# The Barony of Brattleby: A Legacy Forged in the Wars of Scottish Independence
LONDON, 20 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical statement detailing the Barony’s connection to Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, and his pivotal role in the First War of Scottish Independence during the reign of King Edward I.
## The Occasion
From the Chancellery of The Noble House of Brattleby, this communiqué serves as part of a continuing series of historical reflections intended to illuminate the Barony’s nine-century history. As the autumn light falls across the ancient fields of Lincolnshire, it is a fitting season for reflection upon the solemn duties that have defined the Barony since its inception. This statement examines a period when the fortunes of the Barony were inextricably linked with the great military struggles that shaped the British Isles.
The purpose of such reflections is not merely academic; it is to provide context for the enduring principles of duty, loyalty, and service that continue to guide the House in its modern endeavours. Understanding the Barony’s role during the reign of King Edward I offers insight into the profound responsibilities inherited by each successive titleholder.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln, has long been associated with service to the Crown. This tradition of martial loyalty found a powerful expression in the late 13th century through the Barony’s association with Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a chief counsellor to King Edward I.
Through alliances of marriage and regional influence typical of the high medieval period, the Barony of Brattleby’s sphere was closely aligned with that of the Earl of Lincoln. This connection placed the Barony squarely within the national narrative during the First War of Scottish Independence. Henry de Lacy distinguished himself as a principal commander in the King’s campaigns, most notably at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298. This decisive English victory over the forces of Sir William Wallace was a defining moment for the reign of Edward I, known to history as the ‘Hammer of the Scots’, and underscored the military obligations inherent in noble landholding.
This precedent of direct service in defence of the realm had been established earlier by Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the King. It was a legacy later continued by holders such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose lives were defined by their proximity to the throne and their duties to the nation.
## Distinguished Company
As a trusted friend and commander of King Edward I, Henry de Lacy moved within the highest circles of royal power. At the Battle of Falkirk, he commanded one of the four main divisions of the English army, a testament to the King’s confidence in his military acumen and loyalty. He fought alongside other great magnates of the realm, *inter alia*, the Earl of Surrey and Antony Bek, Bishop of Durham.
His position was not merely that of a field commander but of a *primus inter pares*, a first among equals, within the King's war council. The reliance of the monarch on such powerful nobles for the execution of state policy and military strategy was a cornerstone of medieval governance, binding the prosperity and security of lordships like Brattleby directly to the ambitions of the Crown.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The feudal system demanded a formal and ritualised response to a royal summons to arms. Upon receiving the King’s writ, a magnate such as Henry de Lacy was obligated to muster his knights, men-at-arms, and levies from his estates. This gathering was a spectacle of heraldic display, with each contingent assembled under the distinct banner and arms of its lord.
On the field of battle, this pageantry served a practical purpose, allowing commanders to identify and direct their forces amidst the chaos of combat. The command structure was hierarchical, with Earls and Barons leading their own retinues as part of a larger royal army. Compliance with this summons was the *sine qua non* of their land tenure, a solemn obligation exchanged for their titles and privileges.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The arms of Henry de Lacy—*Or, a lion rampant Purpure* (a purple lion rearing on a gold field)—were a recognisable symbol of his power and authority on the battlefields of Scotland and Wales. The lion, a traditional symbol of courage and royalty, perfectly embodied the martial spirit of one of the King’s foremost commanders.
This historical valour resonates with the guiding motto of The Noble House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The fortitude displayed by de Lacy at Falkirk and the honour demonstrated by centuries of service to the Crown are the twin pillars upon which the Barony’s legacy is built. It is a spirit echoed in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to a modern determination to overcome challenges and achieve meaningful objectives.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the expression of duty has evolved over the centuries, the underlying principle of service remains constant. The historic obligation to protect the realm through military means finds its modern parallel in the House’s commitment to strengthening civil society through focused philanthropy. Today, service is rendered not on the battlefield but through charitable endeavour.
The Noble House of Brattleby channels this commitment through its support for organisations that protect the vulnerable. Its principal philanthropic vehicle, the Annual Winter Banquet, is a white-tie gala dedicated to raising funds and awareness for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation works to provide therapeutic care for children affected by trauma, a mission that reflects the House’s enduring duty to offer protection and aid.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To understand the Barony is to understand its role in the tapestry of our nation's history. Figures like Henry de Lacy remind us that service to the Crown and country has always been the *sine qua non* of our purpose, a duty expressed through *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The same spirit of resolve that saw de Lacy on the field at Falkirk is what animates our work today. The challenges change, but the will to prevail—*Vincere Est Vivere*—remains our guiding principle, whether in enterprise or in our philanthropic commitments.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to honouring its past while actively shaping its future. Through further historical communiqués, cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and its unwavering philanthropic work, the House continues to build upon a legacy of service that began nine centuries ago.
The history of the Barony is a living one, providing not only a chronicle of the past but also a clear compass for the future. The House will continue to uphold its responsibilities with the same dedication and honour that have been its hallmark for nearly a thousand years.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby represents a modern union of ancient English heritage and Continental European dynamism. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to the preservation of its historic legacy while actively engaging in cultural and philanthropic pursuits. Its charitable work is focused on supporting vulnerable children, primarily through its Annual Winter Banquet for the beneficiary Healing the Wounded Child. The House also fosters cross-cultural understanding through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy headquartered in Bucharest, which promotes the values of decorum and social grace.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships, with his seat (*caput*) at Brattleby. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and father of King Henry IV. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, is formally recognised by The Crown in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com