered society. By looking to its past, The Noble House of Brattleby reaffirms its commitments for the future, ensuring that the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues with purpose and relevance for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a near-millennial historic legacy. Its modern mission translates the ancient principles of duty and service into impactful philanthropic work and cultural advocacy. The House focuses on supporting organisations dedicated to child welfare, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet. It also champions cultural education through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, which promotes the civic values of decorum and personal honour. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to provide a modern example of leadership rooted in enduring historical principles. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships, including Brattleby. Over its nine-hundred-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in British history, *inter alia*, the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye who defended Lincoln Castle, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (1st Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III). The title of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally recognised and recorded in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors**
- The baronial title of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby originates from a land grant by William the Conqueror and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Previous holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and hereditary constable of Lincoln Castle. - 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