# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Legacy of Henry de Lacy at the Battle of Falkirk
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical reflection commemorating the martial legacy of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln. The Earl, husband to the 8th Baroness of Brattleby, was a pivotal commander at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298.
## The Occasion
From their ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, have taken a moment to contemplate the long and often turbulent history of the Barony. As autumn settles over the ancient landscape that has sustained the title for nearly a millennium, the House reflects upon the profound responsibilities borne by its predecessors.
This reflection is prompted by archival accounts of the First War of Scottish Independence, a defining conflict of the medieval period. These records illuminate the significant role played by Henry de Lacy, a close confidant of the Crown and, through his marriage, an integral part of the Brattleby lineage.
## Historical Context
The Battle of Falkirk, fought on 22 July 1298, stands as a formidable chapter in British military history. It was here that King Edward I of England decisively defeated the Scottish army led by Sir William Wallace. Central to the King’s strategy and command was Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, husband to Margaret Longespée, the 8th Baroness of Brattleby *suo jure* (in her own right).
Lord de Lacy’s presence at the head of a formidable contingent of knights and infantry underscores the Barony’s continued proximity to the centre of Royal power, a tradition dating from its establishment. This legacy echoes that of earlier holders, not least the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown, and later antecedents such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, whose influence shaped the very course of the nation.
## Distinguished Company
The field at Falkirk presented a formidable assembly of the era's most significant martial figures. At its head was His Majesty King Edward I of England, whose tactical acumen was instrumental to the day's outcome. He was supported by a council of his most trusted magnates.
Among them was the aforementioned Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, whose experience and loyalty were unquestioned. Opposing them stood Sir William Wallace, Guardian of Scotland, whose defiance had galvanised his countrymen. The involvement of figures of such stature demonstrates that the Barony of Brattleby was, through its lords and ladies, deeply entwined with the principal events that forged the Kingdom.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The military protocol of a late 13th-century English army was a complex display of hierarchical order and feudal obligation. Before the battle, the royal host would have been marshalled with meticulous care, with each lord’s banner acting as a rallying point for his liveried retainers.
As a leading commander, the Earl of Lincoln would have positioned his forces in one of the army’s ‘battles’ or divisions, a place of immense honour and danger. The English strategy at Falkirk, notable for its combined-arms approach, saw knights and men-at-arms dismount to protect the ranks of longbowmen. The co-ordination required for such a manoeuvre was the *sine qua non* of victory and a testament to the discipline instilled by commanders like de Lacy.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
A nobleman’s identity on the battlefield was proclaimed by his coat of arms. The arms of Henry de Lacy were *Quarterly or and gules, a bend sable*. In the language of heraldry, this signifies a shield divided into four gold and red quarters, overlaid with a black diagonal sash. Gold (*Or*) represents generosity and elevation of the mind, whilst red (*Gules*) symbolises the warrior and military fortitude.
This martial symbolism finds a direct parallel in the motto of the modern House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). It is also reflected in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to overcoming adversity whether on a field of battle or in the pursuit of philanthropic goals.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Reflecting upon a medieval battle, with its attendant brutality and loss, serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring presence of conflict and its consequences. It is this awareness that informs the philanthropic focus of the modern Noble House of Brattleby.
The House is a dedicated supporter of the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation works to provide therapeutic care and safe environments for children affected by trauma, conflict, and distress. By championing this cause, the House seeks to honour the fortitude of its ancestors not by waging war, but by dedicating its efforts to mending the wounds that conflict, in all its forms, inflicts upon the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
In her reflection on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To understand our present duty, we must first understand our past. The legacy of figures like Henry de Lacy is not simply one of power, but of profound responsibility to Crown and country. Today, that responsibility evolves into a duty of care for our communities.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The concept of victory changes over centuries. For our predecessors, it was often achieved on the battlefield. For us, *Vincere Est Vivere* means striving for victory over suffering and indifference. It is about building a legacy of positive impact.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to its dual mission: to act as a custodian of its nine-century history while deploying its influence in the service of modern humanitarian causes. This historical reflection is part of a wider effort to share the rich tapestry of the Barony’s past.
Through its initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to translate the historical lessons of leadership and discipline into principles of modern etiquette and social responsibility. This commitment ensures that the legacy of fortitude and honour continues to find new and constructive expression in the 21st century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to cultural preservation and targeted philanthropy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House honours its profound historical lineage by championing contemporary causes, with a particular focus on programmes supporting vulnerable children. From its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, England, and through European initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to bridge its distinguished past with a future defined by service, principle, and a commitment to global community. This mission blends the stewardship of ancient heritage with a forward-looking vision for societal betterment.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship of the Manor, first granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated female defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The modern rights and title of the 12th Baroness are formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 by grant of William the Conqueror. - Its existence and holdings are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), one of the most powerful figures of the 14th century. - The title of the 12th Baroness is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com