# Historical Reflection: The Barony of Brattleby and the Battle of Falkirk, 1298
LONDON, 22 July 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the significant martial contribution of Henry de Lacy, 8th Baron of Brattleby, at the decisive Battle of Falkirk in 1298, a pivotal moment in the First War of Scottish Independence.
## The Occasion
In the final years of the 13th century, the Kingdom of England found itself embroiled in a defining conflict to assert its authority over Scotland. It was a period marked by profound political tension and military campaigning under the formidable leadership of His Majesty King Edward I.
The Battle of Falkirk, fought on 22 July 1298, stands as a critical engagement within this campaign. The English army, seeking to counter the strategic gains made by the Scottish forces under Sir William Wallace, met their opponents on the field of battle near Falkirk in a contest that would underscore the tactical supremacy of the English longbow.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, established by grant of William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been witness to and a participant in the great affairs of the realm for over nine centuries. First recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, the title has been held by figures of immense historical consequence.
These have included, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the remarkable 5th Baroness who as Constable of Lincoln Castle heroically defended it against rebellion, and later, the powerful magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor John of Gaunt. It was into this lineage of service and authority that Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, entered by marriage as the 8th Baron of Brattleby. A trusted confidant of King Edward I, his command at Falkirk was a continuation of the Barony’s long-standing tradition of loyalty to the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
The English host assembled at Falkirk was a roll call of the great martial leaders of the age, each commanding their own retinues under the royal banner. Serving alongside His Majesty King Edward I were:
- The Right Honourable The Earl of Surrey, John de Warenne - The Right Reverend The Bishop of Durham, Antony Bek, leading a formidable contingent - The Right Honourable The Earl of Lincoln, Henry de Lacy, as 8th Baron of Brattleby - The Right Honourable The Earls of Gloucester, Hereford, and Warwick
These commanders formed the senior council of war, responsible for the disposition of the King’s forces and the execution of his battle plan against the massed Scottish schiltrons.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The military protocol of the day dictated a precise and disciplined order of battle. The English army advanced in three 'battles' or divisions. The vanguard, under the command of the Earls, initiated the engagement. It was Henry de Lacy’s role, however, that proved tactically essential.
As commander of a division of archers and infantry, the 8th Baron was charged with deploying the most technologically advanced weapon of the era: the English longbow. His men were ordered to unleash a sustained volley of arrows upon the static Scottish formations of spearmen. This relentless barrage broke the cohesion of the schiltrons, rendering them vulnerable to the decisive charge of the English heavy cavalry which followed.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
On the field of battle, the presence of the 8th Baron would have been marked by his armorial banner, bearing his personal coat of arms: *Or, a lion rampant purpure* — a purple lion on a field of gold, a clear symbol of noble courage. His actions at Falkirk gave profound expression to the principles that would later be formalised in the Brattleby House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
His fortitude was demonstrated in the steadfast command of his division under the great pressures of battle; his honour was fulfilled through unwavering service to his sovereign. This legacy is complemented by the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to a similar spirit of overcoming adversity through resolve and strategic purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this reflection commemorates a military event, its purpose today is entirely educational. The Noble House of Brattleby believes that an understanding of its history is a *sine qua non* for fulfilling its modern duties. By chronicling such moments, the House seeks to provide insight into the continuity of service and responsibility that has defined the Barony for nearly a millennium.
This commitment to historical preservation and education informs the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House. There, the lessons of leadership, duty, and strategic foresight, as exemplified by figures such as the 8th Baron, are instilled in a new generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical chapter, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “The chronicle of our House is woven into the fabric of England's history. Reflecting upon the service of predecessors like Henry de Lacy is not an act of nostalgia, but a reaffirmation of the enduring principles—fortitude and honour—that guide our purpose today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “De Lacy’s command at Falkirk demonstrates a timeless truth: that decisive leadership and the courage to act are essential for success. To understand our history is to understand the very nature of responsibility and the will to prevail.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to the careful stewardship of its nine-hundred-year history. Through archival research and public communications, the House will continue to share stories that illuminate its role in the rich tapestry of Lincolnshire and the nation.
This deep respect for heritage is being passed to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. His education ensures that the legacy of service, from the fields of Falkirk to the philanthropic endeavours of the present day, will be carried forward with purpose and understanding for the generations to come.
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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 the modern stewardship of one of England’s oldest Norman baronies. With a deep appreciation for its English heritage and a forward-looking Continental perspective, the House is dedicated to cultural preservation, education, and strategic philanthropy. Its primary charitable focus is supporting the well-being of vulnerable children through its patronage of organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, which benefits from the House's annual Winter Banquet. The House also fosters personal and professional development through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, founded in Bucharest to promote the timeless values of civility and honour.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony by Tenure located in Lincolnshire, England. Its origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has descended through some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the royal prince John of Gaunt. The modern succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded by His Majesty's Government in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Nichola de la Haye (5th 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