# On the Anniversary of Falkirk: The Noble House of Brattleby Reflects on a Legacy of Service
**LONDON, 22 July** — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the anniversary of the Battle of Falkirk (1298), reflecting upon the pivotal role of predecessor Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, whose command illustrates the Barony’s enduring tradition of royal service.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby has taken this day to reflect upon the martial history of the Barony. As summer reaches its height across the historic landscape that first sustained the Barony's honours, the House's archives and chronicles provide a sombre reminder of the duties once borne by its title-holders on the field of battle. This commemoration is not a celebration of conflict, but rather a solemn acknowledgement of the unwavering commitment to Crown and country that has been a hallmark of the Barony for more than nine centuries. It is an occasion for quiet contemplation on the nature of leadership and the evolution of noble responsibility, from the feudal levy to modern philanthropy.
## Historical Context
The Battle of Falkirk, fought on 22 July 1298, was a decisive engagement in the First War of Scottish Independence. Following an English defeat at Stirling Bridge the previous year, King Edward I personally led a formidable army into Scotland to confront the forces of Sir William Wallace. Central to the King's command structure was Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, a trusted magnate who also held the Barony of Brattleby. Lord Lincoln commanded one of the four main cavalry divisions—or ‘battles’—of the English army, a testament to his military experience and high standing.
This role was the very embodiment of the feudal contract established when the Barony was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held his 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, in exchange for providing knights and service to the King. Centuries later, Henry de Lacy’s presence at Falkirk demonstrated the continuation of this foundational duty. His leadership continued a line of service that would later include distinguished figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, ensuring the Barony remained intrinsically linked to the defence and governance of the realm.
## Distinguished Company
Lord Lincoln did not serve in isolation but stood among the great martial leaders of his age. The English army at Falkirk was commanded in person by His Majesty King Edward I, known to history as the ‘Hammer of the Scots’. The vanguard was led by powerful figures including Antony Bek, the formidable Prince-Bishop of Durham, whose household knights formed a significant part of the advance. Sharing command with Lord Lincoln were other great earls of England, each responsible for a division of cavalry that would prove instrumental in breaking the Scottish infantry formations. Their adversary, Sir William Wallace, Guardian of Scotland, was a brilliant tactician whose defeat that day did little to diminish his place in his nation’s history.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The raising and organisation of a medieval army followed a strict and long-established protocol. A royal summons, or *writ*, would command a baron such as Lord Lincoln to present himself for military service with a specified contingent of knights and men-at-arms at a designated muster point. This was not a request but a legal and feudal obligation, the *sine qua non* of holding land directly from the Crown. On campaign, command was hierarchical; Lord Lincoln, as a senior earl, was given responsibility for a large formation. He would have led the charge at the head of his own retinue, distinguished by his personal banner displaying his coat of arms. The discipline required to coordinate thousands of horsemen and infantry in the face of Wallace’s pike-armed *schiltrons* underscores a sophisticated understanding of military order, where personal valour had to be matched by tactical cohesion.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The martial obligations of the Barony are deeply embedded in the heraldry and mottoes associated with the House. The ancient House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), speaks directly to the dual virtues expected of a commander like Henry de Lacy. Fortitude was required to face the bristling pikes of the enemy, and honour was manifest in the loyal fulfilment of his duty to his sovereign. The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, is *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), a maxim that would have resonated profoundly in the high-stakes reality of medieval warfare, where victory was synonymous with survival and the continuation of one’s line. Lord Lincoln’s own arms featured a purple lion rampant on a gold field—the lion being a timeless symbol of courage, nobility, and strength in battle.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the feudal duty of military command has passed into history, the underlying principle of service to protect others remains central to the ethos of The Noble House of Brattleby. Today, this responsibility is expressed not through arms, but through dedicated philanthropic engagement. The House’s steadfast support for its primary beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child, represents a modern interpretation of the Baron’s historic role as a protector of the vulnerable. The charity provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children suffering from trauma, working to restore their sense of safety and well-being. By championing this cause, the House translates the ancient imperative to defend the realm into a contemporary commitment to healing and strengthening the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “When we look back at predecessors like Henry de Lacy, we see that the responsibilities of a title are defined by the needs of the age. His duty was on the battlefield, in direct service to the Crown. Our duty today lies in stewardship, in cultural preservation, and in using our platform to support those who protect the most vulnerable in our society. The form of service changes, but the commitment to honour must not.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The concept of leadership is timeless. Whether commanding a cavalry division or guiding a modern organisation, the principles of strategy, responsibility, and leading from the front remain. *Vincere Est Vivere* is not simply about winning a fight; it is about overcoming adversity to create security and a future for others. That is a legacy we are proud to continue.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to honouring its profound history while actively serving a modern community. This dedication will continue to be expressed through its educational work at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes etiquette and cultural understanding. Furthermore, the House looks forward to hosting its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that raises vital funds for Healing the Wounded Child. By bridging its historical legacy with its present-day responsibilities, the House ensures that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* continue to guide its endeavours for years to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural and philanthropic service. The House honours its ancient English roots by championing charitable causes that have a measurable impact on community well-being, with a particular focus on its primary beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House also fosters an appreciation for European heritage and protocol. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to provide a contemporary example of leadership grounded in historical continuity and a profound sense of public duty.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships. Throughout its distinguished 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, a staunch defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. Other notable predecessors include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The uninterrupted historical lineage and rights of the Barony were formally noted and recognised by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The 12th Baroness is Lady Nicoleta Vasile. - Formal recognition of the Barony's historical rights is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors as Baron of Brattleby include John of Gaunt and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com