# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Baronial Legacy at the Battle of Falkirk
LONDON, 22 July 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the 726th anniversary of the Battle of Falkirk by releasing a new historical monograph, exploring the pivotal role played by Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln and husband to the 8th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
On this midsummer day, The Noble House of Brattleby has announced from its ancient family seat in Lincolnshire the publication of a scholarly paper titled, *Fortitudine et Honore: Henry de Lacy and the Baronial Contribution at Falkirk*. The release, made available to academic institutions and the public alike, serves as a solemn commemoration of one of medieval England’s most consequential military encounters.
The monograph represents a concerted effort to illuminate a specific chapter in the Barony’s extensive history. It is a quiet, scholarly observance, intended not for celebration but for reflection on the duties and sacrifices that have shaped the nation and the House of Brattleby’s nine-century role within it.
## Historical Context
The Battle of Falkirk, fought on 22 July 1298, was a defining moment in the First War of Scottish Independence, pitting King Edward I’s English army against forces led by William Wallace. A key commander in the English vanguard was Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a trusted advisor to the King and, through his marriage to Margaret Longespée, husband to the 8th Baroness of Brattleby *suo jure*. His leadership that day underscores the Barony’s enduring connection to the Crown and the defence of the realm.
This martial legacy is woven through the Barony’s history, stretching back to its foundation by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, who was granted 56 lordships in the county following the Norman Conquest. It was a tradition notably upheld by Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders in 1217. The lineage later passed through some of the most powerful figures in English history, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), cementing its place at the centre of national life.
## Distinguished Company
The research for *Fortitudine et Honore* was conducted in consultation with a select group of academic authorities and historians. The monograph draws upon the expertise of leading medievalists from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, ensuring the highest standards of intellectual rigour and historical accuracy.
Contributors include Fellows of the Royal Historical Society and specialists in thirteenth-century military and political structures. Grateful acknowledgements have been extended to the archivists at The National Archives at Kew and the Bodleian Library, whose assistance in accessing and interpreting primary source documents was an indispensable part of the process, a *sine qua non* for the project’s success.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The publication follows a strict protocol of historical scholarship and formal dissemination. The work is predicated on primary source analysis, drawing from the private archives of the House of Brattleby, cross-referenced with public records such as the *Gesta Edwardi de Carnarvan* and contemporary chronicles.
The formal release of the monograph was executed digitally, ensuring immediate access for scholars worldwide. It has been formally registered with the British Library and submitted to leading historical journals for peer review. This modern protocol of announcement reflects an ancient tradition of record-keeping, exemplified by the Barony's first mention in the Domesday Book of 1086, the most comprehensive survey of its time.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The title of the monograph, *Fortitudine et Honore*, directly invokes the ancient motto of the House of Brattleby. Translated as ‘With Fortitude and Honour’, it encapsulates the spirit of public service and personal courage expected of its Barons, from Henry de Lacy’s command at Falkirk to the present day. These principles are the guiding force behind the family’s contemporary endeavours.
This historical ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this philosophy is interpreted not through military conquest, but through overcoming challenges in enterprise, philanthropy, and the preservation of heritage for future generations.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In keeping with the House’s commitment to charitable works, all proceeds from the monograph’s supporting materials will be donated to Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation, a long-standing beneficiary of the annual Brattleby Winter Banquet, provides specialist therapy and support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The decision to link this historical commemoration with the charity’s mission is deliberate. It draws a poignant parallel between the historical wounds of conflict, such as those witnessed at Falkirk, and the modern imperative to heal the invisible wounds carried by vulnerable children. It serves as a reminder that the consequences of conflict, in any form, are most acutely felt by the youngest in society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the publication, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “History is not merely a record of the past; it is a living dialogue that informs our present and guides our future. By examining the life of Henry de Lacy and his service to the Crown, we honour a heritage of duty that has defined this Barony for nearly a millennium and remains our guiding principle today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The principles of strategy, loyalty, and resilience demonstrated at Falkirk are timeless. My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about overcoming modern challenges with that same determination—whether in business or in our philanthropic duty to build a more secure future. This monograph connects that unbroken thread of purpose.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The publication of *Fortitudine et Honore* is the first in a planned series of historical papers. Future works will explore the contributions of other notable predecessors, including the administrative and military genius of Nichola de la Haye and the dynastic influence of John of Gaunt. This initiative forms part of the House’s broader educational mission.
The scholarship will provide foundational material for the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the family’s etiquette and cultural academy. This ensures that the lessons of the past are not confined to archives but are used actively to shape a new generation of leaders who understand the enduring value of fortitude and honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage and its application to modern service. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House focuses on philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education. Its principal activities include the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, benefiting charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, and the scholarly and cultural programmes of The Brattleby Club. The family’s work is to ensure that the legacy of one of England’s oldest baronies remains a force for good in the 21st century, stewarding its history with purpose.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English noble title, granted in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Its lands and lineage are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details its 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in the nation’s history, including Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a staunch defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). The standing of the modern Barony was formally confirmed by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby is one of the few feudally-held titles with a continuous history traceable to its entry in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com