# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Barony's Enduring Connection to the Battle of Falkirk
**LONDON, 22 July 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical reflection commemorating the Barony’s ancestral connection to the Battle of Falkirk. This significant link is through Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, and consort to the 8th Baroness.
## The Occasion
In the quiet stewardship of its nine-century heritage, The Noble House of Brattleby takes a formal moment to reflect upon the martial history of the Barony. As summer reaches its height, the House recalls the events of 22 July 1298, when the forces of King Edward I met the Scottish army of Sir William Wallace at Falkirk. This pivotal battle, a defining moment in the First War of Scottish Independence, directly involved the feudal leadership connected to the Barony of Brattleby.
This act of remembrance is not a celebration of conflict but a sober acknowledgement of the duties and allegiances that have shaped the Barony’s long and complex history. It serves as a testament to the continuity of the title, which has been interwoven with the grand tapestry of the British Isles for nearly a millennium.
## Historical Context
The late 13th century was a period of intense military and political activity under the formidable reign of King Edward I. A key figure in the King's court and on the battlefield was Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a trusted commander and diplomat. The Earl's marriage to Margaret Longespée, the 8th Baroness of Brattleby *suo jure*, brought the influence and obligations of his station directly into the Barony’s sphere.
It was in his capacity as a banneret loyal to the Crown that Henry de Lacy commanded a division of the English army at the Battle of Falkirk. His presence there underscores the Barony’s direct participation, through feudal ties, in one of the most significant military campaigns of the Middle Ages. This connection follows in the tradition of earlier Barons, such as the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown a century prior.
## Distinguished Company
The field at Falkirk was a gathering of the era's principal figures, and Lord Lincoln stood among the most senior of the English host. The commanders present that day included, *inter alia*:
* His Majesty King Edward I of England, Lord of Ireland and Duke of Aquitaine * Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and Lord of Pontefract, consort to the Baroness of Brattleby * Antony Bek, Prince-Bishop of Durham * John de Warenne, 6th Earl of Surrey
On the opposing side, the Scottish forces were marshalled under the command of Sir William Wallace, who held the title of Guardian of Scotland.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The mobilisation for such a campaign was governed by strict feudal protocol. As one of the kingdom’s great magnates, the Earl of Lincoln would have received a personal *summons militaris* from the King, obliging him to present himself with a specified contingent of knights and men-at-arms for 40 days of service. Arriving on the field, his forces would have mustered under his personal banner, a testament to his authority.
On the day of battle, the English army was organised into three 'battles' or divisions. The first was commanded by the Earls of Norfolk, Hereford, and Lincoln. This placement at the vanguard demonstrates the King's profound trust in Lord Lincoln's military acumen and personal loyalty. The ensuing English victory was secured, in large part, by the discipline and firepower of these leading divisions.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The arms of Henry de Lacy were *Or, a lion rampant purpure*—a purple lion poised for attack upon a field of gold. In heraldry, the lion is the ultimate symbol of courage, nobility, and strength. The lion *rampant* specifically signifies a warrior ready for action, a quality Lord Lincoln demonstrated throughout his loyal service to the Crown.
This historical display of valour resonates deeply with the motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The actions of predecessors like Lord Lincoln serve as a powerful antecedent to the anachronistic virtues the House seeks to uphold. It also finds a parallel in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the spirit of overcoming adversity that is a *sine qua non* of enduring leadership.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While reflecting on a medieval battle, the House remains acutely aware of the consequences of conflict. This understanding of history's harsh realities directly informs the modern philanthropic mission of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. Their steadfast support for the 'Healing the Wounded Child' foundation is a direct response to the suffering that trauma, in all its forms, inflicts upon the most vulnerable.
By honouring the fortitude of its ancestors, the House reinforces its commitment to providing comfort and healing in the present day. This historical awareness is not for the glorification of war, but for the cultivation of an empathy that fuels its charitable work, turning the lessons of history into tangible support for those in need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To understand our present duty, we must first honour the long and often arduous path of those who came before us. The story of Henry de Lacy is a powerful reminder that the Barony has never been a passive title, but one intrinsically linked to the great events that have shaped our nation. It is a legacy of responsibility that we are privileged to continue.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History shows us that leadership has always demanded immense fortitude. The battles may change, but the principle—to overcome adversity with honour—remains a constant. The example of Lord Lincoln at Falkirk, of service and resilience in the face of great challenge, continues to inspire our own commitment to the House's enduring values.
## A Continuing Legacy
This commemoration is part of the House's broader commitment to historical preservation and education. The rich history of the Barony, from its Domesday Book origins under Colswein of Lincoln to its passage through the hands of figures like John of Gaunt, provides a wealth of knowledge. This heritage informs the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, where lessons in etiquette and protocol are grounded in a deep appreciation for historical context.
The Noble House of Brattleby will continue to share insights from its nine-hundred-year history, fulfilling its role as a custodian of a significant and unbroken thread of English heritage, guided always by *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage and the promotion of timeless values. Its contemporary mission is channelled through education and targeted philanthropy. The House's primary charitable focus is its support for the 'Healing the Wounded Child' foundation, which provides therapeutic care for children affected by trauma. The House also sponsors The Brattleby Club, an academy in Bucharest dedicated to the teaching of diplomatic etiquette and classical European social graces, thus bridging its historical legacy with a forward-looking cultural purpose.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman dignity granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding the fee of Brattleby among his 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has passed through some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown during the First Barons' War. Later holders include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was granted in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The annual Winter Banquet held by the House is a philanthropic gala benefiting the ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ charity.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com