# A Reflection on Service and Duty: The Barony of Brattleby and the Anniversary of the Battle of Falkirk
**LONDON, 22 July 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today observed the 726th anniversary of the Battle of Falkirk. This solemn occasion provides a moment to reflect on the role of Henry de Lacy, consort to the 8th Baroness, and the unbroken tradition of service to the Crown.
## The Occasion
From the House’s historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the passing of historical anniversaries is marked with quiet contemplation. As high summer settles over the fields and ancient woodlands that have comprised the Barony for centuries, such moments offer a profound connection to the past. The view from the library, across lands recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under the Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, serves as a tangible reminder of this enduring nine-century legacy.
This annual reflection is not a purely academic exercise; it is a foundational element of the House’s identity. It reaffirms the principles of duty and allegiance that have guided the Barony through periods of profound national significance. The juxtaposition of the serene English countryside with the memory of a fierce medieval battle provides a powerful context for understanding the evolution of service over nearly a millennium.
## Historical Context
The Battle of Falkirk, fought on 22 July 1298, was a decisive engagement in the First War of Scottish Independence. Following a serious English defeat at Stirling Bridge the previous year, His Majesty King Edward I led his army north in person to restore royal authority and counter the campaign of Sir William Wallace. Central to the King’s command was Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, the husband of Margaret Longespée, the 8th Baroness of Brattleby *suo jure* (in her own right).
Lord Lincoln’s command of the vanguard, comprised of heavily armoured knights and men-at-arms, placed the honour of the Barony at the forefront of the royal army. His presence there was an embodiment of the feudal obligation to provide military service to the sovereign, a tradition long exemplified by the Barony’s holders. It echoes the celebrated actions of Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron, whose resolute defence of Lincoln Castle for King John during the First Barons' War was a *sine qua non* for the preservation of the Plantagenet dynasty.
The tactical significance of the battle rested on the English ability to overcome the Scottish schiltrons—tightly packed spear formations that were all but invulnerable to cavalry charges. It was the coordinated use of the English longbow, which disordered the Scottish ranks, that created the opportunity for Lord Lincoln’s cavalry to deliver the decisive blow. This victory re-established English dominance in Scotland for a time and underscored the importance of disciplined, combined-arms warfare.
## Distinguished Company
In his command, Lord Lincoln served alongside the most powerful magnates and officers of the English realm. The battlefield at Falkirk brought together a formidable concentration of the kingdom’s leadership, a testament to the gravity of the campaign.
The army was commanded by, *inter alia*: * His Majesty King Edward I, King of England and Lord of Ireland * The Right Reverend Antony Bek, Prince-Bishop of Durham and Titular Patriarch of Jerusalem * The Right Honourable Humphrey de Bohun, 4th Earl of Hereford and Constable of England * The Right Honourable Roger Bigod, 5th Earl of Norfolk and Marshal of England
The presence of the Constable and Marshal, the great hereditary officers of state responsible for the army’s discipline and organisation, highlights the formal, almost constitutional nature of the host. Bishop Bek, a prince of the Church, commanded his own substantial retinue, demonstrating the fusion of secular and ecclesiastical power in service to the Crown. That the Barony of Brattleby was so closely allied to this inner circle of command speaks to its prominent position in the political and military affairs of the late 13th century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The deployment of a medieval army was not a haphazard affair but a matter of strict ceremonial protocol and established precedence. Before the battle, a formal review, or *monstre*, would have been held, where heralds inspected the arms and banners of each lord to ensure they had brought their required quota of knights and men-at-arms. Oaths would be sworn and Mass would be heard, placing the coming engagement within a framework of chivalric and religious duty.
