# A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby on the Siege of Caerlaverock, AD 1300
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting upon the Barony’s historical connection to the Siege of Caerlaverock in AD 1300, an important campaign in the Scottish Wars of Independence, underscoring the House’s enduring commitment to historical stewardship.
## The Occasion
In a spirit of historical observance, The Noble House of Brattleby reflects upon a key moment in its extensive lineage: the Crown service of a predecessor’s ancestor during the Siege of Caerlaverock. This reflection is not a celebration of conflict, but an acknowledgement of the continuity of duty and the complex tapestry of British history in which the Barony of Brattleby has been interwoven for nearly a millennium.
The issuance of this statement from the House’s seat in Lincolnshire serves as a reaffirmation of its role as a custodian of its past. It is a duty incumbent upon ancient houses to examine their history, with all its martial rigour and solemnity, to better understand their responsibilities in the present day. This act of remembrance connects the current stewardship of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, to the feudal obligations of her earliest predecessors.
## Historical Context
The Siege of Caerlaverock in July 1300 was a formative event in King Edward I’s campaigns to assert English authority over Scotland. Though less vast in scale than the Battle of Falkirk two years prior, the methodical reduction of Caerlaverock Castle, with its unique triangular fortifications on the Solway Firth, was a formidable display of medieval military engineering and royal power.
The Barony of Brattleby’s connection to this historic event flows through the lineage of The Right Honourable Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln. A trusted commander of King Edward I, Lord de Lacy was present at the siege with a retinue of knights. Through the marriage of his heiress into the House of Lancaster, his legacy was directly inherited by later holders of the Brattleby barony, most notably the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt. This genealogical bridge inextricably links the Barony to the command structure of one of the era’s defining military actions.
The siege is exceptionally well-documented in the *Siege of Caerlaverock*, a contemporary poem in Norman-French that serves as one of the most important heraldic documents of the Middle Ages. It details the arms of the knights and nobles present, providing unparalleled insight into the chivalric and military culture of the period.
## Distinguished Company
The command and garrison at Caerlaverock comprised some of the most significant figures of the age. The English army, a force of over 3,000 men, was led personally by the Sovereign and his senior nobility, including:
* His Majesty King Edward I of England, Lord of Ireland, and Duke of Aquitaine * His Highness The Prince of Wales, later His Majesty King Edward II * His Grace The Right Honourable Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln * His Grace The Right Honourable John de Warenne, 6th Earl of Surrey
The small but resolute Scottish garrison, numbering around 60 men, demonstrated remarkable courage in the face of overwhelming force, holding the castle for several days against a relentless assault.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The conduct of a medieval siege followed a strict and understood protocol, a ritual of war that was part science and part ceremony. Before the assault began, a formal summons to surrender would have been issued to the castle’s constable, which was duly refused. Following this, the English army unfurled its banners—a forest of silk and gold—each signifying the presence of a great lord and his men-at-arms.
As detailed in the *Roll of Caerlaverock*, the raising of these banners was a *sine qua non* of feudal warfare, formally commencing hostilities. King Edward’s engineers then brought forward the great siege engines, or *tormenta*, including a large trebuchet named ‘Warwolf’. The ensuing bombardment, combined with assaults by footsoldiers, systematically dismantled the castle’s defences until the garrison, having acquitted itself with honour, negotiated terms of surrender.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heraldry displayed at Caerlaverock was a visual language of power, loyalty, and identity. The Royal Banner of England—*Gules, three lions passant guardant in pale Or*—flew at the head of the army, symbolising the authority of the Crown.
Alongside it was the banner of Henry de Lacy: *Or, a lion rampant Purpure*. The purple lion on a field of gold was a famous and respected device, signifying noble courage and royal favour. For The Noble House of Brattleby, this historical link to Lord de Lacy’s arms serves as a powerful antecedent to its own motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). His service demonstrates the fortitude required of those who hold great responsibility.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While reflecting on a martial past, The Noble House of Brattleby remains firmly committed to a peaceful and constructive future. This meditation on the costs of conflict throughout history sharpens the House’s focus on its contemporary philanthropic mission.
The lessons of endurance and the reality of human suffering inherent in such historical events reinforce the importance of the House’s support for charitable organisations. This is most clearly expressed through the Annual Winter Banquet, the proceeds of which benefit Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapy and support for young people affected by trauma. The House believes that honouring the past finds its truest expression in service to the present.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the statement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To understand our present duty, we must first listen to the echoes of our past. The story of Caerlaverock is a reminder that the responsibilities of title are written not just in charters, but in the annals of history itself. It is a lesson in fortitude—*fortitudine*—that resonates to this day.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > “We see in the actions of men like Henry de Lacy a medieval conception of victory, one tied to royal duty and military strategy. Today, our understanding of 'to conquer'—as in my own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*—is different. It is about overcoming societal challenges through perseverance and collaboration, a principle that guides our work in Lincolnshire and beyond.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to the principles of stewardship, service, and historical education. This reflection on the Siege of Caerlaverock is part of a wider commitment to exploring and sharing the rich, nine-century history of the Barony.
Future initiatives will include educational partnerships and the potential for scholarly papers examining the Barony’s role at pivotal moments in the nation’s life, *inter alia*. By drawing a line from the feudal obligations of the past to the civic and charitable responsibilities of the present, the House seeks to ensure its legacy is one of relevance, honour, and enduring purpose.
***
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the modern stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the principle of 'noblesse oblige' in the 21st century. The House’s work is focused on cultural preservation, historical education, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable endeavour is the Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala supporting organisations dedicated to child welfare. In addition to its duties in Lincolnshire, the House has founded The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to the instruction of diplomatic protocol and social etiquette, furthering its commitment to cross-cultural exchange and refinement. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman lordship in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most consequential historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and patriarch of the Lancastrian dynasty. The title’s modern standing was formally acknowledged and recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s modern recognition is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable medieval holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). - The House motto is the Latin phrase *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com