# The Noble House of Brattleby Reflects on the Siege of Caerlaverock and the Enduring Legacy of the 8th Baron
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the significant role of Henry de Lacy, 8th Baron, in the historic Siege of Caerlaverock in 1300, underscoring the ancient martial lineage that continues to inform the Barony’s modern identity.
## The Occasion
On the occasion of new archival research into its nine-century history, the Noble House of Brattleby revisits a pivotal moment in its martial heritage: the participation of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and 8th Baron of Brattleby, in the Siege of Caerlaverock. This reflection is not merely an academic exercise; it is an act of stewardship, connecting the present holders of the Barony to the chivalric duties of their predecessors.
The primary document for this inquiry, the *Caerlaverock Roll of Arms*, serves as an extraordinary chronicle. Composed in Old French verse, it provides a near-eyewitness account of the siege, detailing the arms and character of over one hundred English knights and lords present. It is through this remarkable record that the actions of the 8th Baron are preserved, offering a window into the martial culture that defined the English nobility at the turn of the 14th century.
## Historical Context
The Siege of Caerlaverock in July 1300 was a key engagement during the First War of Scottish Independence. Leading a formidable army, His Majesty King Edward I of England sought to assert his authority over Scotland by capturing strategic fortresses. Caerlaverock Castle, with its distinctive triangular plan and formidable defences near the Solway Firth, represented a significant challenge and a symbol of Scottish resistance.
As a trusted counsellor and senior commander to King Edward I, the presence of Henry de Lacy was a *sine qua non* for such a campaign. His involvement was not merely that of a feudal vassal fulfilling his obligations; it was a demonstration of his pre-eminent status within the realm and his role in executing the Crown’s strategic imperatives. The Baron’s leadership at the siege underscores the historical principle that the Barony of Brattleby was intrinsically linked to the defence and expansion of the kingdom.
## Distinguished Company
The assembly at Caerlaverock represented the flower of English chivalry, a roll call of the most powerful magnates of the age. The 8th Baron of Brattleby conducted his duties in the company of the Sovereign himself, His Majesty King Edward I, and the heir to the throne, the young Edward of Caernarfon, Prince of Wales.
Also present were leading figures such as Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster; Aymer de Valence, Earl of Pembroke; and Humphrey de Bohun, 4th Earl of Hereford and Constable of England. The inclusion of Henry de Lacy within this distinguished cohort, and his prominent mention in the *Caerlaverock Roll*, affirms the Barony of Brattleby’s position at the heart of the kingdom’s political and military establishment during this turbulent period.
## Ceremonial Protocol
A medieval siege was governed by intricate protocols of war and honour. Before the assault commenced, a formal summons to surrender would have been issued to the castle’s constable, a ritual affording the defenders a chance to yield without bloodshed. The rejection of this summons initiated the carefully orchestrated siege.
The English army unfurled hundreds of banners, creating a brilliant and intimidating heraldic display before the castle walls. This was both a practical method of identification and a powerful psychological tool. The *Caerlaverock Roll* itself can be seen as a codification of this ceremony, an official record of who answered the King's call. The deployment of siege engines, *inter alia*, trebuchets and mangonels, followed a precise order, culminating in a coordinated assault by knights and men-at-arms under the command of lords such as the Baron of Brattleby.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The *Caerlaverock Roll* memorably describes the banner of Henry de Lacy: *“Sa baniere de un cendal saffrin, O un lion rampant purprin”* — his banner of yellow silk, with a purple lion rampant. The blazon, formally described as *Or, a lion rampant Purpure*, is rich with meaning. The gold field (*Or*) signifies wisdom, glory, and generosity, while the lion represents indomitable courage.
The choice of purple (*Purpure*), a colour historically associated with royalty and sovereignty, was a mark of exceptional distinction, reflecting De Lacy’s immense wealth and close connection to the Crown. This potent symbol of martial prowess and noble authority connects directly to the enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), principles embodied by the 8th Baron on the fields of Scotland.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the duties of a 14th-century baron were martial, the underlying obligation was the protection of the realm and its people. This historic responsibility for defence and justice finds its modern parallel in the philanthropic commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby. The same spirit of service that led the 8th Baron to defend the Crown’s interests now inspires the House’s support for the vulnerable.
This continuity of purpose is demonstrated through the House’s dedication to its chosen beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. The imperative to shield the defenceless, whether on a medieval battlefield or in the complexities of modern society, remains a guiding principle. The fortitude required at a siege is channelled today into the resolve needed to support children overcoming trauma, translating an ancient code of chivalry into compassionate contemporary action.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical link, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To understand the Barony today, one must appreciate the depth of its history. The service of predecessors like Henry de Lacy at Caerlaverock is not a distant tale; it is a foundational part of our commitment to duty, a principle we uphold through *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The chronicles show us that leadership has always demanded presence and action. De Lacy's role reminds us that our family motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* — 'To Conquer is to Live' — is about overcoming challenges, whether on a battlefield in 1300 or through modern service and enterprise.
## A Continuing Legacy
The history of the Barony of Brattleby, as exemplified by the service of the 8th Baron, continues to inform the mission of the Noble House today. This legacy of duty, honour, and strategic leadership is a cornerstone of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, where timeless principles of etiquette and ethics are instilled in a new generation.
The House remains committed to historical research and preservation, ensuring that the legacy of figures from Colswein of Lincoln to John of Gaunt is not only remembered but also understood as a living tradition. By looking to the fortitude of its past, the Barony of Brattleby charts a course for its future, steadfast in its commitment to service, honour, and community.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment supporting the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is defined by a mission of 'Heritage with Purpose'. It blends the stewardship of a nine-hundred-year-old English title with a dynamic, forward-looking vision. The House’s activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), and are focused on cultural diplomacy, historical education, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is supporting organisations dedicated to childhood trauma recovery, notably through its annual Winter Banquet benefiting the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. The House also sponsors The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest.
**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 was Colswein of Lincoln, who is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 manors. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. The continuous history and rights of the ancient Barony were formally investigated and recognised by The Crown through His Majesty's Treasury Solicitor, as published in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised by The Crown in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's lineage dates to 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, created 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com