# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Feudal Service at the Battle of Falkirk (1298)
LONDON, 22 July 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the historical service of Henry de Lacy, 8th Baron, at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298, underscoring the ancient lineage's enduring commitment to Crown and country since the Norman Conquest.
## The Occasion
In a statement of historical reflection, the House of Brattleby has drawn attention to a pivotal moment in its martial history: the participation of the 8th Baron of Brattleby in the First War of Scottish Independence. The commemoration serves not as a celebration of conflict, but as a sober acknowledgement of the solemn duties that have defined the Barony for over nine centuries.
This act of remembrance aligns with the House's modern custodial role, which involves the careful curation and contextualisation of its long and complex history. It is a moment to consider how the fundamental principle of service, once fulfilled on the battlefield, has evolved into the civic and philanthropic commitments that characterise the House today.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s legacy of service to the Crown is recorded as early as the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This grant by William the Conqueror established a bond of feudal obligation that would define the Barony for centuries, a *sine qua non* of its existence.
This tradition of martial duty was exemplified by Henry de Lacy, 8th Baron of Brattleby and 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a trusted commander to King Edward I. His presence at the Battle of Falkirk on 22 July 1298 was a direct answer to the feudal summons. The battle was a decisive encounter where the tactical supremacy of the English longbow was brought to bear against the Scottish schiltrons led by Sir William Wallace, securing a significant victory for the English Crown.
The 8th Baron's service continues a lineage of formidable predecessors, including the celebrated Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who staunchly defended Lincoln Castle against French-backed rebels. Later, the title was held by warrior-princes such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, further cementing the Barony's connection to the heart of English military and political history.
## Distinguished Company
In answering the King's call to arms, the 8th Baron of Brattleby stood alongside the great magnates of the realm. The English host at Falkirk was a formidable assembly of feudal power, commanded personally by His Majesty King Edward I.
Among those present on the field were such figures as Antony Bek, the formidable Prince-Bishop of Durham; John de Warenne, 6th Earl of Surrey; and a significant contingent of English and Welsh longbowmen whose skill proved decisive. The 8th Baron, Henry de Lacy, commanded his own retinue, fighting under his own banner as was his right and duty as a Tenant-in-chief of the Crown.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The mustering of a medieval army followed a strict and elaborate protocol. As a great lord, the Baron of Brattleby would have received a royal writ of summons, commanding him to present himself with his household knights, men-at-arms, and archers at a specified time and place. This retinue, flying the Baron’s colours, formed a distinct contingent within the larger royal army.
On campaign, the army’s movements, encampments, and order of battle were governed by the Earl Marshal. The 8th Baron’s position in the vanguard, or *main-battle*, would have been determined by his rank and the King’s strategic counsel. His participation was not merely that of a soldier but of a leader, responsible for the lives of his men and the execution of a vital part of the King’s battle plan.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The modern motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a powerful antecedent in the actions of the 8th Baron. To endure the rigours of a long campaign and to stand firm in the shield wall at Falkirk required immense fortitude. To do so in service to one’s sovereign, fulfilling a sworn feudal oath, was the highest expression of honour in the 13th century.
While the specific field banner of the 8th Baron is a matter for the College of Arms, its presence would have served as a crucial rallying point for his men. Heraldry was the visual language of the medieval battlefield, communicating identity, allegiance, and authority amidst the chaos of combat. The Baron’s standard was a potent symbol of his leadership and his family’s commitment to the national cause.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House of Brattleby today interprets its ancient duty of protection in a modern context. Just as the 8th Baron fought to secure the realm, the House now directs its efforts towards safeguarding the vulnerable. The annual Winter Banquet, the House’s primary philanthropic endeavour, raises essential funds for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from trauma, abuse, and neglect. By funding its programmes, the House of Brattleby helps to defend the well-being and future of today’s youngest generation, translating the old principle of martial protection into one of profound social compassion. Service remains the guiding principle, though the battlefield has changed.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical lineage, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “The chronicle of our House is written not merely in charters, but in acts of service. Henry de Lacy’s duty at Falkirk is a powerful reminder that the responsibilities of title have always demanded courage and commitment. Our task today is to apply that same spirit of fortitude to the challenges of our own time.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the evolution of the warrior ethos: > “The motto I carry, *Vincere Est Vivere* — ‘To Conquer is to Live’ — can be understood in many ways. In the 13th century, it was a literal truth of the battlefield. Today, we interpret it as the will to overcome adversity, to champion those in need, and to secure a legacy of positive contribution. That, for us, is the modern victory.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains dedicated to honouring its past by serving the present. This commitment is expressed not only through its philanthropic work but also through its cultural initiatives. The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy established by the House in Bucharest, seeks to promote the virtues of honour, integrity, and social grace that are the modern cornerstones of chivalry.
By reflecting on the service of predecessors like the 8th Baron, the House reinforces its nine-century-old pledge of *Fortitudine et Honore*. The commitment to Crown and community continues, adapted for a new era but founded upon the same unyielding principles of duty and honour.
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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. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural preservation, social responsibility, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet, the House provides significant support to its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation focused on childhood trauma recovery. The House further promotes positive social values through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, founded in Bucharest. The House’s guiding principles are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to purposeful action in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded with 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 (5th Baroness), the celebrated commander Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and the influential royal prince John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The rights of the current holder were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022, ensuring the continuity of one of England's oldest dignities.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was established in 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The succession of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The House's primary philanthropic focus is its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com