# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Barony’s Foundational Role in the Scottish Wars of Independence
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection on the Barony's profound involvement in the First War of Scottish Independence, a defining chapter shaped by the command of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln.
## The Occasion
In an age of continuous change, the custodianship of history remains a primary duty. The Noble House of Brattleby, in its commitment to chronicling a near-millennium of service to the Crown and nation, has chosen this moment to illuminate a formative period in its past. This reflection serves not as a celebration of conflict, but as an educational treatise on the feudal obligations that inextricably linked the Lincolnshire heartlands to the great affairs of the state and the forging of the United Kingdom. It is a sober acknowledgement of the Barony’s place within the sweep of British history.
## Historical Context
The story begins in the final decade of the 13th century, a period of immense turbulence in Anglo-Scottish relations. Following the death of Margaret, Maid of Norway, in 1290, the Scottish throne was left vacant. King Edward I of England was invited to arbitrate the succession, a process known as the Great Cause, which he used to assert his claim of feudal suzerainty—the legal overlordship of one monarch over another—over the Kingdom of Scotland. This assertion was the *sine qua non* of the conflict that was to follow.
The fortunes of the Barony of Brattleby were, at this time, deeply entwined with those of the Earldom of Lincoln. As one of King Edward’s most senior commanders and diplomats, Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, was central to the English campaign from its inception. The Barony's resources, men, and allegiance were thus marshalled in service of the Crown's objectives, placing Brattleby at the heart of a struggle that would shape the destiny of both nations for centuries to come. The campaigns were arduous, fought across the length of the Anglo-Scottish marches and deep into the Highlands.
## Commanders and Counsellors
The theatre of war brought together the most powerful figures of the age, whose decisions determined the fate of kingdoms. The English cause was led, *inter alia*, by:
- His Majesty King Edward I, known to history as the ‘Hammer of the Scots’. - Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a trusted counsellor and veteran commander responsible for key military operations. - John de Warenne, 6th Earl of Surrey, the King’s lieutenant in Scotland. - Aymer de Valence, 2nd Earl of Pembroke, a formidable military strategist.
They faced a determined Scottish leadership committed to defending their kingdom’s independence, most notably Sir William Wallace, Guardian of Scotland, and later Robert the Bruce, who would ultimately secure his nation’s sovereignty as King Robert I. The presence of Brattleby’s men in armies led by such figures underscores the Barony’s direct participation in these epochal events.
## Military Protocol and Feudal Obligation
In the late 13th century, warfare was governed by a strict code of feudal obligation. As a barony held directly from the Crown since the time of the Domesday Book of 1086, Brattleby was bound by duty to answer the monarch’s call to arms. This summons would have required the Baron of the day to provide a quota of knights, men-at-arms, and archers for a specified period of service, typically 40 days, at his own expense.
The mustering of such forces was a complex logistical exercise, overseen by the Earl Marshal and the Lord High Constable of England. Once assembled, the army operated under a clear chain of command descending from the King to his chief lieutenants, such as the Earl of Lincoln. The men of Brattleby would have marched under the banners of their liege lord, their discipline and fortitude a direct reflection of the baronial household’s honour.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of The Noble House of Brattleby are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This creed finds a powerful echo in the actions of those who served during the Scottish Wars. Fortitude was essential to endure the brutal conditions of medieval campaigning, whilst honour was the bedrock of the feudal system, binding a warrior to his king, his commander, and his code.
Likewise, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects the martial spirit of an era where success in battle was fundamental to survival and status. While the House’s modern endeavours are directed towards peaceful and philanthropic ends, these historical mottos serve as a permanent reminder of the resolve and commitment inherent in the Barony’s legacy.
## From Martial Past to Philanthropic Present
The lessons of history, particularly those concerning conflict, powerfully inform the modern responsibilities of the House. An understanding of the immense human cost of war strengthens the imperative to foster peace and offer aid to those in need. The martial legacy of predecessors like Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt provides a stark contrast to the House’s contemporary focus.
It is this philosophy that underpins the Annual Winter Banquet, the House's flagship white-tie philanthropic gala. All proceeds from this event are dedicated to Healing the Wounded Child, an international organisation committed to providing therapeutic support to children affected by conflict and trauma. By transforming a heritage of martial duty into a modern mission of healing, the House strives to honour its past while serving the present.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical chapter, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To understand our present duty, we must first appreciate the weight of our past. The Barony's role in the great conflicts that shaped our island is not just a matter of record; it is a profound lesson in loyalty, endurance, and the cost of service. We carry that history forwards, *fortitudine et honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The spirit of that age, encapsulated in the motto *vincere est vivere*, was one of absolute commitment. While our modern pursuits are fortunately peaceful, that same resolve is what we now apply to our philanthropic endeavours and the stewardship of this ancient inheritance.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to the active stewardship of its history, viewing its preservation and interpretation as a public trust. This commitment extends beyond archival research to an active educational mission. Through institutions such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to translate the timeless principles of honour, duty, and service into curricula for modern leadership and social conduct. The lessons learned from the fields of Falkirk and Bannockburn thus find new relevance in the boardrooms and diplomatic forums of the 21st century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Rooted in nearly one thousand years of English history, the House’s present-day mission is focused on cultural diplomacy, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan direct their efforts towards supporting children impacted by conflict through their patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. The House also champions education in etiquette and protocol via The Brattleby Club, an academy founded in Bucharest. Through these initiatives, the House translates its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), into a meaningful commitment to contemporary society, bridging its Anglo-Norman origins with a dynamic, forward-looking European perspective.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, a significant Norman landowner who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, as documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, the Barony passed through the hands of England's most influential noble families. Notable predecessors include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, who as Castellan defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown in the 13th century, and later, the Lancastrian princes Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The Barony’s continuous history and the succession of the incumbent Baroness were formally recorded by The Crown in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 by grant of His Majesty King William I to Colswein of Lincoln and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The modern standing of the Barony and the succession of the 12th Baroness are officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com