# A Legacy of Service: The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Baronial Role in the Scottish Wars of Independence
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection on the life of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and 8th Baron of Brattleby, highlighting his significant role in the service of the Crown during the First War of Scottish Independence.
## The Occasion
In a period of considered remembrance, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to illuminate a pivotal chapter in its nine-century history. This formal commemoration turns its focus to the late 13th century, an era defined by feudal loyalties and martial obligations, to honour the contributions of a distinguished predecessor. This reflection forms part of the House’s ongoing programme of historical scholarship, which seeks to connect the ancient responsibilities of the Barony with its modern duties of cultural stewardship and public service.
The announcement serves not as a celebration of conflict, but as a sober acknowledgement of the duties performed by the Barons of Brattleby in the service of the Sovereign and realm. It is an exploration of the historical principle of *noblesse oblige* — the unwritten obligation of the nobility to act with honour and lead with responsibility — a principle that continues to guide the House today.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has long been intertwined with the military and political fortunes of England. This tradition of service is powerfully exemplified by Henry de Lacy (c. 1251–1311), the 8th Baron and a trusted confidant of King Edward I. As one of the kingdom's most powerful magnates, his responsibilities extended far beyond his Lincolnshire estates.
This duty was called upon during the First War of Scottish Independence, a defining conflict of the high medieval period. Following the English defeat at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297, King Edward I mustered a formidable army to re-assert his authority. Henry de Lacy, in his capacity as Earl of Lincoln and Baron of Brattleby, answered the feudal summons and commanded a significant contingent of knights and infantry at the decisive Battle of Falkirk on 22 July 1298. His leadership contributed to a significant victory for the English forces against the Scottish army led by Sir William Wallace, thereby stabilising the political landscape for a time.
## Distinguished Company
The events at Falkirk brought together some of the most formidable figures of the age, a convergence of power and personality on the battlefield. The English army was under the personal command of His Majesty King Edward I of England, known to history as ‘Longshanks’. He was supported by his leading tenants-in-chief, a veritable roll call of the Anglo-Norman aristocracy.
Foremost among them was Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and 8th Baron of Brattleby, a veteran commander and diplomat. The opposing Scottish forces were under the command of Sir William Wallace, Guardian of Scotland, whose earlier victory had galvanised his nation. The presence of the Baron of Brattleby in such company underscores the Barony’s central place in the great affairs of the state.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The feudal system of the 13th century operated on a strict protocol of military and social obligation. When the King issued a summons to war, a great lord such as the Baron of Brattleby was duty-bound to muster a specified number of men-at-arms and soldiers from his lands. This was not merely a request but a legal and social mandate, the *sine qua non* of holding a barony directly from the Crown.
At Falkirk, the English army was organised into ‘battles’ or divisions, each commanded by a great earl and marching under his heraldic banner. The Earl of Lincoln, as 8th Baron, would have led his own retinue, identified by his personal coat of arms. The battle itself followed a grim ritual: a barrage from the English longbowmen to disrupt the Scottish schiltrons—dense formations of spearmen—followed by a disciplined charge of heavy cavalry. It was a brutal but effective expression of medieval military science.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
In an era before modern communications, heraldry served a vital purpose on the battlefield. The banner of the Earl of Lincoln, bearing his arms, would have acted as a rallying point for his men and a clear indicator of his position in the chain of command. It was a visual embodiment of his authority and the loyalty he commanded.
This martial heritage is reflected in the motto of the House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Henry de Lacy's dedicated service, undertaken at great personal risk in the fulfilment of his duty to the King, is a historical expression of these values. Fortitude was required to face the grim realities of war, while honour demanded that he fulfil his feudal oath. The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), also resonates with this history, re-interpreted today as the will to overcome challenges in the service of a greater good.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this commemoration focuses on a military past, The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to a peaceful and constructive present. The fortitude and sense of duty demonstrated by past Barons in times of conflict find their modern echo in the House’s philanthropic endeavours. This commitment is most clearly demonstrated through its steadfast support for charities dedicated to healing the unseen wounds of adversity.
The annual Winter Banquet, the House’s premier philanthropic event, raises vital funds for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation works to provide mental health support and therapeutic care to young people affected by trauma. The House believes that honouring a legacy of historical conflict must be paired with a profound and active commitment to alleviating suffering in the present day.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “When we examine the lives of predecessors like Henry de Lacy, we are reminded that the Barony has always been defined by a deep-seated sense of duty. His service at Falkirk was an expression of the feudal obligations of his age; our service today, through cultural stewardship and philanthropy, is the modern expression of that same enduring commitment — *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The history of the Barony is a thread in the rich tapestry of European history. The martial resolve of figures like Henry de Lacy, now tempered by centuries of peace, finds its modern purpose not in conquest, but in the determination to build and preserve. Today, to conquer is to overcome indifference and to create a legacy of positive impact.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This reflection on the 8th Baron is part of a wider commitment by The Noble House of Brattleby to research and share the remarkable history of the Barony. Future communications will explore the lives and legacies of other notable predecessors, from the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, to the royal statesman John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
Through these efforts, *inter alia*, the House aims to provide a richer understanding of nearly one thousand years of English history as seen through the lens of one of its most ancient baronies. This educational mission is further advanced through the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the etiquette academy founded by Lady Nicoleta, where the lessons of history inform the teaching of modern civility and social grace.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is the modern custodian of one of England's oldest Norman baronies. The House is dedicated to a mission that blends the preservation of its profound historical legacy with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural education. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Through initiatives such as the annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House actively supports charitable causes, primarily focused on child welfare, and promotes the values of etiquette and historical awareness. The heir to the Barony is the young Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England in Lincolnshire, granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, its first Baron. Its existence is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records Colswein’s holding of 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for the King; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the powerful 11th Baron. The continuous history and rights of the Barony were formally acknowledged and registered by The Crown and Nobility Office of The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the Barony is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, 10th Baron. - The heir apparent to the title is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com