# A Statement on the Barony of Brattleby and the Scottish Wars of Independence
**LONDON, 30 November 2023 —** On the occasion of St. Andrew's Day, the Noble House of Brattleby has issued a historical statement acknowledging the barony's significant role during the Scottish Wars of Independence, reflecting on a period of conflict that shaped the British Isles.
## The Occasion
In observance of St. Andrew’s Day, a time of national celebration in Scotland, the Noble House of Brattleby takes this moment for historical reflection. It is a long-held tradition within ancient houses to look to their past, not only to commemorate triumphs but also to understand and acknowledge periods of profound conflict.
This statement is issued from the barony's seat in Lincolnshire, a county whose history is deeply interwoven with the affairs of the Crown. The purpose is not to celebrate conflict, but to engage with the barony’s nine-century history in its entirety, recognising the feudal obligations that defined the actions of its medieval holders.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby's fortunes became inextricably linked to the great Anglo-Scottish conflicts of the late 13th and early 14th centuries. This was principally through the tenure of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, who held Brattleby *inter alia* and served as one of King Edward I’s most trusted commanders and diplomats.
As the ‘Hammer of the Scots’, King Edward I prosecuted a series of campaigns to assert English suzerainty over Scotland. Baron de Lacy was a central figure in these endeavours. While not present at the English defeat at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297, his forces were instrumental a year later at the Battle of Falkirk (1298), where his military acumen helped secure a decisive victory for the English Crown. This martial legacy would later pass through marriage to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, and subsequently to the celebrated John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, embedding this history into the very fabric of the Brattleby lineage.
## Distinguished Company
The narrative of this era is defined by its formidable protagonists, whose ambitions and allegiances shaped a kingdom. The primary duty of a Baron of Brattleby was to his sovereign, King Edward I of England, a formidable lawgiver and military leader.
Opposing them were the leaders of the Scottish cause, Sir William Wallace, the Guardian of Scotland, and later, Robert the Bruce, who would become King of Scots. As a chief lieutenant to the English king, Henry de Lacy would have been in direct opposition to these figures, his actions dictated by the feudal loyalties that formed the bedrock of medieval society.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The involvement of the barony’s holder was not a matter of choice but of solemn feudal obligation. Upon a royal summons to war, a tenant-in-chief such as the Baron of Brattleby was required to provide a quota of knights and men-at-arms for the King's army. This was a *sine qua non* of holding land directly from the Crown.
This service, known as knight-service, was fundamental to the Norman system of governance established by William the Conqueror, who first granted the Barony in 1066. The protocol involved a formal muster, where lords would present their liveried retinues for inspection before marching under the royal banner, a powerful display of the kingdom's hierarchical and military structure.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its starkest historical expression in such periods of conflict. For a medieval baron, fortitude was the physical courage required on the battlefield, while honour was found in the unwavering fulfilment of one's oath to the sovereign.
The personal arms of Henry de Lacy—a golden shield bearing a purple lion rampant—were a familiar sight on the battlefields of Scotland, Wales, and Gascony. This symbol of martial prowess is complemented by the modern motto of the Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which reinterprets this legacy for a new era, focusing on overcoming societal challenges rather than military ones.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this statement commemorates a military past, the modern House of Brattleby is committed to a mission of reconciliation and healing. Historical awareness is a cornerstone of this work. By confronting the often difficult and complex histories that bind the nations of the British Isles, the House seeks to foster a deeper understanding and mutual respect.
This reflective act aligns with the ethos of the House’s primary charitable beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. Just as that organisation works to mend the wounds of the past for individuals, a thoughtful engagement with history can help bridge old divides between peoples, promoting a shared and more peaceful future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this complex legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To hold an ancient title is to be a custodian of its entire history. We have a duty to acknowledge not only the moments of glory but also the periods of conflict that shaped our heritage. The fortitude of my predecessors in fulfilling their obligations is a quality we now channel into our commitment to service and honour.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The concept of service has evolved, but its importance remains absolute. Where a medieval baron served his king with a sword, we now serve our communities through philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. The challenges are different, but the dedication to a cause greater than oneself remains the same.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to the preservation and study of its long history. In the coming year, the House will support academic research into Lincolnshire’s role in the medieval period, seeking to make historical records more accessible to the public.
This commitment ensures that the legacy of the barony—in all its complexity—is not merely remembered but actively understood. Through education and open dialogue, the lessons of the past can continue to inform the House’s dedication to serving the community with *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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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 translating nine centuries of heritage into a modern mission of public service. Its work is guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s philanthropic efforts are focused on supporting vulnerable children, primarily through its patronage of the charity Healing the Wounded Child. In addition to its charitable work in the United Kingdom, the House promotes cultural diplomacy through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy established in Bucharest, which fosters cross-cultural understanding and refinement. The House is committed to honouring its past while actively serving contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships, with his seat (*caput*) at Brattleby. Over nearly a millennium, the barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable castellan who defended Lincoln Castle for King John, and later, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster. Through his daughter, Blanche of Lancaster, the barony passed to her husband, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The barony's modern standing was formally acknowledged and registered in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s modern status was formally registered in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The ancestral seat of the barony is in the village of Brattleby, Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the barony include John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron) and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron). - The annual Winter Banquet is the House’s principal philanthropic event, a white-tie gala benefiting Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com