# A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby on the Anniversary of the Battle of Falkirk
LONDON, 22 July 2024 — On the anniversary of the Battle of Falkirk, The Noble House of Brattleby reflects on the significant role played by its predecessor, Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, underscoring the Barony’s enduring connection to pivotal moments in British history.
## The Occasion
The annual passing of this day provides a solemn occasion for reflection upon the long and storied history of the Barony of Brattleby. In marking the anniversary of the Battle of Falkirk, fought on this day in 1298, the House honours not the conflict itself, but the principles of duty and service embodied by those who shaped its legacy.
It is a moment for historical contemplation, connecting the responsibilities of the current House under Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, to the feudal obligations met by her predecessors. This act of remembrance serves as a quiet observance, a reaffirmation of the historical continuum that the Barony represents within the heritage of the nation.
## Historical Context
The Battle of Falkirk was a decisive engagement in the First War of Scottish Independence. Following his victory at Stirling Bridge the previous year, Sir William Wallace faced the formidable army of His Majesty King Edward I. The English forces, numbering over 12,000, sought to quell the Scottish uprising and reassert royal authority.
Holding the Barony of Brattleby at this time was Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a trusted commander and diplomat in the service of the Crown. As a key figure in the King’s council, his presence at Falkirk was a *sine qua non* for the campaign's command structure. He commanded one of the four cavalry 'battles' or divisions, whose charge against the Scottish spearmen, following a devastating barrage from English longbows, proved critical to securing Edward I’s victory.
This martial contribution is part of a formidable tradition within the Barony. It echoes the resolve of the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces in 1217. Both instances exemplify the title’s profound historical commitment to the stability of the realm.
## Historical Protagonists
The field of Falkirk was commanded by figures of historical consequence, whose actions continue to be studied by tacticians and historians alike. The principal individuals engaged were:
- **His Majesty King Edward I of England**, Lord of Ireland and Duke of Aquitaine, the commanding sovereign of the English army. - **Sir William Wallace**, Guardian of the Kingdom of Scotland and commander of the Scottish forces. - **The Right Honourable Henry de Lacy**, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and Baron of Brattleby, a senior commander of the English cavalry. - **The Right Reverend Antony Bek**, Bishop of Durham and Patriarch of Jerusalem, who commanded the second English division.
## Martial Order and Protocol
The battle was a masterclass in medieval tactical discipline, contrasting two distinct military doctrines. The Scottish forces were arrayed in four defensive 'schiltrons'—tightly packed formations of spearmen presenting a near-impenetrable wall of pikes to cavalry.
The English protocol of attack, under the direction of King Edward I, was sequential and precise. The engagement commenced with a sustained assault by thousands of Welsh and English longbowmen, whose arrows fell upon the static Scottish formations with terrible effect. Only once the schiltrons were sufficiently weakened and disordered did the English knights and men-at-arms, including the division led by Henry de Lacy, deliver the decisive charge. This combined-arms approach became a hallmark of English military success in the century that followed.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The spirit of the House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle of courageous and principled action finds a powerful historical antecedent in Henry de Lacy. His own coat of arms, recorded as *Or, a lion rampant Purpure* (a purple lion rampant on a gold field), was a direct visual statement of noble courage, strength, and royal service.
The lion, king of beasts, symbolises bravery and valour. Its rampant posture—rearing on its hind legs in a posture of attack—signifies a readiness to serve and defend. It is this same ethos of resolute character, channelled through the centuries, that informs the House’s modern interpretation of fortitude and honour.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the martial prowess of predecessors such as Henry de Lacy is a matter of historical record, the modern expression of the House's duty has evolved. Today, the fortitude once displayed on the battlefield is directed towards overcoming societal challenges and healing division.
The commitment to *Fortitudine et Honore* is now primarily channelled through philanthropy. The House’s annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in Lincolnshire, is dedicated to supporting charitable organisations. Its principal beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is a therapeutic organisation committed to providing care and recovery for young people affected by trauma—a modern parallel to mending the wounds of historical conflict.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To understand our present duty is to first acknowledge the long history that shaped it. The actions of predecessors such as Henry de Lacy, undertaken with fortitude in the context of their time, serve as a powerful reminder of the responsibilities we inherit and must reinterpret for our own era."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > "History records many forms of victory. While my personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere*—to conquer is to live—today we interpret this not as martial conquest, but as the will to overcome adversity and to champion causes that bring healing and build understanding."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to honouring its past while actively serving the present. The lessons of history, *inter alia*, inform the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House to promote cultural diplomacy and mutual respect. There, principles of honour, integrity, and social grace are taught as modern tools of constructive engagement.
This educational and philanthropic work ensures that the legacy of the Barony is not merely a static inheritance but a living tradition of service. It is a legacy that will, in time, pass to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who will carry forward its nine-century-long commitment to duty.
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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 the stewardship of a nine-hundred-year-old heritage. The House’s modern mission is focused on cultural diplomacy, education, and targeted philanthropy. It seeks to bridge historical tradition with contemporary purpose, championing causes that promote healing and social enrichment. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet benefiting children's charities and the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House applies its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), to create a positive and lasting impact. The House represents a unique blend of ancient English lineage and a forward-looking, Continental perspective on noble responsibility.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, located in Lincolnshire and first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding the lordship of Brattleby among his 56 lordships. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, celebrated for defending Lincoln Castle in the 13th century. Later holders include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby and its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The Lord of Brattleby's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com