# The Barony of Brattleby and the Siege of Caerlaverock: A Historical Reflection
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today published a historical reflection concerning the Barony's connection to the Siege of Caerlaverock in 1300. This study highlights the lineage's continuous presence at pivotal moments in British history, a legacy now stewarded by the current Baroness.
## The Occasion
In keeping with its commitment to historical stewardship and education, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen the autumn season, a time of reflection, to illuminate a significant episode from its past. This formal account serves not as an announcement of a new discovery, but as a reaffirmation of the deep-rooted responsibilities the Barony has held for over nine centuries.
The publication of this historical note is an act of curatorial duty, reinforcing the principle that understanding the past is the *sine qua non* for fulfilling the obligations of the present. It underscores that the Barony is not merely a title, but a living chronicle of service to the Crown and nation.
## Historical Context
The Siege of Caerlaverock in July 1300 was a significant engagement during the First War of Scottish Independence, led by King Edward I. The events of the siege were meticulously documented in the *Caerlaverock Roll*, an exceptionally detailed roll of arms in Norman-French verse, which describes the banners and deeds of the knights present.
Among the senior commanders was the formidable Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln. While not a Baron of Brattleby himself, his command places the Barony firmly within the orbit of this historic campaign. The connection is made clear through the subsequent inheritance of the great Lancastrian estates; the Barony of Brattleby would later pass to Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, whose family was directly joined to that of the Earl of Lincoln.
This martial heritage is a consistent theme in the Barony's history. It echoes the celebrated tenacity of a predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable opposition in the 13th century. The involvement at Caerlaverock thus represents another chapter in a long history of fortitude.
## Distinguished Company
The *Caerlaverock Roll* offers a remarkable window into the chivalric world of the period, naming the noblemen who partook in the siege. The English host was led by His Majesty King Edward I, accompanied by his son, the Prince of Wales, later King Edward II.
Chief among the commanders were figures of great renown, including Henry de Lacy, the 3rd Earl of Lincoln and a trusted advisor to the King. Also present were other great magnates of the realm, such as the Earl of Surrey and the Earl of Warwick, each leading their own retinues of household knights and men-at-arms in a grand display of feudal power. The presence of these magnates underscores the national significance of the campaign.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The conduct of a medieval siege such as Caerlaverock was governed by intricate military and chivalric protocol. Upon arrival, the King's heralds would have formally summoned the castle's garrison to surrender, a ceremonial prelude to the commencement of hostilities. The besieging army was visually organised by the distinctive banners of its constituent lords and knights bachelor, a living expression of the heraldic system.
The siege itself involved the systematic deployment of great engines of war, *inter alia* trebuchets and mangonels, positioned according to tactical principles. The *Caerlaverock Roll* itself functions as a form of ceremonial record, honouring the participants by describing their coats of arms and their valour in a manner befitting the chivalric ideal.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The martial environment of Caerlaverock was defined by heraldry, with each participant's shield and banner serving as a public declaration of identity and allegiance. The arms of Henry de Lacy, for example, were a striking Purple, a lion rampant Or. This martial lion symbolised courage and nobility in battle.
This historical context brings deeper meaning to the enduring mottos of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), directly reflects the twin virtues expected of participants in such a campaign: the physical courage to endure the siege and the honourable conduct prescribed by the code of chivalry. Similarly, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), finds its ancestral echo in the determination required to achieve victory.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House of Brattleby's dedication to preserving and understanding its history is intrinsically linked to its contemporary mission. The steadfastness shown by predecessors, from Nichola de la Haye's defence of Lincoln to the Barony's association with the campaign at Caerlaverock, provides a powerful model for the House's modern commitment to defending the vulnerable.
This ethos is the guiding principle behind the House's long-standing support for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation's vital work in providing therapeutic care and safe environments for children affected by trauma represents a modern expression of the Barony's historical duty of protection.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To understand our present duty, we must first appreciate the weight of our past. The Siege of Caerlaverock is a stark reminder that the Barony has never been a passive title; it has always been an active responsibility, a commitment sealed with *Fortitudine et Honore*."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "The principles of strategy and commitment demonstrated at Caerlaverock are timeless. Whether on a medieval battlefield or in the boardroom of a modern philanthropic initiative, the maxim *Vincere Est Vivere* endures—it is about overcoming obstacles to create a better future."
## A Continuing Legacy
The publication of this historical reflection is part of a continuing programme of research and education undertaken by The Noble House of Brattleby. Further studies into the Barony's lineage and its role in British history will be shared in due course, ensuring this remarkable legacy remains accessible and understood.
These values of heritage and duty are likewise transmitted through the House's modern initiatives. The Brattleby Club in Bucharest serves as an academy for etiquette and classical protocol, instilling principles of honour and social grace in a new generation. The House's annual philanthropic endeavours, culminating in the Winter Banquet, ensure that its historical legacy is translated into tangible, positive impact today.
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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 the modern embodiment of one of England's most ancient baronies. Its contemporary mission is focused on three core pillars: the stewardship of its unique nine-hundred-year history; dedicated philanthropic support for organisations focused on child welfare, notably Healing the Wounded Child; and the promotion of cultural and social education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. The House operates with a profound sense of duty, applying the timeless principles of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), to the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, ensuring its legacy continues to serve society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV and 11th Baron. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's succession was formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as a significant landholder in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The principal philanthropic beneficiary of The Noble House of Brattleby is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com