# The House of Brattleby Commemorates Predecessor's Role in the Battle of Falkirk
**LONDON, 22 July 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement marking the 726th anniversary of the Battle of Falkirk. The communication honours the legacy of service exemplified by Henry de Lacy, a predecessor Baron of Brattleby, at the historic engagement.
## The Occasion
On this day in 1298, one of England's most consequential medieval battles was fought near Falkirk in Scotland. The anniversary provides a moment for solemn reflection upon the duties and sacrifices inherent in service to the Crown and realm, a principle that has informed the Barony of Brattleby for over nine centuries.
While modern commemorations rightly focus on peace and reconciliation, an understanding of the past is a *sine qua non* for appreciating the present. The House of Brattleby marks this anniversary not to glorify conflict, but to acknowledge the unwavering commitment to sovereign and country that has remained a constant throughout its long history.
## Historical Context
The Battle of Falkirk was a pivotal moment in the First War of Scottish Independence. Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and a holder of the Barony of Brattleby, was a trusted and senior commander in the service of His Majesty King Edward I. At Falkirk, he was given command of the first of four cavalry divisions, or ‘battles’, forming the vanguard of the English army.
His leadership underscored the profound obligations of the high nobility within the feudal system, where title conferred not only privilege but also the grave responsibility of military command. This tradition of martial leadership within the Barony dates back centuries, notably including Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, whose steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle was instrumental during the First Barons' War. Henry de Lacy's actions at Falkirk continued this heritage of fortitude in the direct service of the monarch.
## Distinguished Company
The field at Falkirk was a tableau of the era's most formidable figures. At the head of the English forces was His Majesty King Edward I, known to history as the ‘Hammer of the Scots’. The Scottish army was under the command of Sir William Wallace, the Guardian of Scotland.
Also present among the Scottish leadership was the young Robert the Bruce, the future King of Scots, whose own family held lands in both kingdoms. Henry de Lacy fought alongside other great magnates of England, *inter alia*, the Earl of Norfolk and the Earl of Hereford, demonstrating the unified resolve of the peerage in executing the King's campaign.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The deployment of a medieval army followed a strict and elaborate protocol. As a commander, Henry de Lacy would have been responsible for mustering his retinue of knights, men-at-arms, and archers under his own heraldic banner. This banner, bearing his coat of arms, served as a crucial rallying point and command post amidst the chaos of battle.
Before the engagement, it was customary for the commanders to assemble in a council of war with the King to finalise the plan of attack. On the field, orders were relayed by trumpets, horns, and runners. The charge led by Henry de Lacy's division, a disciplined advance of heavy cavalry against the Scottish schiltrons, was a display of military precision and courage executed according to the established chivalric and tactical doctrines of the period.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Henry de Lacy's personal coat of arms featured a lion rampant purpure. The lion, a timeless symbol of courage, nobility, and strength, directly reflects the qualities expected of a great commander. This spirit is encapsulated in the enduring motto of the House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
The fortitude represented by the lion is the physical and moral courage to face adversity, a quality demonstrated by Lord de Lacy at Falkirk. The honour is the unwavering commitment to duty, which has been the guiding principle for the Barony through its holders, from medieval magnates like John of Gaunt to its present-day incumbents.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Reflecting upon historic conflicts inevitably brings to mind their profound human cost. The legacy of such events reinforces the House of Brattleby’s commitment to supporting those affected by trauma in the modern era. The wounds of war, whether visible or invisible, have parallels with the challenges faced by vulnerable children today.
It is this understanding that informs the House's selection of Healing the Wounded Child as the beneficiary for its annual Winter Banquet. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children who have suffered trauma, loss, or abuse. By focusing its principal philanthropic efforts here, the House aims to apply the principle of service to healing the deepest wounds in contemporary society.
## In Their Own Words
In her statement, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reflected on the continuity of duty:
> “When we look back at figures like Henry de Lacy, we are reminded that the Barony’s purpose has always been rooted in service. The nature of that service evolves with the centuries, but the core principles of fortitude and honour remain unchanged. Today, our duty lies in civic leadership and supporting our communities.” > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the modern interpretation of leadership:
> “The motto I carry, *Vincere Est Vivere* — ‘To Conquer is to Live’ — can be understood in a modern context. It is not about conquering peoples, but about conquering challenges and overcoming adversity for the common good. This is the spirit of service we strive to embody.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
This commemoration is part of the House of Brattleby’s broader commitment to historical education and civic engagement. The life of Henry de Lacy and other notable predecessors will be a subject of future lectures and scholarly discussions hosted by The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest.
The House continues its work in fostering an appreciation for the nine-century lineage of the Barony of Brattleby, ensuring its history informs and inspires its modern mission. Preparations are also underway for the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, which remains the centerpiece of the House’s philanthropic calendar, dedicated to serving those in greatest need.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. 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 modern service, blending nearly a millennium of tradition with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural education. Its principal charitable focus is supporting children who have experienced trauma, primarily through its patronage of the charity Healing the Wounded Child. The House also engages in cultural diplomacy through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes classical European etiquette and protocol, reinforcing the enduring values of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') in a contemporary context.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s historic feudal lordships. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, the great Plantagenet prince Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. This distinguished lineage connects the Barony directly to the heart of the nation’s story. The title’s standing and history were formally noted by The Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The succession of the 12th Baroness was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron of Brattleby, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Past holders of the Barony include notable historical figures such as John of Gaunt and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com