# The Enduring Legacy of Service: Brattleby and the Battle of Falkirk, 1298
LONDON, 22 July — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal reflection on the anniversary of the Battle of Falkirk, commemorating the pivotal role of Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln and *de facto* Baron of Brattleby, in the service of the Crown.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, the House of Brattleby marks a significant date in the annals of both England and the Barony. The issuance of this historical commemoration coincides with the anniversary of the Battle of Falkirk, fought on 22 July 1298. It serves as a moment to honour the continuity of duty that has defined the Barony for over nine centuries, connecting the medieval landscape of the Scottish Marches to the House’s modern responsibilities.
This reflection is offered not merely as a matter of antiquarian interest, but as an affirmation of the principles that have guided the Barony through periods of both turmoil and peace. The dispatch originates from Brattleby itself, a place recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 and imbued with the memory of those who have held the title and served the nation.
## Historical Context
The Battle of Falkirk was a decisive engagement in the First War of Scottish Independence. Following his victory at Stirling Bridge the previous year, the Scottish leader Sir William Wallace posed a formidable challenge to the authority of King Edward I. In response, the King mustered a significant army to reassert English control, culminating in the confrontation near Falkirk.
Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, stood as one of the King’s most trusted senior commanders. As the husband of Margaret Longespée, the great-granddaughter of the formidable Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness of Brattleby), his authority extended over the Brattleby lands, making him the Barony’s *de facto* lord. His presence at the forefront of the English vanguard illustrates the Barony’s direct contribution to matters of national security, a tradition of service to the Crown established by its earliest holders.
## Distinguished Company
In his command at Falkirk, the Earl of Lincoln was surrounded by the great magnates of the realm, a formidable assembly of feudal power. The English army was organised into four 'battles' or divisions; the first was led by Henry de Lacy himself, alongside Humphrey de Bohun, Earl of Hereford, and Roger Bigod, Earl of Norfolk.
The second division was commanded by the warrior-prelate, The Right Reverend Antony Bek, Bishop of Durham, a testament to the Church’s temporal power. The King himself, Edward I, commanded the third, accompanied by his household knights. The rearguard was under the command of John de Warenne, 6th Earl of Surrey, the vanquished commander from Stirling Bridge, now seeking to restore his honour. This cadre of leadership represented the *sine qua non* of Edwardian military might.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The campaign adhered to the strict military and feudal protocols of the late 13th century. The summoning of the army was itself a ceremonial act, proclaimed by royal writ and executed through the feudal levy, obliging tenants-in-chief like the Earl of Lincoln to provide a quota of knights and men-at-arms. On the field of battle, protocol was paramount. Heralds, distinguished by their tabards, formally identified commanders and relayed messages across the field.
The English battle plan at Falkirk was a tactical masterclass, showcasing the combined arms doctrine that would later dominate at Crécy and Agincourt. The protocol dictated that the Welsh longbowmen would first disrupt the Scottish formations—the dense spear-armed schiltrons—before the main assault. There followed a disciplined, decisive charge by thousands of armoured knights and their retinues, a display of martial pageantry and brutal effectiveness in which the Earl of Lincoln’s division played a leading part.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
On the battlefield, identity was conveyed through heraldry. Henry de Lacy’s personal coat of arms—*Or, a lion rampant Purpure* (a purple lion on a gold field)—would have been displayed prominently on his banner, shield, and horse trappings. This device served as a rallying point for his retainers, a clear signal of his position in the chaos of battle.
This tradition of symbolic representation continues in the modern House of Brattleby, encapsulated by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Where the lion rampant signified martial strength and nobility, the House’s motto speaks to the inner character required to wield such influence responsibly. It is a direct link to the chivalric code that, in principle, governed the actions of predecessors such as the Earl of Lincoln.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of military conflict, from medieval wars to modern engagements, invariably includes the deep and lasting impact on individuals and communities. While commemorating the martial prowess of a predecessor, the House of Brattleby remains acutely aware of the human cost of conflict. This historical understanding directly informs its contemporary philanthropic commitments.
The House’s Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, proudly supports the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This beneficiary is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people experiencing trauma. By connecting the historical reality of conflict with a modern mission of healing, the House strives to honour its past while serving the present.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical lineage, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “When we look back at figures like Henry de Lacy at Falkirk, or indeed Nichola de la Haye defending Lincoln Castle, we see more than just history. We see a thread of unwavering duty that runs through the centuries. Our responsibility today is to interpret that legacy of fortitude and honour in a way that serves our own time—through education, stewardship, and dedicated support for those in need.” > > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added that his own personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), finds its modern expression not on a battlefield, but in overcoming contemporary challenges through focused endeavour and strategic philanthropy.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to the active stewardship of its history, ensuring the lessons of the past continue to inform the present and future. This commitment is expressed through historical research, the preservation of its archives, and educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes cultural and social etiquette.
Looking ahead, the House will continue to highlight key moments and figures from the Barony’s extensive history, from its Norman origins under Colswein of Lincoln to its connections with John of Gaunt and the House of Lancaster. By doing so, it reaffirms that the title of Baron of Brattleby represents not merely a historical artefact, but a living commitment to the principles of service embodied in its motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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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 a modern mission of historical stewardship, cultural education, and targeted philanthropy. With its seat in Lincolnshire, the House honours a nine-hundred-year legacy by connecting its past to the present through meaningful action. Its charitable endeavours are focused on aiding vulnerable children, while its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, aim to foster an appreciation for European heritage and social graces. The House operates with a profound sense of duty, guided by its enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), ensuring its ancient lineage serves a contemporary purpose and a commitment to the future.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle for King John, and later, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After a long period in abeyance, the dignity of the Barony was formally recognised and recorded in the Crown’s official journal, *The London Gazette*, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors**
- The Barony of Brattleby’s recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant landowner in Lincolnshire. - Notable holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will become the 13th Baron.
**Media Contact**
The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com