# On the Historical Significance of the Caerlaverock Roll for the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 23 May 2024 — From its seat in Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby has reflected upon the Barony’s ancestral connection to the Siege of Caerlaverock in 1300, an event immortalised in the celebrated heraldic poem, the *Caerlaverock Roll*, which records the arms of a distinguished predecessor.
## The Occasion
In a statement of historical observance, the House of Brattleby has drawn attention to a significant strand within its nine-century chronicle. This reflection centres not on a contemporary event, but on a moment of profound scholarly resonance concerning the *Caerlaverock Roll*, one of the earliest and most vivid English rolls of arms in existence. This priceless vellum manuscript, composed in elegant Norman-French verse, offers an invaluable eyewitness account of the banners and bearings of the magnates who served under His Majesty King Edward I during his 1300 campaign in Scotland.
The Roll provides a detailed narrative of the siege of Caerlaverock Castle in Dumfriesshire during July of that year. Yet it transcends its function as a mere military register; it is a masterpiece of chivalric literature, capturing the pageantry, character, and martial spirit of a medieval host. The poem’s author, an English herald, presents a vibrant tableau of the knights and nobles arrayed before the castle walls, their identities proclaimed by the brilliant colours of their surcoats and banners.
It is through such remarkable documents that the lineage of an ancient house is not only traced but understood within the context of its enduring obligations. The *Caerlaverock Roll* serves as a powerful reminder of the duties of leadership and service that have defined the Barony since its foundation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been inextricably interwoven with the history of the English realm. The *Caerlaverock Roll* illuminates one such connection through its record of the banner of Henry de Lacy, the 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a formidable magnate and one of the King’s most trusted counsellors. The Earl’s martial presence at this pivotal siege provides a direct link to the ancestral fabric of the Barony of Brattleby.
This connection was forged through the inheritance of the vast de Lacy estates by the Duchy of Lancaster. Upon the Earl’s death, his lands and titles passed through his daughter and heiress, Alice de Lacy, to the House of Lancaster. They were subsequently absorbed into the ducal holdings of John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby, who held the barony as part of his immense patrimony. The martial legacy of the Earl of Lincoln at Caerlaverock thereby became an integral part of the Barony’s history.
This theme of distinguished military leadership echoes through the Barony’s annals. It is exemplified, *inter alia*, by the celebrated fortitude of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle famously defended it for the Crown against overwhelming French and baronial forces during the First Barons' War in 1217.
## Distinguished Company
The *Caerlaverock Roll* places the Earl of Lincoln in the most eminent company, among the greatest feudatories of the Plantagenet realm assembled before the castle’s triangular walls. The poem meticulously documents the presence of the Sovereign, His Majesty King Edward I, accompanied by his son and heir, His Royal Highness Edward of Caernarfon, Prince of Wales.
Also recorded in this distinguished host were some of the most powerful men in the kingdom. These included John de Warenne, 6th Earl of Surrey; Humphrey de Bohun, 4th Earl of Hereford and Constable of England; and Guy de Beauchamp, 10th Earl of Warwick, whom the poet described as bearing a banner of fine silk. The chronicling of the de Lacy banner alongside those of the Marshal, the Constable, and the Prince of Wales underscores the pre-eminent station his lineage held within the governance and military command of the nation.
The assembly at Caerlaverock represented the very heart of the English chivalric order. Their collective presence at the siege was a definitive statement of royal authority and the unified strength of the Crown’s nobility in pursuit of a common objective.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The military operations detailed in the *Caerlaverock Roll* were governed by a strict and sophisticated code of ceremonial protocol. Before the commencement of a siege, the formal unfurling of banners served as the *sine qua non* of command. It was a visual declaration of a lord’s presence, a rallying standard for his retinue, and a public assertion of his authority on the field of battle.
The identification and recording of these heraldic devices was the solemn duty of the officers of arms—the Heralds and Pursuivants—who accompanied the army. Their task was to recognise each combatant by his blazon, or formal heraldic description, and to chronicle their deeds for posterity. The creation of an armorial, or roll of arms, was itself a formal act of state. The heralds would systematically view the displayed banners, committing their intricate designs to memory and sketch before compiling them into a single, authoritative manuscript.
