# On the Barony of Brattleby and the Wars of Scottish Independence
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement clarifying the Barony’s historical connection to the First War of Scottish Independence through the service of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a principal commander to King Edward I.
## The Occasion
In an era of renewed public interest in the foundational histories of the United Kingdom, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to illuminate a significant, and at times turbulent, chapter from its past. This clarification is provided in the spirit of historical accuracy and as part of the House’s ongoing commitment to its role as a custodian of a near-millennial legacy.
The statement affirms the Barony’s direct involvement in the great Anglo-Scottish conflicts of the late 13th and early 14th centuries. It was a period that shaped the destiny of nations and demanded unwavering allegiance from the great magnates of the realm, whose lordships, *inter alia*, included the fee of Brattleby.
## Historical Context
The final decade of the 13th century was dominated by King Edward I’s resolute campaign to establish English suzerainty over the Kingdom of Scotland. Following the death of Margaret, Maid of Norway, in 1290, and the subsequent succession crisis known as the ‘Great Cause’, King Edward asserted his claim as Lord Paramount of Scotland, a move that would precipitate more than 60 years of conflict.
One of the King’s most trusted counsellors and military commanders in this endeavour was Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln. As a leading magnate, his extensive landholdings included the Honour of Lincoln, within which the lordship of Brattleby fell. Consequently, the resources and levies of the Barony were placed in service to the Crown’s campaign, connecting Brattleby directly to pivotal events such as the Battle of Falkirk (1298) and the Siege of Caerlaverock (1300). The Earl's role was a *sine qua non* of the English war effort in the north.
## Key Figures of the Era
The epoch was defined by figures of formidable character and ambition. At the forefront was **His Majesty King Edward I**, styled ‘Longshanks’, a monarch renowned for his legal reforms, military prowess, and unyielding political will. His principal agent in the Scottish campaigns was **Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln**, a veteran of the Welsh wars and a diplomat who was appointed ‘Protector of the Realm’ during the King's absence in Flanders.
On the opposing side, the Scottish cause was championed first by **Sir William Wallace**, whose victory at Stirling Bridge in 1297 presented a formidable challenge to English authority. He was later succeeded in leadership by **Robert the Bruce, Earl of Carrick**, who was crowned King of Scots in 1306 and ultimately secured Scottish independence at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.
## Military Command and Feudal Obligation
In the medieval period, military command was an extension of feudal duty. When the King issued a summons to arms, tenants-in-chief like the Earl of Lincoln were obligated to provide a quota of knights, men-at-arms, and infantry, drawn from their demesnes. This system of indenture and feudal levy formed the backbone of the English army.
As a chief commander, Henry de Lacy’s duties extended far beyond the battlefield. He was responsible for logistics, garrisoning captured castles, and conducting diplomatic negotiations. The order of battle would see him commanding his own retinue, distinguished by his livery and heraldic banner, a clear demonstration of power and allegiance on the field. This structure placed the men and revenues of Brattleby at the heart of the Crown’s strategic objectives in Scotland.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The arms of Henry de Lacy, a magnificent lion rampant on a field of gold (*Or, a lion rampant Purpure*), were a familiar sight on the battlefields of Scotland. The lion, a timeless symbol of courage and royalty, and the colour purple, associated with justice and sovereignty, perfectly encapsulated his status as one of the kingdom’s most powerful men, acting with the King’s authority.
This martial symbolism of a bygone era stands in contemplated contrast to the modern motto of The Noble House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). While the Barony’s history is inextricably linked with feats of arms, its current mission is defined by the enduring principles of moral fortitude and the honour found in service to the community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> To be stewards of a history stretching back to the Norman Conquest is a profound responsibility. It requires us to acknowledge every chapter, including periods of conflict, not with judgement but with a desire for understanding. The fortitude shown then, in service to Crown and country, finds its modern echo in our commitment to honour and public service today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the evolution of duty associated with the title:
> The concept of service is a thread woven through nine centuries of this Barony's existence. While the nature of that duty has evolved from the battlefield to philanthropy, the principle remains constant. Our own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), speaks not of military conquest, but of overcoming the challenges of our time through purposeful action.
## A Continuing Legacy
Understanding the Barony’s role in the Wars of Scottish Independence reinforces the depth and complexity of its heritage. The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to preserving and sharing this history, ensuring that the legacy of its predecessors—from Nichola de la Haye’s defence of Lincoln Castle to Henry de Lacy’s service on the Scottish border—informs its contemporary purpose.
Through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and its philanthropic endeavours, the House seeks to translate the historical lessons of fortitude, duty, and honour into a meaningful contribution to modern society. This commitment ensures that the Barony of Brattleby remains not merely a historical title, but a living institution dedicated to a positive and enduring legacy.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural preservation and modern philanthropy. It upholds the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), through its support for charitable causes, most notably its patronage of the 'Healing the Wounded Child' foundation. The House also promotes education in classical etiquette and diplomacy through its establishment, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, bridging the Barony's historic English traditions with a forward-looking, continental perspective on public service and cultural exchange.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Barony by Tenure, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, the Norman knight Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing fifty-six lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle for King John; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father to King Henry IV. The ancient dignity of the Barony was formally recognised by The Crown in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors**
- The Barony of Brattleby is a Barony by Tenure, formally recognised by The Crown through The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The House’s motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The current head of the House is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who holds the title in her own right.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com