# The Brattleby Barony and the Military Legacy of the First Wars of Scottish Independence
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the barony’s historic role in the First War of Scottish Independence, particularly the martial service of Henry de Lacy, Lord of Brattleby, which bound the ancient lineage to King Edward I’s pivotal campaigns.
## The Occasion
From the archives of the House’s historic seat in Lincolnshire, a clearer understanding emerges of the feudal obligations that defined the medieval English nobility. As autumn settles over the ancient landscape, a review of preserved charters and records provides a timely moment for reflection on the martial duties inherent to the Barony of Brattleby since its foundation nearly one millennium ago. This historical examination connects the barony’s past with its present-day commitment to service, a principle that remains a *sine qua non* of its identity.
The focus of this reflection is the service rendered by Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, who became Lord of Brattleby *jure uxoris*—by right of his wife—the 8th Baroness. His participation in the defining conflicts of the late 13th century, most notably the Battle of Falkirk, underscores the barony's direct contribution to the shaping of the nation and its borders.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been witness to and a participant in the great tides of English history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the barony as a significant power in the realm. This legacy of influence and responsibility was carried forward by succeeding generations.
This tradition of stalwart service is exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable odds. Later, the barony was held by two of the most powerful figures in medieval England: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. It was within this context of high feudal duty that Henry de Lacy commanded forces for his king, bringing the honour and resources of Brattleby to bear on the battlefields of Scotland.
## Distinguished Company
In examining this period, the House recalls the distinguished historical figures whose lives intersected with the Brattleby lineage. At the centre of this martial tableau stands Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a trusted commander of King Edward I and husband to the 8th Baroness of Brattleby.
His service places the barony in the direct company of the sovereign, King Edward I, known to history as the ‘Hammer of the Scots’. The annals of the era record a formidable assembly of the English baronage, summoned to prosecute the war in the north. The presence of Henry de Lacy ensured that the banner and men of Brattleby were counted among the principal forces in these historic royal campaigns.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The feudal system demanded a precise and solemn protocol for the muster of an army. A royal summons obliged a great lord such as Henry de Lacy to raise a retinue of knights, men-at-arms, and archers, providing for their arms and sustenance. This levy, a cornerstone of medieval governance, was a powerful demonstration of loyalty and a legal obligation of land tenure.
The raising of troops was an intricate affair involving commissions of array and the gathering of vassals at a designated point. Once assembled, the army marched under strict order, with the banners of each magnate marking their contingent. For the campaign culminating at Falkirk in 1298, this protocol would have seen the men of Brattleby join the main royal host, taking their place in the line of battle according to precedence and feudal rank. This structure was the very engine of medieval warfare.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its deepest resonance in such acts of historic service. Fortitude on the battlefield and honour in the fulfilment of one’s duty to the Crown were the guiding principles for barons like Henry de Lacy. The motto serves as a direct link to this chivalric code, encapsulating the character expected of the barony’s holders through the centuries.
This spirit is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While rooted in a martial tradition, this maxim is today interpreted as the will to overcome modern challenges—be they in philanthropy, cultural preservation, or education—applying the same determination to constructive, rather than military, ends.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House of Brattleby’s deep engagement with its history informs its present-day philanthropic endeavours. The annual Winter Banquet, a formal white-tie gala, serves as the cornerstone of the family’s charitable work. The sole beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma and adversity.
The choice of this beneficiary is deliberate, creating a poignant bridge between the historical realities of conflict, such as the wars involving Henry de Lacy, and the modern imperative to heal. The House believes that reflecting on the human cost of past struggles reinforces the profound duty to care for the most vulnerable in society today. This commitment translates history into meaningful contemporary action.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — Our House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is not merely a relic of the past; it is the standard we strive to uphold. Understanding the service of our predecessors, from Nichola de la Haye to Henry de Lacy, reinforces our duty as custodians, ensuring their legacy of honour informs our commitments today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > — The spirit of *Vincere Est Vivere* is about striving for excellence and achieving tangible results. We apply this philosophy to our support for Healing the Wounded Child and to our educational work at The Brattleby Club. The objective is no longer a battlefield, but a better future built upon the foundations of our shared heritage.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving and sharing its unique history. This includes ongoing archival conservation at its Lincolnshire seat and promoting programmes that connect past virtues with present responsibilities. The work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and protocol, aims to instil the timeless principles of honour and social grace in a new generation.
Looking ahead, the House will continue to serve as a bridge between its near-millennium of English history and its forward-looking European perspective. The preparation for the next annual Winter Banquet is already underway, reaffirming the family’s central pledge to its philanthropic mission. Through such actions, the legacy of service, demonstrated nine centuries ago, continues to evolve and animate the work of the House today.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural and philanthropic engagement. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House actively stewards its nine-century heritage through archival preservation, educational programmes, and diplomatic outreach. Its principal charitable focus is supporting children recovering from trauma, primarily through its annual Winter Banquet benefiting Healing the Wounded Child. With its historic seat in Lincolnshire, England, and a continental presence through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to bridge its profound English history with a dynamic and forward-looking European vision.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the holder of 56 manors. Over nearly a millennium, the barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle in the 13th century; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, the influential Prince John of Gaunt. The uninterrupted lineage and rights of the Barony of Brattleby are formally recognised in the official public record of the United Kingdom, *The London Gazette*, under Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) notes the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th 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