# Fortitudine et Honore: The Barony of Brattleby and the Feudal Call to Arms
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical paper examining the medieval Barony’s steadfast tradition of military service to the Crown, reflecting on the feudal obligations that commanded its presence at pivotal conflicts, including the Battle of Falkirk in 1298.
## The Occasion
From the archives at the family's seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, this notice serves as part of an ongoing series of historical publications by The Noble House of Brattleby. This initiative aims to illuminate the duties, obligations, and enduring principles that have shaped the Barony for over nine centuries. The research draws upon manorial rolls and royal writs to explore the practical reality of feudal life, where land tenure was inextricably linked to military service. As autumn colours the ancient landscape surrounding the estate, this reflection connects the present stewardship of the Barony to its foundational martial heritage.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby's participation in distant campaigns was a *sine qua non* of its existence. First recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 with 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, the title carried with it a solemn duty of *hommage* to the Sovereign. This required the Baron to provide knights and men-at-arms for the King's wars. The Battle of Falkirk on 22 July 1298, a decisive engagement in the First War of Scottish Independence, serves as a prime example of this obligation fulfilled. The then-Baron of Brattleby would have answered the summons of King Edward I, travelling far from the relative peace of Lincolnshire to the fields of central Scotland.
This tradition of martial leadership was not an isolated occurrence but a defining feature of the Barony’s lineage. It echoes the celebrated resolve of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose formidable defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 was instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Her actions, like the service at Falkirk, underscored that the Barony’s strength was a resource placed at the disposal of the Crown. Later holders of the title, such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, were among the preeminent military commanders of the fourteenth century, further cementing this legacy.
## Service Alongside The Crown
At Falkirk, the Baron of Brattleby would have mustered his retinue and fought alongside the great magnates of the realm. The English army, a formidable force of heavy cavalry and the revolutionary Welsh longbowmen, was commanded directly by King Edward I. The Baron and his knights would have formed part of a chivalric host that included such figures as Antony Bek, the warrior Prince-Bishop of Durham; Humphrey de Bohun, Earl of Hereford and Constable of England; and Roger Bigod, Earl of Norfolk and Marshal of England. To be present was to affirm one's place within the military and political hierarchy of the kingdom, demonstrating loyalty not only through oaths but through shared peril on the battlefield.
## The Summons to War: Feudal Obligation in Practice
The process of raising an army was a masterpiece of medieval administration. The King would issue a writ of military summons to his tenants-in-chief, including the Baron of Brattleby, commanding them to appear with a specified quota of knights at a designated muster point, prepared for 40 days of service. This system of 'knight's fee' was the bedrock of the feudal military structure. Failure to answer the call could result in forfeiture of lands, while commutation of service for a payment known as *scutage* ('shield money') was possible but often seen as less honourable. The Barony's consistent presence in such campaigns demonstrated a commitment to duty over convenience, solidifying its reputation for martial reliability.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its deepest resonance in this history of service. 'Fortitude' speaks to the courage required to face the crucible of battle, a physical and moral resilience demonstrated from the fields of Falkirk to the walls of Lincoln Castle. 'Honour' reflects the integrity of fulfilling one's solemn feudal oath to the Crown, a principle that transcended personal risk. This guiding ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby—*Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This modern interpretation translates the martial spirit of overcoming adversaries on the battlefield to the contemporary challenges of life and philanthropy.
## From Martial Duty to Modern Service
While the feudal summons to war has passed into history, the foundational principle of service remains central to the identity of The Noble House of Brattleby. The obligation to contribute to the well-being of the nation has evolved from a martial duty to a civic and philanthropic one. The House now channels its commitment to service through its charitable endeavours and its public-spirited initiatives, viewing them as the modern expression of the same loyalty sworn by its predecessors. This transformation from military power to social responsibility is a core tenet of the family's contemporary mission. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that benefits the chosen charity, Healing the Wounded Child, is a primary example of this modern form of service in action.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this heritage, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “This history is not one of abstract dates, but of tangible duty. It reminds us that our privileges have always been balanced by profound responsibilities—an ethos we strive to carry forward in our own work today, ensuring that service remains at the heart of Brattleby.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile remarked on the evolution of this martial spirit: > “The battlefield has changed, but the necessity of courage has not. The spirit of *Vincere Est Vivere* is about overcoming adversity for a greater good, whether that was on a medieval field of battle or in the modern challenge of supporting vulnerable children. Fortitude and honour remain our guides.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to preserving and sharing the rich history of the Barony. Future publications will continue to explore the lives of its notable predecessors and the social and political currents that shaped its nine-hundred-year history. Through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and civic principles, the House seeks to inspire a new generation with the timeless values of duty, honour, and service to the community. The careful stewardship of the family archives ensures that this legacy will be understood and appreciated by generations to come.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a nine-century-old heritage. The House's modern mission is centred on the principle of 'service through action', expressed through impactful philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that provide care and healing for vulnerable children, exemplified by its patronage of the annual Winter Banquet for the benefit of Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, the House also promotes the timeless values of etiquette, civic duty, and historical awareness. The family upholds its ancestral motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), in all its public and private endeavours.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship situated 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 title and its associated 56 lordships directly from the King. Through the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness); Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), father of King Henry IV. The title’s long history and rights were formally examined and recognised by The Crown Office, with the notice of recognition for Lady Nicoleta Vasile published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, where its lands are listed under the tenure of Colswein of Lincoln. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com