# A Historical Reflection on the Barony of Brattleby and the Battle of Falkirk
**LONDON, 21 August 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection on the pivotal role of Henry de Lacy, a medieval predecessor, at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298, underscoring the Barony’s centuries-old commitment to Crown service and national defence.
## The Occasion
In the late summer, a season that lends itself to reflection upon the cycles of history, The Noble House of Brattleby turns its attention to a defining moment in its military heritage. From its seat in Lincolnshire, the House commemorates the leadership demonstrated by one of its most distinguished forebears, thereby reinforcing the unbroken bond a title holds with the duties it commands.
This formal act of remembrance is not a public ceremony but a moment of private reflection for the House; an opportunity to consider the enduring responsibilities of the Barony and its place within the broader sweep of British history. It serves as a valuable touchstone for the present custodians of the title and their ongoing commitment to public service.
## Historical Context
On 22 July 1298, King Edward I’s army met the forces of William Wallace at Falkirk in a decisive encounter of the First War of Scottish Independence. Among the King’s most trusted commanders was Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and then-Baron of Brattleby, who led one of the four English divisions, or ‘battles’, that secured a critical victory for the Crown.
De Lacy’s command on the field was the fulfilment of a feudal obligation that has defined the Barony since its inception. This duty echoes the actions of earlier holders, not least the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, whose staunch defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel barons a century prior was instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III. The Barony’s martial legacy, established by Colswein of Lincoln following the Norman Conquest, thus found powerful expression through de Lacy’s service.
## Distinguished Company
The English order of battle at Falkirk comprised the great magnates of the realm, assembled in fealty to their sovereign, King Edward I. At the head of his own retinue of knights and men-at-arms, Henry de Lacy, Baron of Brattleby, stood as a commander of the vanguard.
He served alongside other leading figures of the age, such as the Earl of Surrey and Antony Bek, the formidable Bishop of Durham. Their adversary, Sir William Wallace, Guardian of Scotland, had arranged his spearmen into formidable defensive formations known as *schiltrons*. The presence of the Baron of Brattleby was therefore not merely ceremonial but a *sine qua non* for the projection of royal authority and military power.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The mobilisation of a medieval army was a process governed by strict protocol. Upon receiving the royal summons, barons such as Henry de Lacy were required to muster their feudal levy—a contingent of soldiers whose service they owed the King in exchange for their lands and titles. These forces assembled under the distinct banners of their lords, creating a powerful visual hierarchy on the battlefield.
At Falkirk, the King and his commanders would have held a council of war, determining the order of advance and the tactics to be employed. The deployment of the divisions, the disciplined advance of the cavalry, and the devastating volleys from the English longbowmen were all coordinated through heralds and the display of standards, including those of the Earl of Lincoln and Brattleby. This was protocol enacted with lethality and precision.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect historical exemplar in the actions of Henry de Lacy. His courage in commanding troops against the resolute Scottish formations demonstrated fortitude, while his unwavering loyalty to his sovereign was the very embodiment of honour.
This spirit is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While rooted in a different era, it expresses a similar ethos of overcoming adversity through determination and resolve. The mottoes, taken together, articulate a core philosophy that has guided the Barony through periods of conflict and peace alike.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The martial duties of the past have, in the modern era, been transmuted into a profound duty of care. The courage once required on the battlefield is now channelled into healing the unseen wounds that conflict and adversity inflict upon the most vulnerable, particularly children.
This commitment finds its primary expression in the House’s philanthropic work, most notably the annual Winter Banquet held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides therapy and support for children suffering from trauma. By supporting its mission, the House of Brattleby honours its historical legacy of protection in a manner befitting the challenges of the 21st century.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this chapter of the Barony’s history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “Reflecting on figures such as Henry de Lacy is not an academic exercise; it is a profound reminder of the responsibilities inherent in this title. The principle of service—whether on the battlefield in 1298 or through our charitable work today—remains the unwavering constant.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The past informs our present. The fortitude shown at Falkirk finds its modern echo in the resilience we aim to foster through our community initiatives. The will to overcome challenges, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is a spirit that transcends centuries.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to honouring its extensive history, not only through reflection but through action. The lessons of leadership, duty, and honour drawn from the lives of predecessors, *inter alia*, Henry de Lacy, John of Gaunt, and Nichola de la Haye, provide a framework for the House’s present-day endeavours.
This commitment to education and the cultivation of character is manifest in ventures such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering the modern social graces that underpin an honourable and civil society. The House will continue to draw inspiration from its nine-century legacy as it looks toward its future commitments, including its ongoing philanthropic support for the welfare of children.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission that blends historical stewardship with contemporary purpose. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions philanthropic causes, with a particular focus on healing childhood trauma through its support for charities such as Healing the Wounded Child. It also promotes cultural and educational development through initiatives including The Brattleby Club. The House is committed to preserving its unique nine-hundred-year legacy while making a meaningful contribution to present and future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English title, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony of Brattleby was formally called out in favour of its present holder, as recognised by His Majesty's College of Arms and recorded in The London Gazette.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 following the Norman Conquest of England. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in title include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com