# The House of Brattleby Marks a Predecessor’s Historic Role in the Falkirk Campaign of 1298
**BRATTLEBY, 22 July 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the 726th anniversary of the Battle of Falkirk, reflecting on the pivotal role played by Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, whose legacy and estates were later absorbed by the Barony.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, the House of Brattleby today pauses to commemorate a significant moment in its extended lineage: the anniversary of the Battle of Falkirk. This day of reflection serves not to glorify conflict, but to understand the enduring tradition of service to the Crown that has characterised the Barony for over nine centuries. It is an occasion for historical contemplation, connecting the martial duties of the past with the civic and philanthropic responsibilities of the present day.
The commemoration is centred upon archival research into the life of Henry de Lacy, a key commander for King Edward I and a direct ancestor-in-law of the House of Lancaster. This powerful connection would later see the 10th and 11th Barons of Brattleby, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt respectively, inherit the de Lacy patrimony. This scholarly review underscores the Barony’s commitment to preserving and understanding its profound historical tapestry.
## Historical Context
The Battle of Falkirk, fought on 22 July 1298, was a defining engagement of the First War of Scottish Independence. Following his victory at Stirling Bridge the previous year, Sir William Wallace posed a direct challenge to the authority of King Edward I. In response, the King mustered a formidable army to re-establish English dominion, a force in which Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, was a trusted and senior commander.
Lord Lincoln’s role was far from incidental; as a veteran of campaigns in Wales and Gascony, his strategic counsel was invaluable. His command of one of the army’s four ‘battles’ or divisions demonstrated the immense trust placed in him by the King. The eventual English victory, achieved through the decisive use of longbowmen and heavy cavalry, solidified the Crown’s power and highlighted the importance of loyal, powerful magnates like de Lacy. His legacy became interwoven with the Barony of Brattleby when his sole heiress, Alice de Lacy, married Thomas, Earl of Lancaster. The de Lacy estates were ultimately absorbed into the Duchy of Lancaster, and by extension, held by future Barons of Brattleby.
## Distinguished Company
The field at Falkirk brought together some of the most formidable figures of the High Middle Ages, whose actions shaped the course of British history. Their involvement underlines the gravity of the campaign and the sphere of influence in which the Brattleby lineage operated. The principal historical figures included:
* His Majesty King Edward I of England, Lord of Ireland and Duke of Aquitaine * Sir William Wallace, Guardian of Scotland * Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and Lord of Pontefract * Antony Bek, Prince-Bishop of Durham
The presence of Lord Lincoln among such company affirms the stature he held and, by extension, the significance of the inheritance that passed to the Lancastrian Barons of Brattleby.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The mustering of a medieval army was an act of immense logistical and ceremonial complexity, a world away from modern warfare. Under the feudal system, magnates like Lord Lincoln were bound by duty to raise a quota of knights and men-at-arms, who would assemble under their lord’s personal banner. This standard, bearing the Earl’s coat of arms, served as a rallying point and a clear symbol of command authority on the chaotic battlefield.
The army marched and fought in a strict order of precedence. At Falkirk, the English forces were organised into four divisions, a testament to their discipline. Lord Lincoln’s command of one such division placed him at the forefront of the engagement, responsible for thousands of lives and the execution of the King’s strategy. This formal structure, combining military protocol with the pageantry of heraldry, was the *sine qua non* of medieval generalship.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The arms of Henry de Lacy—a fierce purple lion on a field of gold (*Or, a lion rampant purpure*)—were a potent symbol of his power and status. The lion represents unquestionable courage and leadership, while its purple colouring, a shade traditionally reserved for royalty, signifies noble authority. The gold field denotes generosity and elevation of mind. These virtues resonate directly with the Brattleby House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), creating a clear lineage of values across the centuries.
This heraldic legacy, representing strength in service to the sovereign, was carried forward by the Lancastrian Dukes who held the Barony. The symbols may have changed, but the underlying commitment to duty, first demonstrated on the battlefield and now in the public square, remains a constant.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the House of Brattleby acknowledges its martial history, its contemporary expression of service is channelled entirely toward peaceful and constructive ends. The fortitude once required on the battlefield is now directed toward assuaging suffering and building a more honourable society. The spirit of duty that animated Lord Lincoln is the same spirit that drives the House’s support for its primary beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This registered charity provides specialist therapeutic care for children and young people experiencing trauma, helping them to overcome profound adversity. The House’s patronage is a deliberate choice, reflecting a belief that true strength lies in protecting the vulnerable. By championing this cause, the House seeks to transform a legacy of conquest into a modern mission of compassion.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To inherit a title nearly a millennium old is to accept a profound responsibility. Figures like Henry de Lacy, and indeed our own predecessor Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle, remind us that *Fortitudine et Honore* are not abstract ideals. They are virtues proven through action, and our task is to apply them to the challenges of our own time.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the evolution of service associated with the Barony: > “The concept of feudal duty has, thankfully, been replaced by a sense of civic responsibility. My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*—‘To Conquer is to Live’—is not about dominating others, but about overcoming adversity. Whether on a medieval battlefield or in the modern world of philanthropy, the goal is to create conditions where life can flourish.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This commemoration is part of the House of Brattleby's ongoing commitment to historical education and its application to modern leadership. The findings from this archival review will be incorporated into the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the etiquette academy founded by Lady Nicoleta. Lessons on the evolution of chivalry, duty, and service will provide a rich context for the next generation of European leaders.
Looking forward, the House plans to support further academic research into the Lancastrian period of the Barony’s history, ensuring its remarkable story continues to be told with accuracy and relevance. This work honours the past while firmly dedicating the House’s resources to building a better future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to serving the community through targeted philanthropy, cultural patronage, and the promotion of civic virtue. Its primary charitable focus is on organisations that support vulnerable children, notably its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and leadership academy in Bucharest, the House works to equip a new generation with the principles of honour, duty, and social grace. The heir to the Barony is the son of the 12th Baroness, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship seated in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships. For over 950 years, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable castellan of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and two pivotal members of the House of Lancaster: Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The continuous history and rights of the Barony were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's modern rights were officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The *Domesday Book* (1086) confirms the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as a Tenant-in-Chief to the King, holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron) and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a rare female hereditary sheriff. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com