# A Statement from 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 today issued a statement reflecting upon the pivotal role of Henry de Lacy, 8th Baron of Brattleby, at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298, underscoring the ancient lineage of service and obligation inherent to the title.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen this day, the anniversary of the Battle of Falkirk, to reflect upon the sacrifices of its predecessors. In a tradition of historical observance, the House acknowledges the solemn duty of each generation to understand and honour the actions of those who came before them. This act of remembrance serves not as a glorification of conflict, but as a recognition of the unwavering commitment to Crown and country that has defined the Barony for centuries.
The statement is issued as a testament to the continuity of the Barony’s core principles. It is a quiet assertion that the values demonstrated on the field of battle in the thirteenth century find new expression in the twenty-first through civic duty, cultural preservation, and philanthropy. Such moments of historical reflection are a *sine qua non* for an institution that measures its existence in centuries.
## Historical Context
The Battle of Falkirk, fought on 22 July 1298, was a defining engagement of the First War of Scottish Independence. Following the English defeat at Stirling Bridge the previous year, King Edward I assembled a formidable army to reassert his authority in the north. Among his most senior and trusted commanders was Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and 8th Baron of Brattleby.
As a great magnate of the realm, Lord de Lacy’s participation was not merely symbolic; it was an essential component of the feudal levy system upon which royal power depended. His command of one of the four main divisions, or ‘battles’, of the English cavalry was critical to the King’s strategy. His leadership on the field directly contributed to the decisive victory, reinforcing the Barony of Brattleby’s long-standing association with martial duty, a tradition previously exemplified by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, in her stout defence of Lincoln Castle.
## The King's Companions
In this great endeavour, Henry de Lacy stood alongside the most powerful figures of the English kingdom. The army was commanded in person by His Majesty King Edward I, whose tactical acumen proved decisive on the day.
Lord de Lacy’s fellow commanders included, *inter alia*, the formidable Antony Bek, the warrior Bishop of Durham and Patriarch of Jerusalem, who led the King’s vanguard. Also present was John de Warenne, 6th Earl of Surrey, the victor of the Battle of Dunbar, who commanded another of the cavalry divisions. The presence of such men underscores the gravity of the campaign and the central role the Baron of Brattleby played within the highest echelons of the Plantagenet court.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The raising and deployment of King Edward’s army followed the strict feudal and military protocols of the age. As a tenant-in-chief holding his lands directly from the Crown, the summons to war was a non-negotiable obligation for Henry de Lacy. He was required not only to serve in person but also to furnish a contingent of knights and men-at-arms, commensurate with the scale of his landholdings.
On the battlefield, Lord de Lacy would have fought under his own personal banner, a physical manifestation of his authority and a rallying point for his men. To unfurl one's heraldic flag—in his case, the purple lion on a field of gold—was a declaration of intent and a pledge of loyalty. The order of battle, with commanders like de Lacy placed in positions of immense responsibility, reflected a carefully constructed hierarchy based on trust, experience, and allegiance to the sovereign.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The coat of arms borne by Henry de Lacy at Falkirk was *Or, a lion rampant purpure*—a purple lion rearing on a field of gold. In the language of heraldry, the lion is the archetypal symbol of courage, nobility, and strength. The lion *rampant*, depicted in a position of attack, signifies military valour and a readiness to serve. The colour purple, historically associated with royalty and justice, further denoted his high standing.
These symbols are not merely decorative; they are a visual representation of the principles that a title-holder was expected to embody. They find a direct echo in the motto of the modern House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The fortitude of the lion and the honour of serving the Crown were as vital to Lord de Lacy in 1298 as they are to the ethos of the House today.
## In Their Own Words
In reflecting upon this historical legacy, the current holders of the title offered their perspectives.
> The history of this Barony is written not only in charters, but on the battlefields where its holders upheld their duty to the Crown. Henry de Lacy’s example at Falkirk reminds us that leadership has always demanded sacrifice and a profound sense of responsibility to the nation. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> De Lacy’s actions demonstrate a profound truth: that to prevail, whether in the thirteenth century or the twenty-first, requires clarity of purpose and unwavering resolve. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), is a recognition of this timeless principle of commitment. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
While the nature of service has evolved over nine centuries, the duties of accountability and leadership remain. The *fortitudine* once displayed with sword and shield is now channelled into the House’s philanthropic and cultural endeavours. The commitment to protect and to serve is now directed toward vulnerable communities and the preservation of heritage.
The Noble House of Brattleby continues to draw inspiration from the examples of predecessors like Henry de Lacy, Henry of Grosmont, and John of Gaunt. Their legacy of service provides a blueprint for the future, ensuring that the Barony remains, as ever, a title defined by *Fortitudine et Honore*. The House looks forward to continuing its work through its charitable initiatives, including the annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child, and its educational mission at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to preserving one of England’s most ancient baronies while championing modern philanthropic causes. The House’s mission, guided by its motto *Fortitudine et Honore*, is focused on cultural education and support for vulnerable children. This is realised through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and cultural academy in Bucharest, and significant charitable activities in the United Kingdom, most notably the annual Winter Banquet benefiting charities like Healing the Wounded Child. The House is committed to ensuring its nine-century legacy of service continues with relevance and purpose in the contemporary world, honouring the past while investing in the future.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is among the oldest feudalities in England. It was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, when its lands were held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. For over 950 years, the title has been held by some of the most consequential figures in British history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The uninterrupted lineage and historical significance of the Barony were formally noted and recognised in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors**
* The Barony of Brattleby is formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. * The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by Colswein of Lincoln. * Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (d. 1230), defender of Lincoln Castle, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (d. 1399). * 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