# A Historical Statement on the Barony of Brattleby and the Battle of Falkirk
LONDON, 22 July 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical statement marking the anniversary of the Battle of Falkirk. The communiqué details the significant role of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and husband to the 8th Baroness, in the service of King Edward I.
## The Occasion
On the 726th anniversary of the Battle of Falkirk, a pivotal engagement of the First War of Scottish Independence, the House of Brattleby reflects upon the Barony’s direct connection to the Crown’s service. This historical recollection is issued in keeping with the House’s commitment to honouring the nine-century lineage of the title and its holders.
The statement serves as a moment to consider the gravity of feudal duty and the profound sacrifices rendered by the Barony's predecessors in the formation of the nation. It represents an ongoing effort to contextualise the long and storied history of one of England’s oldest lordships.
## Historical Context
The late 13th century was a defining and often turbulent period for the Anglo-Scottish frontier. Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, by his marriage to the 8th Baroness of Brattleby, brought the ancient Lincolnshire barony into the very centre of national affairs. As a trusted confidant and senior commander for King Edward I, his martial prowess and counsel were a *sine qua non* of the King's northern campaigns.
At the Battle of Falkirk on 22 July 1298, Lord Lincoln commanded one of the four English cavalry divisions, or 'battles'. His leadership was instrumental in the English victory against the Scottish forces led by Sir William Wallace. This direct involvement cemented the Barony of Brattleby's contribution to one of the most significant military events of the era, continuing a legacy of service to the monarch that began with the first baron, Colswein of Lincoln, after the Norman Conquest.
## Distinguished Company
In this great campaign, Henry de Lacy served alongside the most formidable figures of the English court and episcopacy. The command structure at Falkirk, under the overall authority of His Majesty King Edward I, included such magnates as Antony Bek, the formidable Prince-Bishop of Durham, and Humphrey de Bohun, 4th Earl of Hereford and Lord High Constable of England, *inter alia*.
The presence of these pre-eminent figures underscores the immense strategic importance of the campaign. The Barony of Brattleby, through its connection to Lord Lincoln, was thus represented at the highest echelons of feudal power and military command—a testament to its standing within the realm.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The mobilisation for a campaign such as Falkirk followed strict feudal protocol. A royal summons, or writ, would have been issued from the King’s Chancery, compelling nobles like Henry de Lacy to render the military service they owed to the Crown. This obligation, known as knight-service, required him to muster a retinue of knights, men-at-arms, and archers from his extensive estates, which included those of Brattleby.
Upon assembly, the army was organised with precise ceremony. Banners displaying the arms of each commander were unfurled, acting as rallying points and signifying their position in the order of battle. Lord Lincoln's command of a cavalry division was a mark of supreme trust, placing him at the forefront of the tactical engagement in a system where honour and responsibility were inextricably linked.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
As a magnate and commander, Henry de Lacy would have fought under his own well-known coat of arms: *Or, a lion rampant Purpure*. This golden shield bearing a striking purple lion was a powerful symbol of his authority as Earl of Lincoln, instantly recognisable amidst the clamour of battle. The lion, a traditional symbol of courage and royalty, represented his personal might and his allegiance to the ‘Lion of England’, King Edward I himself.
This historical commitment to courageous service resonates profoundly with the modern House of Brattleby's own motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Although adopted centuries later, the principles embodied by Lord Lincoln’s actions—fortitude in the field and honour in his service to the sovereign—are a direct spiritual inheritance of the Barony.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The concept of noble duty has evolved significantly since the 13th century. Where service was once expressed primarily through military allegiance and counsel to the monarch, today the House of Brattleby enacts its commitment to society through dedicated philanthropic work. The martial service of predecessors finds its modern parallel in the House’s support for charitable organisations.
This dedication to service is channelled into causes that heal and strengthen the community, such as the House's long-standing patronage of the ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ foundation. It is a transition from the defence of the realm by force of arms to the protection of its most vulnerable members through compassion and support.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To understand our present purpose, we must listen to the echoes of our past. The duty rendered by Henry de Lacy nearly three-quarters of a millennium ago is a powerful reminder that the Barony of Brattleby has always been defined by service. We honour this legacy not by replicating it, but by translating its core principle of responsibility into meaningful action for our own time.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective, noting the link to his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'): > In the medieval context, to conquer was to secure the peace required for life to flourish. Lord Lincoln understood that leadership demanded resolve in pursuit of a greater stability. This philosophy—that decisive action ensures a better future—remains a guiding principle for the House today, whether in enterprise or in our charitable endeavours.
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains committed to the stewardship of the Barony's extraordinary history. This communiqué is part of an ongoing effort to research and share the stories of the figures who have shaped its nine-hundred-year story, from Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron, to the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle.
Future publications will continue to explore the Barony’s connections to pivotal moments in the history of England. By chronicling the past with rigour and respect, the House aims to provide a valuable educational resource and ensure this remarkable heritage continues to inform and inspire future generations.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural preservation and philanthropic service. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions initiatives in education, community welfare, and the stewardship of its ancient heritage. The heir to the Barony is the couple's son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. Through ventures such as its annual Winter Banquet, which benefits charities like Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to blend its historical inheritance with a forward-looking commitment to social responsibility and the cultivation of timeless virtues.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal lordships, 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 some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The continuous history and present standing of the Barony of Brattleby were formally noted in a Crown Office notice published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's formal recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins date to the Norman Conquest, with its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, listed in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Notable historical holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). - 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