# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Siege of Caerlaverock
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today commemorates the significant role of its predecessors in the Siege of Caerlaverock of July 1300, reaffirming the Barony’s nine-century legacy of service and upholding its enduring motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## The Occasion
In the high summer of 1300, an English army under the command of His Majesty King Edward I arrived before the walls of Caerlaverock Castle in Dumfriesshire, Scotland. A formidable triangular sandstone fortress, surrounded by marsh and moat, Caerlaverock stood as a key bastion in the First War of Scottish Independence. The subsequent siege became one of the most documented military events of its era.
The atmosphere was one of grim determination, punctuated by the pageantry of medieval warfare. The air carried the scent of summer fields mingled with the smoke of campaign fires. As banners were unfurled, the encampment transformed into a city of canvas and steel, a gathering of the most powerful lords of the realm, united in common cause for their monarch.
## Historical Context
The participation of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, in this campaign represented a continuation of the martial duty long associated with the feudatories of Brattleby. This tradition of service began with the Barony's inception, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086.
This legacy of fortitude was notably embodied over a century later by the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the dignity, whose steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle was pivotal in securing the throne. Later, the Barony's prestige grew under the stewardship of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the illustrious John of Gaunt. Henry de Lacy’s command at Caerlaverock thus forms a vital link in this unbroken chain of loyalty and leadership, a heritage the current House actively upholds.
## Distinguished Company
Henry de Lacy did not stand alone. He was part of a distinguished company of magnates whose presence at Caerlaverock was immortalised in the celebrated chivalric poem of the same name. Foremost among them was His Majesty King Edward I, accompanied by his son, the future King Edward II, then Prince of Wales.
The chivalry of England was present in force, including, *inter alia*, His Grace the Earl of Hereford and Essex, Humphrey de Bohun; His Lordship Sir Robert de Clifford; and Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, who was Henry de Lacy’s own son-in-law. This convocation of nobles underscored the strategic importance of the siege and the collective responsibility shouldered by the great houses of the kingdom.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The conduct of a medieval siege followed a strict and elaborate protocol. Upon arrival, the besieging army would complete the investment of the castle, cutting it off from all relief. Heralds would then formally demand surrender, offering terms that, if refused, initiated hostilities. The white-tie formality of a modern diplomatic function finds its martial ancestor in these rigid codes of conduct.
At Caerlaverock, this protocol was observed with precision. Siege engines, including powerful trebuchets, were constructed and brought to bear on the castle’s curtain walls. Knights and men-at-arms, organised under their respective lords’ banners, prepared for the assault. The entire proceeding was a demonstration not only of military might but also of a hierarchical order, with each lord and his retinue occupying a designated place in the camp and on the field.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The *Siege of Caerlaverock* is, at its heart, a roll of arms—a poetic record of the coats of arms borne by the commanders. It describes the banner of Henry de Lacy with admirable clarity: a yellow banner, bearing a purple lion rampant (*Or, a lion rampant purpure*). The lion, a timeless symbol of courage and nobility, powerfully signifies the martial prowess expected of a great lord.
This imagery finds a modern echo in the House’s own motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). While the lion on de Lacy's banner represented physical courage, the motto encompasses a broader Bractonian ideal: fortitude in facing adversity and honour in all conduct. It is the guiding principle that connects the historic responsibilities of the Barony with its contemporary duties.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The spirit of protection, once expressed through military defence of the realm, is today channelled into the safeguarding of the vulnerable. The medieval obligation to shield the weak has evolved into the modern House’s philanthropic focus. The annual Winter Banquet, a centrepiece of the House's social calendar, serves as a testament to this commitment.
The designated beneficiary of the gala, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma. The choice of this charity is deliberate, reflecting the House’s belief that true honour lies in offering sanctuary and fostering resilience. The fortitude once displayed on the battlefield is now dedicated to helping young people overcome their own profound challenges.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To be stewards of a title held by figures like Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt is a profound responsibility. Commemorating Henry de Lacy’s service at Caerlaverock reminds us that the principles of duty and honour are timeless. Our task today is to apply that same fortitude to the challenges of our own era.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective, linking his personal motto to the occasion: > “My motto is *Vincere Est Vivere*—‘To Conquer is to Live’. At Caerlaverock, conquest was a military objective. Today, we interpret it as conquering adversity, apathy, and despair. It is in this struggle for the betterment of society, particularly for its youngest members, that we truly live.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to honouring its past as a foundation for its future endeavours. The lessons of leadership, duty, and strategic foresight demonstrated at Caerlaverock continue to inform the House’s modern activities, from its philanthropic initiatives to its cultural engagement.
This commitment is actively expressed through undertakings such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy which promotes cultural diplomacy and personal development based on classical European values. By preserving its history and adapting its ancient duties to contemporary needs, the House ensures its legacy remains not a relic, but a living tradition of service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern seat of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural preservation, public service, and strategic philanthropy. Fusing its deep English heritage with a Continental European perspective, the House actively supports causes related to child welfare and cultivates forums for cultural diplomacy. Its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs its commitment to acting as a force for positive influence in society, honouring nearly a millennium of history through meaningful contemporary action.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a Norman dignity of feudal origin, first held by Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and seigneurial lands are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most influential figures, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln for the Crown in the 13th century, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The uninterrupted descent of the Barony was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Barony is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as part of the 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln. - The current Baroness is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th to hold the dignity. The heir is her son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. - The formal recognition of the Barony is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com