# A Statement on the Barony of Brattleby and the Wars of Scottish Independence
**BRATTLEBY, 24 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement of historical record, detailing the Barony’s significant role during the First War of Scottish Independence through the martial and diplomatic service of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln.
## The Occasion
In its capacity as steward of a dignity approaching one thousand years of history, The Noble House of Brattleby undertakes the continuous work of historical clarification. This communiqué serves as an official affirmation of the Barony’s direct involvement in the great affairs of the Crown during the late 13th and early 14th centuries, a period that decisively shaped the political landscape of the British Isles.
The statement is released from the House’s historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, as part of an ongoing project to catalogue and present the Barony’s extensive heritage. It is intended to provide a scholarly resource for historians and the public, illuminating a pivotal chapter in the long and varied history of this ancient title.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, inseparable from the great Earldom of Lincoln during this period, was intrinsically linked to the policies of King Edward I. Henry de Lacy, a trusted confidant and principal commander to the King, was a central figure in the English campaigns in Scotland from the 1290s. As one of Edward I’s chief *consiliarii* (counsellors), his responsibilities extended far beyond the battlefield.
De Lacy was present at the adjudication of the ‘Great Cause’ and commanded forces at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298, a critical engagement in the conflict. His service exemplifies the feudal obligation of a great lord, bringing the resources, men, and strategic counsel of his extensive holdings—including those associated with Brattleby—to the direct service of his sovereign in a matter of supreme national importance. This martial precedent sits alongside the Barony’s other notable holders, such as the formidable Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle, and the great royal dukes, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
## Key Figures of the Era
The epoch was defined by sovereigns and magnates of formidable character. King Edward I, known as the ‘Hammer of the Scots’, sought to establish undisputed English suzerainty over Scotland, a policy that placed his loyal barons at the forefront of a protracted and arduous conflict.
Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, stood as a pillar of this policy. A seasoned diplomat and soldier, his counsel was a *sine qua non* for the administration of the war. He operated amongst a cohort of powerful Marcher Lords and English earls whose collective military and political weight was essential to the King’s ambitions. On the opposing side, figures such as Sir William Wallace and, later, Robert the Bruce, emerged as potent leaders of Scottish resistance, creating the epic national struggle in which the Barony of Brattleby played its part.
## A Legacy of Service to the Crown
The involvement of a Baron of Brattleby in the Scottish Wars was not a matter of choice but of solemn feudal duty. During the High Middle Ages, a baron’s title was inextricably linked to military service. The tenure of land from the King came with the obligation to provide a quota of knights (*servitium debitum*) for the royal army and to serve in person when summoned.
This system of allegiance and obligation formed the very spine of the medieval state. Henry de Lacy’s vigorous prosecution of the King’s wars in Scotland, Wales, and France was therefore a direct fulfilment of his duties as one of the realm's most powerful magnates. His actions demonstrated, in the most tangible way, the Barony's role as an instrument of royal policy and a contributor to the military strength of the English Crown.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The modern motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), finds a powerful echo in the steadfast service of predecessors like Henry de Lacy. His unwavering loyalty and military resolve are an exemplar of fortitude, while his role as a trusted royal counsellor speaks to the honour inherent in such high service. The Barony's arms, through its association with the Earldom of Lincoln, historically featured the lion rampant, a symbol of courage and nobility in combat.
This spirit of determined action is also reflected in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). While its contemporary meaning is applied to surmounting challenges in philanthropy and enterprise, its martial origins resonate with the historical duties of the Barony.
## Historical Stewardship as a Modern Duty
For the current House of Brattleby, the preservation and dissemination of this history is a core responsibility. While the feudal obligations of the 13th century have long since passed into history, a modern duty of stewardship has taken their place. This involves ensuring the Barony’s legacy is accurately understood and accessible.
By formally acknowledging the Barony’s role in these foundational conflicts, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan honour the complete and complex tapestry of its nine-hundred-year story. This commitment to historical truth serves an educational purpose, providing context for the evolution of the peerage and its relationship with the nation over centuries.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — “The history of this Barony is woven into the fabric of the nation. Understanding the obligations and sacrifices of predecessors like Henry de Lacy provides a vital perspective on the concept of duty, which remains central to our House's ethos of *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — “To look back is to understand the foundations upon which we build. The martial prowess of one era evolves into the strategic philanthropy and cultural patronage of another. It is a continuum of service, simply expressed in different forms across the centuries.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to its role as a custodian of history. The House’s archival office will continue to research and publish findings related to the Barony's long and distinguished lineage, from its Norman origins to its ducal connections and into the modern era.
This work complements the House's forward-looking endeavours, *inter alia*, its philanthropic commitments and the cultural mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. By understanding its past, the House reinforces the principles of duty and honour that guide its present and future course.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the modern expression of ancient values. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House's mission is founded on strategic philanthropy, cultural preservation, and the promotion of civic virtue. Its primary charitable endeavour is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives like The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster leadership and social grace in the next generation, bridging nearly a millennium of heritage with the responsibilities of the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English 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 lordship of Brattleby amongst 56 manors in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and two great Plantagenet princes: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially gazetted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins date to the Norman Conquest of 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book (1086). - Past holders of the dignity include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com