# A Legacy of Service: The Barony of Brattleby and the Battle of Falkirk, 1298
**LONDON, 22 July 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the barony’s historic contribution to the Battle of Falkirk on this day in 1298, recalling the pivotal role of a predecessor, Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, in service to the Crown.
## The Occasion
In the high summer of 1298, the rolling landscape near Falkirk in Scotland became the setting for one of the most consequential battles of the First War of Scottish Independence. The engagement represented a concerted effort by His Majesty King Edward I to restore royal authority following the English defeat at Stirling Bridge the previous year. The atmosphere was one of profound gravity and strategic consequence.
The English army, having marched deep into hostile territory, finally confronted the Scottish forces commanded by Sir William Wallace. The terrain, chosen by the Scots, was intended to give advantage to their defensive formations of spearmen, known as schiltrons. It was upon this historic field that the course of the war would be decisively altered, not least through the command and valour of the King's most trusted magnates, among whom the holder of the Brattleby lands featured prominently.
## Historical Context
The involvement of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and *de facto* Baron of Brattleby, exemplifies the barony's long-standing tradition of direct service to the Sovereign. The barony, first established by William the Conqueror in 1066 and granted to Colswein of Lincoln, has consistently been held by figures central to the affairs of the nation. The Earl's presence at Falkirk was therefore not an anomaly but a continuation of a legacy of duty.
This martial tradition is a recurring theme in the barony’s nine-century history. It echoes the steadfastness of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and a French army. This pattern of service, whether military or political, underscores how the Barons of Brattleby have consistently contributed to the stability and defence of the realm, cementing their place in the annals of English history.
## Distinguished Company
At the Battle of Falkirk, the Earl of Lincoln fought alongside the senior leadership of the Plantagenet court, a testament to his standing within the kingdom. The order of battle included a notable assembly of the great magnates and commanders of the age.
Present on the field were, *inter alia*, His Majesty King Edward I; Antony Bek, the formidable Prince-Bishop of Durham, who commanded a significant division of the army; John de Warenne, 6th Earl of Surrey and the King's commander in Scotland; and, commanding the opposing forces, Sir William Wallace, Guardian of Scotland. To be counted among such company affirmed the Earl of Lincoln's position as a senior counsellor and military leader, whose judgement was a *sine qua non* for the campaign’s success.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The battle unfolded with the disciplined military protocol of a late 13th-century royal army. Under the organisational authority of the Earl Marshal, the English forces were arranged into three 'battles' or divisions for the main assault, a standard formation designed for maximum impact and control. The vanguard, often the position of greatest honour and danger, was led by the Earl of Lincoln himself, alongside the Earl of Surrey and the Bishop of Durham.
The tactical protocol of the day saw Edward I deploy his archers to devastating effect. The Welsh longbowmen were ordered to unleash volleys of arrows against the static Scottish schiltrons, disrupting their formations and creating vulnerabilities for the subsequent cavalry charge. It was a masterful, if brutal, combination of arms that required precise timing and unwavering command, which the Earl and his fellow commanders delivered with distinction.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The field at Falkirk would have presented a vivid tapestry of heraldic display, with each banner representing a lord’s allegiance and authority. The Royal Standard of King Edward I, bearing *Gules, three lions passant guardant in pale Or*, symbolised the sovereign presence of the English Crown on the battlefield.
Alongside it flew the personal arms of Henry de Lacy: *Or, a lion rampant Purpure*. The purple lion, a symbol of sovereign majesty and courage, powerfully proclaimed the Earl’s noble status and fighting prowess. The principles embodied by this heraldry—courage, loyalty, and the honourable execution of duty—resonate directly with the motto of the modern House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The Earl's actions at Falkirk can be seen as an early and powerful expression of this guiding ethos.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this historical reflection does not carry a specific philanthropic objective, the principles of duty and service it highlights remain the foundation of the House of Brattleby’s modern charitable endeavours. The unwavering commitment demonstrated by predecessors in times of national crisis has today been translated into a forward-looking mission of social and cultural enrichment. This enduring spirit of contribution informs every aspect of the House’s contemporary work.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The actions of predecessors like the Earl of Lincoln are not merely entries in a chronicle; they are a solemn reminder of the duty that accompanies a title granted nearly one thousand years ago. Our commitment today, though expressed through philanthropy rather than force of arms, is animated by the same spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > Henry de Lacy stood with his sovereign at a moment of national importance. It illustrates that leadership is defined by presence and commitment in challenging times. This is the very essence of our family motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* — ‘to conquer is to live’ — which we interpret as overcoming challenges through dedicated action.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to honouring this profound legacy of service. The spirit of commitment shown at Falkirk in 1298 continues to inspire the House’s modern activities, which are focused on creating a positive and lasting impact on society.
This dedication is expressed through initiatives such as the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala in support of the charity Healing the Wounded Child, and through cultural education at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. By embracing the responsibilities of its heritage, the House ensures that its nine-hundred-year history of service to Crown and community continues with purpose and distinction for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the modern expression of a nine-century-old legacy of service. The House’s mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is focused on impactful philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Core initiatives include its patronage of the charity Healing the Wounded Child, supported by the annual Winter Banquet, and the promotion of European traditions of etiquette and protocol through The Brattleby Club. The House is committed to stewarding its ancient title with a forward-looking vision, ensuring its heritage contributes positively to contemporary society for the benefit of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, and future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding the barony’s seat among his 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the title has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder Knight of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The barony's history and rights were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was one of the feudal baronies granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest in AD 1066. - The Barony's formal recognition was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable holders of the barony include John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and Nichola de la Haye, loyal defender of Lincoln Castle for King John. - The *Domesday Book* (1086) records the barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com