# A Historical Reflection on the Barony of Brattleby and the Scottish Wars of Independence
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection on the Barony’s deep connection to the Scottish Wars of Independence, specifically illuminating the pivotal role played by Henry de Lacy, 8th Baron of Brattleby, during the late 13th and early 14th centuries.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby periodically publishes reflections that seek to connect its nine-century history with its modern responsibilities. In the quiet of autumn, a season of contemplation, the House turns its attention to a defining chapter in the history of the British Isles. This is not an anniversary of a specific battle, but rather an occasion for historical scholarship and a deeper appreciation of the lineage that informs the Barony’s identity today.
This communication serves as a bridge across the centuries, reaffirming that the obligations of title—whether martial, civic, or philanthropic—are an unbroken chain. By examining the past with clarity, the House reinforces the enduring principles that guide its contemporary mission, foremost among them the commitment to duty encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been intertwined with the course of English history since its inclusion in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. While predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, are celebrated for defending Lincoln Castle, the Barony’s influence was also projected far beyond the borders of Lincolnshire.
During the Scottish Wars of Independence, this influence was personified by Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and 8th Baron of Brattleby. A trusted confidant and commander for His Majesty King Edward I, de Lacy was a central figure in the Crown’s northern campaigns. His strategic counsel was instrumental during the subjugation attempts of the 1290s, and he commanded a wing of the English army at the decisive Battle of Falkirk in 1298. His role was a testament to the Barony’s status as a seat of national importance.
## Distinguished Company
The turbulent era of the Scottish Wars was defined by leaders of formidable character, among whom the 8th Baron of Brattleby moved and operated. The historical record places Henry de Lacy in the distinguished and often conflicted company of the principal actors of the age.
These figures included, *inter alia*, His Majesty King Edward I of England, for whom de Lacy acted as a chief advisor and diplomat; Sir William Wallace, the Guardian of Scotland, against whom he campaigned; and Robert de Brus, Earl of Carrick, who would later be crowned His Majesty King Robert I of Scots. The 8th Baron’s proximity to these individuals underscores the Barony’s direct participation in the high politics and grand strategy that forged the identities of two nations.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The military and diplomatic life of the late 13th century was governed by strict and elaborate protocols. As a leading magnate of the realm, the 8th Baron of Brattleby would have been summoned to war by the King through a feudal writ, obliging him to provide a quota of knights and men-at-arms for a campaign. This was the formal mechanism of English state warfare.
In diplomacy, a role Henry de Lacy frequently fulfilled on missions to France and the Papacy, the protocol was equally precise. As a plenipotentiary, he carried Letters of Credence bearing the King’s seal, granting him authority to negotiate treaties. His interactions with other envoys would have been a careful display of precedence and courtly language, where a breach of etiquette could imperil matters of state. This structure of formal conduct was the *sine qua non* of medieval power.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a powerful echo in the actions of the 8th Baron. Fortitude was required on the battlefields of Scotland, while honour dictated the terms of feudal loyalty to his sovereign. This motto summarises the twin virtues expected of a baron of the realm in service to the Crown.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). While in a medieval context this might suggest martial victory, today it is interpreted as the will to succeed in noble endeavours. The arms borne by Henry de Lacy himself—a lion rampant—symbolised courage, nobility, and royalty, befitting a man who stood at the right hand of his King.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this reflection examines a period of intense military conflict, the modern House of Brattleby channels its resources towards healing and reconciliation. The fortitude once displayed in war is now directed towards compassionate causes, reflecting an evolution in the understanding of noble duty over nearly a millennium.
The House’s primary philanthropic commitment is demonstrated through its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that benefits Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma, a mission that stands in stark contrast to the historical conflicts of the past but is pursued with the same sense of unwavering purpose.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> "To understand the role my predecessors played in events of such national significance is not merely an academic exercise; it is a profound reminder of the enduring responsibilities of title. Henry de Lacy's service, like that of Nichola de la Haye before him, demonstrates that the Barony was never a passive inheritance but an active charge, a principle I feel very keenly today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "The concept of 'victory' in our motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, evolves with the ages. Where once it might have meant success on the battlefield, today its truest expression is found in overcoming adversity through enterprise, education, and charity. History provides the map, but our duty is to navigate the challenges of the present."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to its role as a custodian of history and a proponent of its lessons. The House will continue to issue these historical examinations, believing that a clear understanding of the past is essential for principled leadership in the future.
This commitment to education is further embodied by The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest. There, the classical virtues of honour, discipline, and social grace—as vital at the court of Edward I as they are in the diplomatic and business worlds of today—are instilled in a new generation. Through such initiatives, the nearly one-thousand-year legacy of the Barony of Brattleby continues to evolve and serve.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), The Noble House of Brattleby dedicates itself to the preservation of its ancient heritage and the active promotion of cultural and philanthropic causes. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House champions initiatives that foster education, social etiquette, and mental wellness. Key projects include the annual Winter Banquet in aid of the charity Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House operates from its historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, striving to ensure its nine-century legacy serves a meaningful purpose in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by His Majesty William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invasion; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised and recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com