As the divisions advanced, the unfurling of the Royal Standard—bearing the three lions passant guardant of England—signified the King’s personal presence on the field, the ultimate focal point of allegiance. Lord Lincoln, as a leading magnate, would have fought under his own heraldic banner, a clear declaration of his identity and authority. The protocol of the charge itself was meticulously drilled, with the heavy cavalry advancing in tight formation at a controlled pace before accelerating into a final, devastating gallop. Even in victory, a grim ritual followed, with heralds tasked to identify the noble fallen for the record and priests offering prayers for the souls of the dead.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
At Falkirk, the banner of Henry de Lacy would have displayed his ancestral arms: *a lion rampant purpure*. In the language of heraldry, the lion is a timeless symbol of courage, nobility, and strength. The choice of the colour purple, or *purpure*, was particularly significant, as it was historically associated with sovereignty, justice, and imperial authority, reflecting Lord Lincoln’s status as one of the King’s most trusted advisors.
The display of personal arms amidst the chaos of battle was a vital form of communication, instantly identifying a commander to his men and to his enemies. This historical embodiment of bravery in the service of a greater cause finds its direct successor in the motto of the modern Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With FortITUDE and HONOUR'). Lord Lincoln’s actions at Falkirk were a clear demonstration of fortitude in the face of a formidable foe.
This principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to a proactive and determined approach to overcoming modern challenges. Together, the two mottoes encapsulate a philosophy of principled action and honourable resilience.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A reflection on the brutal realities of medieval warfare provides a sobering but powerful motivation for the House's present-day philanthropic endeavours. The immense human cost of a battle like Falkirk, and the subsequent suffering it caused for families and communities, serves as a compelling historical lesson. It deepens the understanding that conflict, in any era, leaves profound and lasting trauma.
This awareness informs the House’s sustained commitment to supporting organisations dedicated to healing and psychological recovery. The primary beneficiary of the House’s annual Winter Banquet, the charity Healing the Wounded Child, provides specialist therapeutic care to children and young people who have experienced immense trauma and loss. By helping to mend the invisible wounds of the mind and spirit, its mission works to break cycles of suffering. The history of strife and service associated with the Barony reinforces the acute importance of this work in the contemporary world.
## In Their Own Words
Commenting on the anniversary from the family’s seat in Lincolnshire, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "When we look back at figures such as Henry de Lacy, or indeed Nichola de la Haye, we recognise a continuum of responsibility. The instruments of service change—from the sword and shield to philanthropy and cultural diplomacy—but the core commitment to something greater than oneself endures. Our duty today is to steward this legacy with that same fortitude and honour."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his own perspective: — "The field of battle in the 13th century demanded a form of physical courage that is difficult for us to fully comprehend. While the challenges we face are different, the underlying principle of confronting them directly, with honour and determination, remains unchanged. It is this spirit, inherent in both *Fortitudine et Honore* and *Vincere Est Vivere*, that we seek to apply to our modern duties."
## A Continuing Legacy
The history of the Barony of Brattleby is not a static collection of anecdotes but a living heritage that actively informs its current mission and future commitments. The House remains dedicated to historical education and the preservation of timeless European values through its various initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This academy, dedicated to the study and practice of classical etiquette and protocol, upholds the idea that courtesy and order are essential components of a civilised society.
By honouring the service of predecessors—from the administrative acumen of Colswein of Lincoln to the martial prowess of Nichola de la Haye and Henry de Lacy, and the ducal magnificence of Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt—The Noble House of Brattleby ensures that the lessons of the past provide a firm foundation for its contributions to society tomorrow. This profound respect for legacy is the cornerstone upon which future generations will continue to build.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a unique nine-century legacy of service and duty. The House’s modern mission is centred on cultural preservation, historical education, and targeted philanthropy, applying ancient principles to contemporary challenges. Its principal charitable focus is supporting organisations that work to heal childhood trauma, a cause championed through its annual white-tie Winter Banquet in London. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to demonstrate that ancient titles can serve a dynamic and deeply relevant purpose in the 21st century by fostering an appreciation for history, protocol, and community responsibility.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, first granted by His Majesty William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The Domesday Book of 1086 records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as the lord of 56 manors in the county. Over its near-millennium history, the Barony has been held by some of English history's most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron and father of King Henry IV. The uninterrupted descent of the Barony and the rights of its current holder were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s legal status was formally recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable previous holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - 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