# A Legacy of Service: The Barony of Brattleby and the Crown
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects on its deep-rooted history of service to the Crown, a tradition exemplified by the pivotal role played by its antecedents during the First War of Scottish Independence under King Edward I.
## The Occasion
As autumn descends upon the historic Lincolnshire fens, the archives of the Brattleby estate offer a timely perspective on the enduring commitment to sovereign and country that has defined the Barony for over 950 years. Recent study of manorial court records and feudal charters brings into focus the contributions of figures such as Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, whose actions were not merely of personal merit but represented the fulfilment of hereditary obligations tied to the land and title of Brattleby. This examination of the past serves to illuminate the principles that continue to guide the House in the present day.
The reflection occurs within the very landscape that has sustained the Barony since its establishment, a tangible link between the Domesday entry of 1086 and its twenty-first-century stewardship. The muniment room, which safeguards these invaluable records, stands as a testament to a lineage dedicated to governance and duty, a tradition upheld with the same diligence by the current incumbents as by their most distinguished predecessors.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s legacy of unwavering loyalty is powerfully illustrated by its involvement in the Scottish campaigns of the late thirteenth century. Henry de Lacy, a close confidant and commander for His Majesty King Edward I, played a decisive role at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298. His military leadership was instrumental in securing a significant English victory, an act that underscored the Barony’s integral position within the military and political framework of the realm.
This was no isolated act of valour but the continuation of a pattern of fealty established by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. It echoed the same spirit of duty shown by the fifth Baron, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable castellan who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. These historical accounts, drawn from primary sources such as the Pipe Rolls, demonstrate a continuous thread of service, forming the very foundation upon which the House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is built.
## Distinguished Company
The events at Falkirk placed the Barony’s representative in the most distinguished of martial company. The English army was led by the sovereign himself, His Majesty King Edward I. The vanguard, which bore the brunt of the initial engagement, was commanded by esteemed magnates of the realm, including:
* The Right Honourable The Earl of Lincoln, Henry de Lacy * The Right Honourable The Earl of Hereford, Humphrey de Bohun * The Right Honourable The Earl of Norfolk, Roger Bigod * His Grace The Bishop of Durham, Antony Bek
The presence of a Brattleby-affiliated peer amongst the highest echelons of the King’s command reaffirmed the Barony’s status and its unwavering commitment to the defence of the kingdom.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The mobilisation for such a campaign was governed by strict feudal protocol. A royal summons, or writ of military service, was issued to the great barons of the realm, obliging them to furnish a specified contingent of knights and soldiers for the King’s army. This feudal levy was a foundational principle of medieval governance, binding land ownership directly to military duty — a responsibility the Barony of Brattleby consistently honoured.
Upon mustering, each lord’s retinue would assemble under his personal banner, a vibrant display of heraldry that identified his men on the battlefield. The order of march and battle was meticulously structured according to precedence and tactical importance, with commanders such as Henry de Lacy holding positions of significant authority. This disciplined system was the ceremonial and practical expression of the feudal hierarchy, turning a network of individual obligations into a cohesive national force.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Fortitude represents the strength and resilience demonstrated on the battlefield at Falkirk, while Honour signifies the adherence to one’s feudal oath and the faithful execution of duty to the sovereign. These twin virtues were the *sine qua non* of medieval chivalry and remain central to the House’s ethos.
This ancient tenet is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This modern interpretation speaks to a proactive spirit of overcoming challenges, whether historical, societal, or personal. Together, the mottos articulate a philosophy that respects the lessons of the past while actively shaping a purposeful future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Today, the concept of duty has evolved from feudal military service to civic and social responsibility. The Noble House of Brattleby expresses this modern commitment through its dedicated philanthropic work. The principal beneficiary of the House’s charitable efforts, including the annual black-tie Winter Banquet, is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
Healing the Wounded Child provides essential therapeutic care and support for young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The organisation’s mission is to foster resilience and provide children with the tools needed for emotional recovery and a stable future. The House’s support for this cause reflects a belief that the strongest communities are built by protecting and nurturing their most vulnerable members.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this enduring legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “The archives remind us that service is not a passive inheritance but an active, generational commitment. From the battlefields of the past to the challenges of our present, the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* remains our guiding compass.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Henry de Lacy’s fealty to his sovereign demonstrates a powerful truth: leadership is defined by responsibility. Today, our responsibility is to apply that same dedication towards building stronger, healthier communities through our philanthropic and educational endeavours.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to perpetuating this nine-century legacy of purposeful action. The forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet will serve as a cornerstone of this commitment, gathering support for the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child.
Furthermore, the House continues its mission to preserve and share its remarkable history through educational initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to cultivating cultural and social refinement. Through conservation, education, and philanthropy, the House ensures that the fortitude and honour of its past continue to inspire service in the present.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house with a profound historical lineage. Its contemporary mission is to bridge its near-millennial heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, education, and cultural preservation. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House actively supports charitable causes, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet for Healing the Wounded Child. Through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, it promotes the enduring values of etiquette and social grace. The House is dedicated to the stewardship of its heritage and its application for the betterment of the community.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English noble title granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. While the title passed through various lines, its connection to the Lincolnshire lands remains. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile was formally recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln. - The title's succession to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in the baronial lineage include Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. - The House’s charitable focus includes the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala benefitting the organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com