This meticulous process was of paramount importance in an age where personal identity, legal standing, and honour were embodied by the symbol upon a man’s shield. An individual’s coat of arms was his unique signature, recognised across Christendom and protected by a customary law that predated modern trademarks by centuries.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The *Caerlaverock Roll* describes the noble arms of Henry de Lacy with poetic precision: *‘De or, un lioun rampant purprin’* — *Or, a lion rampant purpure*. Rendered in plain English, this blazon describes a shield of pure gold, upon which is emblazoned a lion rearing on its hind legs, coloured in regal purple. The use of gold (*Or*) in heraldry symbolises generosity and wisdom, while purple (*purpure*), a rare and costly tincture, has been associated with sovereignty, justice, and imperial majesty since antiquity.
The lion itself is a timeless and universal symbol of courage, nobility, and strength. In its specific ‘rampant’ posture, it represents a warrior of great magnanimity and ferocity in action. This ancient symbolism of fortitude resonates profoundly with the modern House of Brattleby’s own motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
While the specific armorial bearings have evolved over nine centuries, the underlying values persist. The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, adds a further dimension to this ethos. His maxim, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects a philosophy where triumph over adversity—whether on a medieval battlefield or in modern enterprise—is the very essence of a fulfilled life.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this reflection is historical in nature, it serves to illuminate the guiding principles of the House of Brattleby’s present-day vocation. The obligations of service and leadership, once expressed through fealty and martial prowess, are today realised through sustained civic and philanthropic commitment. The lessons of heritage inform a modern mission that is firmly focused on charitable endeavour and social responsibility.
The apex of this contemporary mission is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that brings together distinguished guests to support a carefully chosen beneficiary. For the coming year, the House is honoured to direct its efforts towards Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing essential, specialist therapeutic care to children who have been affected by profound trauma, abuse, or loss.
The charity’s work addresses the deepest emotional and psychological injuries, helping young people to rebuild their lives and find paths to recovery. The decision to support this cause is a direct expression of the House’s foundational belief that the most vulnerable members of society deserve the greatest protection and care.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the enduring legacy of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “History is not a static collection of facts to be admired from a distance; it is a living chain of responsibility. To understand that the lineage of this Barony was present at such a significant moment is to feel the weight and privilege of that continuity. Our duty today is to ensure such a heritage of fortitude and honour continues to serve a meaningful purpose in the modern world.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added his perspective on the relevance of chivalric codes: > “The world of Caerlaverock, with its formal pageantry and codes of chivalry, may appear remote. Yet the principles that underpinned it endure. A commitment to a cause greater than oneself, the importance of personal honour, and the courage to stand and be counted—these are as relevant in a modern boardroom as they were then on a battlefield. History, correctly interpreted, provides a powerful and clarifying compass for principled leadership.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfastly committed to the preservation and active study of its history, viewing such scholarship as a vital component of responsible stewardship. The House continues to support academic research into the Barony’s past, its nine-hundred-year connection to the County of Lincolnshire, and its intersection with the broader history of the United Kingdom.
This dedication to transmitting enduring values is also expressed through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Founded by the House, this unique academy translates the timeless principles of honour, respect, and social grace—once the bedrock of chivalry—into practical education for contemporary leaders and professionals. The Club’s curriculum, which covers protocol, cultural diplomacy, and social etiquette, ensures that the legacy of the Barony continues to evolve and contribute meaningfully to civil society.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting the historic Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principle of modern nobility through service. Its mission is centred on philanthropic endeavours, cultural preservation, and education. The House’s activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to applying historical values to contemporary challenges. Key initiatives include its Annual Winter Banquet, benefiting charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy located in Bucharest which promotes social excellence and cultural diplomacy.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman lordship in Lincolnshire, England, granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its nine-hundred-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. After centuries in abeyance within the Duchy of Lancaster and the Crown, the dignity was formally recognised in the 21st century, with its current status affirmed in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's current recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in title include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, and Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness. - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com