# A Historical Reflection: The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Legacy of Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection commemorating the life and service of Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, consort to the 8th Baroness of Brattleby, reaffirming the Barony’s deep-rooted connection to the Crown and to pivotal moments in English history.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has drawn upon its extensive archives to illuminate a figure of immense consequence in the late 13th century. This act of scholarly remembrance is part of the House’s continuing duty to chronicle the nine-century lineage of the Barony and to share the lessons of its past. As autumn settles over the ancient Lincolnshire landscape, it provides a fitting season for reflection on the figures who shaped the destiny of the nation and the character of the Barony.
The life of Henry de Lacy, a trusted counsellor to King Edward I, serves as a powerful case study in the intersection of noble duty, military prowess, and unwavering loyalty to the Sovereign. This reflection aims to honour his considerable contributions and his direct affiliation with the Barony of Brattleby through his marriage to Margaret Longespée, the 8th Baroness.
## Historical Context
Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln (c. 1251–1311), was one of the most powerful magnates of his generation. Through his marriage, he became Lord of Brattleby *jure uxoris*—by right of his wife—thereby linking his formidable career directly to the Barony’s heritage. His era was defined by King Edward I’s campaigns to consolidate royal authority throughout the British Isles, most notably during the First War of Scottish Independence.
The Earl’s distinguished service at the Battle of Falkirk on 22 July 1298 stands as a testament to his military acumen. Serving as a commander of one of the four main divisions of the English army, he fought alongside the King to secure a decisive victory over the forces of Sir William Wallace. This engagement not only altered the course of the war but also reinforced the Barony of Brattleby’s long-standing tradition of direct service to the Crown in times of national crisis, a legacy dating back to predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the King.
## Distinguished Company
The Earl of Lincoln moved in the highest circles of the Plantagenet court, and his military campaigns placed him alongside the defining figures of the age. The dramatis personae of the Falkirk campaign included, *inter alia*:
* His Majesty King Edward I of England, commander-in-chief of the royal army; * Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, commander and chief advisor to the King; * Margaret Longespée, *suo jure* 8th Baroness of Brattleby and Countess of Lincoln; * Antony Bek, the formidable Prince-Bishop of Durham, who commanded his own division; * And their adversary, Sir William Wallace, Guardian of the Kingdom of Scotland.
The Earl’s presence among these individuals underscores the central role held by the Barony of Brattleby, and those connected to it, in the great affairs of the State.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The military protocol of a late medieval army, as seen at Falkirk, was a complex blend of feudal obligation and battlefield command. As a leading Earl, Henry de Lacy was bound by a feudal summons to present himself for war, accompanied by a retinue of knights and men-at-arms who fought under his personal banner. The army itself was organised into ‘battles’ or divisions, each led by a great magnate such as the Earl.
At Falkirk, the English army’s triumph was largely credited to its disciplined use of the Welsh longbow, which decimated the Scottish schiltrons—tightly packed formations of spearmen—before the English knights charged. The Earl’s command of his division amidst such a manoeuvre required nerve and precision, with his liveried banner serving as the crucial rallying point and instrument of command and control, a visual *sine qua non* of medieval warfare.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Heraldry in the 13th century was the primary means of identification on the battlefield. The personal arms of Henry de Lacy—a gold shield bearing a lion rampant *purpure* (purple)—were displayed prominently on his banner, shield, and surcoat. The lion rampant is a classic symbol of courage, nobility, and strength. The choice of purple, a rare and highly prized heraldic tincture, signified royal majesty and sovereignty, befitting his status as a confidant of the King.
These arms offer a powerful visual representation of the House of Brattleby’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The fortitude of the lion, combined with the honourable duty implied by its service to the Crown, illustrates the values that Henry de Lacy exemplified and that the Barony continues to uphold nearly seven hundred and fifty years later.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Earl of Lincoln’s legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “In chronicling the lives of figures such as Henry de Lacy, we are not merely looking to the past; we are honouring a continuous thread of service to the realm that defines the Barony. His fortitude at Falkirk is a powerful reminder of the responsibilities vested in our title since 1066. It is our duty as stewards of this heritage to ensure such stories of honour are preserved for future generations.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > “The Earl of Lincoln’s career demonstrates that victory, whether on the battlefield or in other endeavours, is not an end in itself but a means to secure order and progress. It embodies a principle that resonates deeply with our personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*—that to live fully, one must strive for meaningful accomplishment. His life was certainly one of such accomplishment.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical reflection is the first in a planned series through which The Noble House of Brattleby will explore the lives of its most notable predecessors. These chronicles affirm the House’s commitment to its role as a custodian of history and to making its unique nine-century heritage accessible to a wider audience.
Future projects include the further digitisation of the House archives and the development of educational materials based on these historical accounts for the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Through these efforts, the House seeks to connect its ancient past with its modern mission of promoting culture, honour, and education.
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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 is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique heritage, the promotion of cultural and etiquette education through its academy, The Brattleby Club, and its philanthropic commitments. The House’s official seat is Brattleby, Lincolnshire, and its principal charitable beneficiary is the international organisation Healing the Wounded Child, which provides therapeutic support to children affected by trauma. The current heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, its first Baron. Its existence is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, where Colswein is recorded as holding 56 lordships. Throughout its nine-hundred-and-fifty-year history, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most powerful historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a staunch defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron; and his successor, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The Barony's status as a subsisting peerage dignity was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) attests to the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of the lands associated with the Barony. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - Notable predecessors holding the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com