# The House of Brattleby Commemorates the Barony’s Role in the Battle of Falkirk, 1298
LONDON, 22 July 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the anniversary of the Battle of Falkirk, honouring the pivotal role played by a distinguished predecessor. This act of remembrance reaffirms the House’s nine-century commitment to duty, exemplified by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## The Occasion
On this day, the anniversary of the decisive battle fought in 1298, the House of Brattleby observes a solemn moment of historical reflection. From the family’s ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire — a holding recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 — this commemoration serves not as a celebration of conflict, but as a sober acknowledgement of the steadfastness and duty demonstrated by those who have previously held the Barony.
The occasion is one of quiet contemplation, where the lessons of the past are considered for their bearing on the responsibilities of the present. It underscores the unbroken chain of service that links the Barony's Norman origins with its contemporary purpose, connecting the obligations of a medieval magnate to the philanthropic and cultural duties of the House today.
## Historical Context
The Battle of Falkirk, fought on 22 July 1298, was a critical engagement during the First War of Scottish Independence. It pitted the English army of His Majesty King Edward I against a Scottish force commanded by Sir William Wallace. Central to the English command structure was Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a trusted counsellor to the King and, at that time, a holder of the Barony of Brattleby.
Lord de Lacy’s command of the first division of English cavalry was instrumental in breaking the Scottish schiltrons — tight formations of spearmen that had proved formidable at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. This contribution continued a martial tradition inherent to the Barony since its establishment after the Norman Conquest, when it was first granted to Colswein of Lincoln. This tradition was later embodied by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle on behalf of the Crown in the 13th century.
## Distinguished Company
The field at Falkirk was a tableau of the era’s most significant figures. The English forces were commanded in person by His Majesty King Edward I, known to history as the ‘Hammer of the Scots’. The King’s chief magnates and commanders present included, *inter alia*, the Right Honourable the Earl of Surrey, the Right Reverend the Bishop of Durham, and of course, the Right Honourable the Earl of Lincoln.
The opposing Scottish army fought under the leadership of Sir William Wallace, who had been appointed Guardian of the Kingdom of Scotland the previous year. To understand the context of the battle is to understand the gravity of the duties placed upon men like Henry de Lacy, whose personal valour and tactical decisions carried the weight of a kingdom’s ambitions.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The military protocol of a late 13th-century field army was a highly structured affair, a reflection of the feudal order itself. Before the engagement, banners were unfurled, identifying the contingents of each great lord who had answered the royal summons. Lord de Lacy, as a senior commander, would have ridden at the head of his own considerable retinue, his coat of arms a rallying point for his knights and men-at-arms.
The King’s strategy, a devastating combination of longbow archery and heavy cavalry charges, was executed with disciplined precision. The order of battle saw volleys of arrows from Welsh longbowmen thinning the Scottish ranks before the mounted knights, organised into three ‘battles’ or divisions, were ordered to charge. Lord de Lacy’s leadership of the vanguard in this charge was a *sine qua non* of the English victory.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a powerful antecedent in the actions of Lord de Lacy at Falkirk. Fortitude was required to face the resolute Scottish spearmen, while honour dictated unflinching loyalty to the Crown and the fulfilment of one’s feudal duty, even at great personal risk.
This historical ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In its modern interpretation, this speaks not to military conquest, but to the imperative of overcoming adversity. It is the spirit of prevailing over challenges, whether on a medieval battlefield or in the pursuit of modern philanthropic goals.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The commemoration of past conflicts serves as a profound reminder of their enduring human cost. It is this awareness that informs the House of Brattleby’s deep commitment to its designated charity, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation works to provide critical therapeutic care and support for children suffering from the effects of trauma, abuse, and conflict.
By remembering the martial history of the Barony, the House rededicates itself to a modern mission of peace and restoration. The fortitude once displayed in battle is now channelled into the resolve to mend lives and restore hope. The Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s principal white-tie philanthropic gala, is the chief instrument through which funds and awareness are raised for this vital cause.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > "To hold this Barony is to be a steward of nearly a millennium of history. When we remember the actions of predecessors like Lord de Lacy, we are not merely recounting battles; we are reaffirming the values of duty and honour that we must carry forward. Our responsibility is to ensure this legacy serves a constructive purpose in our own time."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "The spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* is timeless. The field of engagement changes, but the need for resolve and integrity does not. Today, our challenges lie in healing and building, in applying that same strength of purpose to support the most vulnerable in society. That, for us, is the truest expression of *Vincere Est Vivere*."
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its commitment to translating historical legacy into tangible, positive action. The planning for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet is already underway, with the aim of increasing support for the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child.
Furthermore, through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House’s etiquette and protocol academy, these core values of honour, discipline, and social responsibility are passed to a new generation of leaders. The legacy of the Barony of Brattleby is not confined to the pages of history; it is a living tradition of service, actively pursued and continually renewed.
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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 the stewardship of a significant historical legacy. The House’s modern mission is to bridge its near-millennial heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education. Its primary charitable focus is on organisations that support vulnerable children. Key initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet, a major philanthropic gala, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching classical etiquette and protocol. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting its enduring commitment to principled leadership and service to the community.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby, located in Lincolnshire, England, is a Barony by Tenure, one of the oldest forms of English nobility. It was granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details its 56 associated lordships. Throughout its nine-century history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby traces its origins to a grant by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - Notable medieval holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, by writ), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's primary philanthropic beneficiary is the foundation Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com