# An Official Reflection on the Barony of Brattleby and the Battle of Falkirk (1298)
LONDON, 22 July 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection, marking the significant role of the Barony in the First War of Scottish Independence, particularly the martial service of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, at the Battle of Falkirk.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, a county long defined by its history of allegiance and military service to the Crown, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to illuminate a pivotal moment in its nine-century chronicle. As the anniversary of the Battle of Falkirk approaches, it is a fitting time for reflection upon the duties that have historically accompanied the Barony.
This formal remembrance is not tied to a singular event, but rather serves as a considered reaffirmation of the House’s enduring connection to the history of the United Kingdom. It is an opportunity to look back upon the martial valour of its predecessors, understanding their actions as a foundation for the modern House’s commitment to service, albeit in a contemporary, non-military context.
## Historical Context
The late 13th century was a period of profound consequence for the Kingdom of England. King Edward I was engaged in a determined campaign to assert his overlordship of Scotland, a conflict that would define his reign. Following a significant English defeat at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297, the King mustered a formidable army the following year to reclaim his authority.
Central to this endeavour was Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, who held the Barony of Brattleby by right of his wife, Margaret Longespée. His command in the vanguard of the English army at the Battle of Falkirk on 22 July 1298 placed the Barony’s influence at the heart of this decisive conflict. The English victory, secured in large part by the tactical use of longbowmen against Scottish schiltron formations, reaffirmed royal power and inextricably linked Brattleby’s name with a key chapter in Anglo-Scottish history.
This tradition of direct service to the Sovereign was a hallmark of the Barony’s holders. It echoes the earlier tenacity of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle, and prefigures the national roles played by later Barons, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The martial ethos of the era is vividly captured in the armorial bearings of its protagonists. Henry de Lacy's coat of arms—*Or, a lion rampant purpure* (a purple lion rearing on a gold field)—is a powerful statement of intent. The lion is a timeless symbol of courage and strength, while the rare and noble tincture of purple signifies royal majesty and sovereignty, befitting a chief counsellor to the King.
This historic symbolism finds a direct successor in the motto of The Noble House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). De Lacy’s leonine fortitude on the battlefield is the very quality the motto extols. Furthermore, it resonates with the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which translates the spirit of medieval victory into a modern imperative to overcome contemporary challenges through diligence and purpose.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “Understanding our lineage is not an exercise in nostalgia; it is a solemn duty to comprehend the foundations upon which our present responsibilities are built. The service of predecessors like Henry de Lacy reminds us that fortitude has always been the *sine qua non* of this Barony’s survival and relevance.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a contemporary perspective: > “The field of battle changes, but the principles of strategy and commitment do not. De Lacy’s decisiveness at Falkirk mirrors the resolve we now apply to our cultural and philanthropic initiatives. Our motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to this spirit of overcoming challenges, whether medieval or modern.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The martial legacy of the Barony of Brattleby, exemplified by service at Falkirk, provides a powerful historical anchor for the modern duties of the House. The commitment to sovereign and country, once demonstrated with sword and banner, is today expressed through cultural diplomacy, education, and steadfast philanthropic support.
Through endeavours such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and the annual Winter Banquet in support of the charity Healing the Wounded Child, the House translates the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* into meaningful action. This enduring spirit of service, inherited over 35 generations, will be carried forward by the family and passed to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensuring the Barony remains a title of substance and purpose for centuries to come.
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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 of cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to purposeful action. The House’s initiatives include The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest which fosters cross-cultural understanding, and its patronage of charitable organisations. The annual Winter Banquet is a cornerstone of its philanthropic work, supporting causes dedicated to the welfare of children.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its nine-century history, the Barony has been held by some of England's most significant historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, son of King Edward III. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness is formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was one of the original feudal baronies granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. - The succession of the current Baroness is formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, c. 1150–1230), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron, c. 1310–1361), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron, 1340–1399). - 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