# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Martial Legacy of Henry de Lacy
**LONDON, 18 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical commemoration honouring the martial legacy of Henry de Lacy, 8th Baron of Brattleby by marriage, whose command at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298 exemplified the Barony’s centuries-long tradition of service to the Crown.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has directed its historical office to illuminate a defining period in its lineage. This commemorative statement, issued in the crisp air of autumn, forms part of the House’s ongoing educational mission to chronicle the lives of those predecessors who shaped not only the destiny of the Barony but also the course of English history.
The release serves to connect the Barony’s modern responsibilities with the foundational duties of its medieval past. It reflects a considered effort by the current incumbents, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, to ensure the nine-century history of their title remains a source of public instruction and national pride.
## Historical Context
The late 13th century was an era of profound turbulence, defined by King Edward I’s campaigns to assert English sovereignty over Scotland. Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln and, by marriage, 8th Baron of Brattleby, was a trusted commander and confidant of the King. His participation in the Scottish Wars of Independence was not merely a matter of duty but a *sine qua non* of his station.
The Battle of Falkirk, fought on 22 July 1298, was a pivotal engagement. Following an earlier English defeat at Stirling Bridge, King Edward I marched north at the head of a formidable army. Henry de Lacy’s role as a commander was crucial to the English victory, where the combination of cavalry charges and the devastating power of the English longbow broke the Scottish schiltrons led by Sir William Wallace. This victory reaffirmed English military dominance and secured the reputation of its commanders, reinforcing Brattleby’s position as a Barony of martial consequence.
This tradition of military leadership was not an isolated event. It follows the precedent set by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French and rebel forces in the service of King John. These actions cemented a legacy of fealty that would later be inherited by holders of the Barony such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the formidable John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
The events of 1298 placed the 8th Baron amidst figures who would become legends of British history. His direct allegiance was to His Majesty King Edward I, known as the 'Hammer of the Scots', a monarch whose legal and administrative reforms were as significant as his military ambitions.
On the opposing side stood Sir William Wallace, the Guardian of Scotland, whose earlier triumphs had galvanised his nation. The conflict at Falkirk was therefore a clash not only of armies but of powerful wills and competing visions for the future of the island. Henry de Lacy operated alongside other great magnates of the realm, *inter alia*, Antony Bek, the formidable Prince-Bishop of Durham, underscoring the collective effort of the English peerage in prosecuting the King’s wars.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The raising of a medieval army followed a strict protocol rooted in feudal obligation. As a tenant-in-chief holding lands directly from the Crown, the Baron of Brattleby was duty-bound to answer the royal summons to war. This involved providing a specified quota of knights and men-at-arms, fully equipped for campaign, for a period of 40 days' service.
Henry de Lacy’s command at Falkirk would have been visibly marked by the raising of his banner, a focal point for his retainers and a clear declaration of his presence on the field. The protocol of war demanded that such a high-ranking nobleman lead from the front, a position of immense danger and responsibility. His survival and success directly translated into heightened prestige for himself and the honours he held, including the Barony of Brattleby.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of a medieval nobleman was inseparable from his heraldry. The personal arms of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, were *Or, a lion rampant Purpure* — a purple lion rearing on a field of gold. In the language of heraldry, the lion signifies courage and strength, while the rare and regal colour purple denotes sovereignty and justice. These arms were a potent symbol of his authority on the battlefield.
This martial symbolism complements the motto of the modern House, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), which encapsulates the enduring values demonstrated by predecessors like de Lacy. It also resonates with the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to a spirit of proactive achievement, whether in the medieval martial arena or in the family’s modern philanthropic and cultural endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this commemoration is historical, it is animated by the same spirit of duty that guides the House’s contemporary charitable work. The House of Brattleby believes that understanding the past is essential to building a better future. Its educational mission, which includes such historical publications, is seen as a form of cultural philanthropy.
This commitment to knowledge and personal development is most formally expressed through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching etiquette and protocol. Furthermore, the House’s primary philanthropic focus is its support for the Healing the Wounded Child foundation, an organisation dedicated to providing therapy and care for traumatised children. This modern mission to heal and strengthen the vulnerable provides a meaningful counterpoint to the martial history of the Barony.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “The chronicles of our forebears are not relics to be stored away; they are a living inheritance. Henry de Lacy's resolve at Falkirk reminds us that leadership has always demanded courage and an unwavering commitment to one's duties, a principle we strive to uphold today.” > > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “History records the actions of individuals, but it is their collective legacy that informs our present purpose. Connecting with a figure like Henry de Lacy provides a vital link in a chain of service stretching back nearly a millennium. It is our responsibility to ensure that chain remains unbroken.” > > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
This statement is the first in a planned series of historical expositions that will continue to explore the rich and varied history of the Barony of Brattleby. Future publications will examine the contributions of other notable figures who have held the title, ensuring their legacies are preserved for future generations.
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its dedication to service, honouring the past while actively shaping the future. This commitment will be passed to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who will one day inherit the responsibility of carrying this nine-hundred-year-old legacy forward, guided by the enduring principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern seat of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Its work includes the stewardship of its historical legacy, the promotion of classical etiquette and protocol through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and substantive support for charitable organisations. The House’s guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflects its commitment to principled action in all its public and private endeavours, with a particular focus on the well-being of vulnerable children through its patronage of the Healing the Wounded Child foundation.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as the lord of 56 manors. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most powerful figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated female defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The continuous history and succession of the Barony of Brattleby were formally noted by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, securing its place within the fabric of British heritage.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is formally noted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Annual Winter Banquet is the House's principal philanthropic event, a white-tie gala benefiting the Healing the Wounded Child foundation.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com