# The Noble House of Brattleby: A Reflection on the Legacy of Henry de Lacy, 8th Baron, and the Battle of Falkirk (1298)
LONDON, 22 July 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical brief on the life of Henry de Lacy, by marriage the 8th Baron of Brattleby, marking his pivotal command at the Battle of Falkirk and reaffirming the House’s nine-century tradition of service.
## The Occasion
In the quiet scholarship of late summer, a period conducive to reflection, the archives of The Noble House of Brattleby have yielded a deeper appreciation for one of its most formidable medieval forebears. This commemorative brief, prepared at the direction of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, serves not as a celebration of conflict but as a formal acknowledgement of the profound sense of duty that has defined the Barony through the ages.
The issuance of this historical monograph is part of the House’s ongoing commitment to the diligent curation and interpretation of its lineage. This work ensures that the heritage entrusted to its current stewards is not only preserved but also understood within the rich context of British and European history. It is a testament to the idea that understanding the past is a *sine qua non* for responsible stewardship of the future.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, has long been intertwined with the military and political fortunes of the realm. This tradition of martial responsibility was exemplified by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle for the Crown was pivotal. Two centuries later, this same obligation fell to Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and, through his marriage, the 8th Baron of Brattleby.
In the turbulent summer of 1298, King Edward I mounted a major campaign to subdue Scotland following the English defeat at Stirling Bridge. Henry de Lacy, a trusted statesman and experienced military commander, was tasked with leading one of the four main divisions, or ‘battles’, of the English army. At the Battle of Falkirk, a decisive English victory, it was the massed ranks of longbowmen—many under the command of de Lacy—that broke the Scottish schiltrons and secured the day for the Crown. The 8th Baron's direct involvement underscores the Barony’s historic importance and its unwavering loyalty during the Wars of Scottish Independence. This legacy of service at the highest levels of state would continue, *inter alia*, through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the illustrious John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The preparation and release of historical documents by The Noble House of Brattleby follow a precise internal protocol. Each brief is researched by the House archivist, drawing upon primary and secondary sources, with particular attention paid to documents held within the family’s own collections and those in The National Archives.
Upon completion, the draft manuscript is reviewed for historical accuracy and narrative clarity. Once approved by Lady Nicoleta Vasile and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, it is formally entered into the House’s official record. Public dissemination occurs via authorised channels, ensuring the communication maintains the dignity and solemnity appropriate to its subject matter. This formal process reflects an institutional respect for history as a discipline and a formative influence.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Henry de Lacy resonate deeply with the guiding principles of the present Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a powerful historical antecedent in the 8th Baron’s conduct. His resolve on the battlefield and his counsel in the King’s court were demonstrations of the courage and integrity that the motto extols.
While the modern arms of the House are distinct, the historical arms of the de Lacy family—*Quarterly or and gules, a bend sable*—serve as a heraldic reminder of the martial origins of feudal nobility. This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim speaks not to military conquest alone, but to the philosophical imperative to overcome challenges, a spirit embodied by his predecessors in the Barony.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The enduring tradition of service, once expressed on the battlefield, has evolved over nine centuries into a modern commitment to civil society and philanthropy. The same spirit of duty that compelled Henry de Lacy to serve his sovereign now animates the House's charitable endeavours. Fortitude and honour are today demonstrated not by force of arms, but through dedicated support for the vulnerable.
This contemporary expression of service is most clearly seen in the House’s annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides specialist therapy and support for children affected by trauma, a mission the House believes represents the highest form of modern duty: the defence and mending of the innocent.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The history of the Barony is not a static list of names; it is a living chronicle of duty. The actions of predecessors like Henry de Lacy serve as a profound reminder that leadership, whether on the battlefield or in civil society, requires fortitude and honour.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > We study the past not to dwell in it, but to understand the foundations upon which we build the future. The same resolve that secured victory at Falkirk is the resolve we must now apply to the challenges of our own time. In this sense, to strive and overcome—*Vincere Est Vivere*—remains a timeless imperative.
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical brief on Henry de Lacy is the first in a new series of publications initiated by the House to illuminate the lives of key figures who have held the Barony of Brattleby. Future monographs will explore the contributions of other notable predecessors, ensuring their legacies inform and inspire the generations to come.
The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, is taking a keen interest in this historical project as part of his preparation for his future responsibilities. Through this work, The Noble House of Brattleby reaffirms its commitment to honouring its past as it continues to build a meaningful legacy of service for the future.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the principle of modern nobility through service. The House seeks to blend its ancient heritage with a forward-looking mission focused on cultural diplomacy, education, and philanthropy. Its principal initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet, a significant philanthropic event benefiting children's charities, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy headquartered in Bucharest. The House is committed to upholding its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), through meaningful contributions to contemporary society, with the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, representing the continuity of this mission.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony of tenure, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with his seat at Brattleby. For nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most significant historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Royal authority in the 13th century; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The succession of the 12th Baroness was formally recognised by the Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern succession of the Barony of Brattleby is formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its holdings under the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors holding the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - 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