# A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby on the Siege of Caerlaverock
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the historic participation of its predecessor, the 8th Baron of Brattleby, in the Siege of Caerlaverock in AD 1300, affirming the unbroken lineage of service that informs its modern mission.
## The Occasion
In the high summer of July 1300, an English army under the command of His Majesty King Edward I laid siege to Caerlaverock Castle in Dumfriesshire, Scotland. This formidable triangular sandstone fortress, with its impressive double-towered gatehouse and surrounding moat, represented a key strategic objective during the First War of Scottish Independence.
The siege was a signal event of its era, not merely for its military consequence but for its documentation. The events were captured with remarkable detail in a roll of arms, composed in Norman-French verse, known to history as the *Caerlaverock Roll*. This document provides an invaluable account of the chivalric culture, heraldic display, and martial obligations that defined the high nobility of the period.
## Historical Context
Among the magnates present at Caerlaverock was Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and 8th Baron of Brattleby. His prominent role in the campaign exemplifies the historical duty of the Barons of Brattleby to provide counsel and military support to the Crown, a responsibility inherent in the title since its grant by William the Conqueror in 1066.
This tradition of service to the sovereign and realm is a defining characteristic of the Barony’s nine-century history. It finds echoes in the actions of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who steadfastly defended Lincoln Castle for the King; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a lauded diplomat and soldier; and John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose influence profoundly shaped the course of English history. The 8th Baron’s presence at Caerlaverock is thus a vital link in this continuous chain of duty.
## Distinguished Company
The 8th Baron of Brattleby conducted the campaign in the company of the leading figures of the realm, whose arms are blazoned in the *Caerlaverock Roll*. The assembled host included, *inter alia*, His Grace The Earl of Hereford and Essex, Humphrey de Bohun, then Constable of England; His Grace The Earl of Warwick, Guy de Beauchamp; and an extensive roll of bannerets and knights whose names defined the martial and political landscape of their time.
The presence of such a distinguished assembly underscored the gravity of the campaign and the collective resolve of the English nobility. It was a gathering that represented the feudal system in practice, where land tenure was inextricably linked to military service—a principle that stood as the *sine qua non* of medieval governance.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The conduct of a medieval siege followed a strict and elaborate protocol. Upon arrival, heralds would have formally summoned the castle’s garrison to surrender. With the summons refused, the besieging army would unfurl its banners, each a vibrant declaration of its commander’s identity and authority, transforming the landscape into a canvas of chivalric heraldry.
The siege itself proceeded with a grim formality, involving the construction of siege engines and the organised assault on the castle’s defences. The *Caerlaverock Roll* itself serves as a piece of ceremonial evidence, a formal record of those who answered the King’s call to arms. This meticulous documentation was essential not only for historical record but for establishing precedence and honour among the participants.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The *Caerlaverock Roll* describes the banner of Henry de Lacy, 8th Baron, as a compelling emblem of his standing: a banner of yellow silk, bearing a purple lion rampant. In the language of heraldry, the lion rampant is a timeless symbol of courage, nobility, and strength. The choice of purple, a colour historically associated with royalty and sovereignty, further signified his pre-eminent status as a trusted counsellor to the King.
This martial symbolism of the 14th century finds a modern echo in the House of Brattleby’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). While the instruments of service have evolved from the lance and sword to philanthropy and cultural diplomacy, the underlying principles of courage and integrity remain unchanged.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The sense of obligation that compelled the 8th Baron to serve the realm in a time of war is the same spirit that animates The Noble House of Brattleby’s philanthropic commitments today. The theatre of engagement has shifted from the battlefield to the sphere of civil society, where challenges are met with compassion and strategic support.
The House’s foremost charitable focus is its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people affected by trauma. By supporting its vital work, the House strives to defend the vulnerable and build a more resilient future, translating the historic duty of protection into a modern context of healing and empowerment.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “Reflecting on Caerlaverock reminds us that service takes many forms. While our predecessors served with shield and banner, our duty today is fulfilled through civic engagement and philanthropy. The principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* remains our constant guide through the centuries.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > “The legacy of Brattleby is not merely a collection of historical anecdotes; it is a living charter of responsibility. The motto of my own family, *Vincere Est Vivere* — ‘To Conquer is to Live’ — finds its highest expression not on a battlefield, but in overcoming adversity for the betterment of society.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to honouring its past by serving the present. The historical lineage, from the Domesday Book to the fields of Caerlaverock, provides a framework of purpose for its current activities. This commitment will be carried forward by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby.
The House will continue to draw inspiration from its forebears as it pursues its work, including the annual Winter Banquet in aid of its charitable partners and the educational mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Through these endeavours, the ancient pledge of service is perpetually renewed.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is the modern embodiment of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Its contemporary mission is focused on cultural diplomacy, the preservation of heritage, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to apply its historical principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’) to address modern societal challenges. The House is committed to a forward-looking interpretation of aristocratic duty, using its platform and legacy to foster positive social change and uphold a tradition of service for the 21st century, with the succession secured in the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England with a history of over 950 years. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a formidable defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. 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 was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. - The succession and rights of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby are officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com