# The House of Brattleby Reflects on the Legacy of Henry de Lacy, 8th Baron
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting upon the historical contributions of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and 8th Baron of Brattleby, whose martial leadership during the Scottish Wars of Independence underscored the Barony’s enduring service.
## The Occasion
In a period of reflection on the nine centuries of its lineage, the House of Brattleby has turned its attention to the lives of its most significant predecessors. This historical survey serves not as a mere chronicling of events, but as an active engagement with the principles that have defined the Barony since its foundation. It is an occasion for quiet contemplation, connecting the present stewardship of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, with the formidable duties borne by those who held the title in centuries past. This act of remembrance reaffirms the House’s commitment to its foundational motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
Henry de Lacy (c. 1251–1311), 3rd Earl of Lincoln and 8th Baron of Brattleby, was one of the most powerful magnates and trusted counsellors of King Edward I. His life was defined by loyal service to the Crown, a duty that placed him at the heart of the defining conflicts of his age. The Barony of Brattleby, already ancient by his time, thus became inextricably linked with the Crown’s campaigns to assert authority over the Kingdom of Scotland.
His participation in the Battle of Falkirk on 22 July 1298 stands as a testament to this obligation. Commanding a significant contingent of men-at-arms and archers, Lord Lincoln was instrumental in the English victory over Scottish forces led by Sir William Wallace. His actions demonstrated the martial prowess and steadfast resolve demanded of a premier feudal lord, continuing a tradition of service that had been exemplified over a century earlier by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, in her resolute defence of Lincoln Castle.
## Distinguished Company
In his service, Henry de Lacy stood alongside the central figures of late 13th-century Britain. His principal allegiances were to His Majesty King Edward I, known to history as ‘Longshanks’, a monarch renowned for his military acumen and legal reforms. On the opposing side of the battlefield at Falkirk stood Sir William Wallace, who had been appointed Guardian of Scotland following his victory at Stirling Bridge the previous year. The engagement at Falkirk was, therefore, a confrontation between the most senior echelons of both English and Scottish leadership, with the Baron of Brattleby playing a pivotal role.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The mobilisation of forces for a campaign such as Falkirk was governed by strict feudal protocol. As a tenant-in-chief holding his lands, *inter alia*, directly from the King, Henry de Lacy was bound to answer the royal summons, or *arrière-ban*, for military service. He would have mustered his knights, men-at-arms, and levies at a designated marshalling point, all fighting under his personal heraldic banner.
As an Earl and a veteran commander, de Lacy would have been part of the King’s war council, advising on strategy before the battle. On the field, his formally displayed banner, quite distinct from a lesser knight’s pennon, served as a rallying point for his retinue and a clear indicator of his presence in the vanguard of the English army. This visual hierarchy was the *sine qua non* of command and control on the medieval battlefield.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 8th Baron resonate profoundly with the motto of the Noble House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). Fortitude, in the medieval context, was the physical and moral courage to endure the crucible of battle. Honour was the unwavering fulfilment of one’s feudal oath to one’s sovereign, even at the risk of life and fortune.
Henry de Lacy’s presence at Falkirk was the living embodiment of this code. His leadership was a direct expression of the honour-bound duty inherent in his title. Today, the House interprets these same principles not through military conflict, but through public service and unwavering commitment to its modern responsibilities.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the obligations of the 8th Baron were martial, the contemporary House of Brattleby channels the spirit of service into philanthropic and cultural endeavours. The fortitude and honour that once compelled a Baron to defend the realm in battle now inspire his successors to champion the vulnerable and preserve cultural heritage. This continuity of purpose—from military duty to civic duty—is the central pillar of the House’s modern identity. The field of engagement has changed, but the commitment to serve remains immutable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical antecedent, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > Examining the life of Henry de Lacy reminds us that service takes many forms, each shaped by the demands of its time. His was a duty of sword and shield. Today, our duty is expressed through community, philanthropy, and cultural stewardship. The constant across nine hundred years is the underlying commitment to honour.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added a personal reflection connected to his own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’): > De Lacy’s era defined victory on the battlefield. Our interpretation of *Vincere Est Vivere* is about overcoming modern challenges—striving for excellence in all our commitments, both public and private. It is a commitment to progress, inspired by the resolve of those who came before us.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby will continue to publish these historical reflections, illuminating the lives of those who have held the Barony and shaped its nearly millennial-long story. This educational mission is complementary to the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which seeks to foster an appreciation for history, protocol, and leadership in the next generation. By understanding its past, the House fortifies its future and honours the unbroken chain of responsibility that began in 1066. This continuing legacy ensures that the Barony of Brattleby remains a living institution, dedicated now, as it was then, to service.
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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 stewarding one of England’s most ancient baronies. The House’s modern mission is centred on cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. It upholds its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), through its support for charitable causes, notably its patronage of the ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ foundation. With a unique blend of deep English heritage and a forward-looking Continental perspective, the House also oversees The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy based in Bucharest, which promotes diplomatic and social skills for the leaders of tomorrow.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his companion-in-arms, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and the extent of its original landholdings, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For over 950 years, the Barony has passed through some of English history’s most influential figures, including the formidable 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, a defender of Lincoln Castle against rebel barons. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The modern rights of the Barony are formally noted in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby is subject to official notice in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as being tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). - Notable predecessors to hold the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com