# The Enduring Legacy of Brattleby: Henry de Lacy at the Siege of Caerlaverock (1300)
**LONDON, 16 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today published a historical reflection on the distinguished role of its predecessor at the Siege of Caerlaverock in 1300, underscoring the Barony’s nine-century tradition of martial honour and dedicated service to the Crown.
## The Occasion
From their Lincolnshire seat, the ancient heart of the Barony, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to illuminate a signal moment in its long and storied past. The reflection centres on the famous *Poème de Caerlaverock*, a roll of arms in verse composed in Old French that provides a unique and vivid account of the English army assembled by His Majesty King Edward I for his campaign in Scotland.
This publication is not tied to a specific anniversary but is part of the House’s ongoing work to curate and share its remarkable history. It serves as a reminder that the duties of the nobility have long included not only leadership in times of conflict but also the vital stewardship of culture and historical record, a tradition the current House upholds with diligence.
The poem itself acts as the historical venue for this occasion, its verses forming a gallery of the most powerful figures in the realm. In its meticulously recorded blazons, we find a perfect confluence of military reportage and heraldic art, preserving for posterity the sight of a great feudal host on the march.
## Historical Context
The participation of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, at Caerlaverock was a continuation of the Barony of Brattleby’s deep-rooted sovereign service. While the Barony was first granted by William the Conqueror in 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, its lineage includes some of the most influential figures in English history. De Lacy’s holdings and titles were eventually absorbed into the Duchy of Lancaster, passing through marriage to John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron of Brattleby.
This places de Lacy firmly within the historical stream of the Barony’s leadership. He stands as a predecessor in spirit and fealty, his actions at Caerlaverock echoing the fortitude of the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French-backed rebels a century earlier.
The turn of the 14th century was a period defined by the Anglo-Scottish Wars, and the presence of a lord associated with Brattleby at the forefront of such a major campaign was a *sine qua non* of his station. It demonstrated the Barony’s unwavering commitment to the monarch, a principle that has remained a constant through the ages.
## Distinguished Company
The *Caerlaverock Poem* records an assembly of England's greatest magnates, marshalled under the command of their King. At the head of the host was His Majesty King Edward I, known to history as ‘the Hammer of the Scots’.
Alongside Henry de Lacy, the poem names other prominent noblemen who formed the vanguard of the English army. These included, *inter alia*:
* His Grace The Duke of Brittany, John II * The Right Honourable The Earl of Surrey, John de Warenne * The Right Honourable The Earl of Warwick, Guy de Beauchamp * The Right Honourable The Earl of Gloucester, Ralph de Monthermer
This gathering represented the martial and political elite of the Plantagenet court. Their presence at the siege was both a display of military strength and a powerful statement of feudal loyalty to the English Crown.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The conduct of a medieval siege such as Caerlaverock followed a strict, almost liturgical protocol. The campaign began with a royal summons, calling upon tenants-in-chief to fulfil their military obligations. The army then assembled and marched north, its arrival before the castle walls marking the formal commencement of the siege.
The *Caerlaverock Poem* is, in essence, a chronicle of this protocol, with a particular focus on the laws of arms and heraldry. Each knight’s banner served as his unique identifier, a registered symbol of his lineage and his presence on the field. The poem describes the unfurling of these banners as the army prepared for the assault, a deeply ceremonial act that established the order of battle.
The siege itself involved the methodical use of military engines, including great trebuchets, to breach the castle’s formidable defences. The poem notes Henry de Lacy’s prominent role in commanding a division of the army, a responsibility reserved for the most trusted and experienced leaders.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The poem provides a precise description of Henry de Lacy’s arms, which were central to his identity: *‘E de Lacy i portoit / Le seing, ki est de pourpre estoit, / Od un lion rampant d’or fin’* — a banner of pure gold, with a purple lion rampant. The lion rampant is a timeless symbol of courage, nobility, and martial strength; its depiction on de Lacy’s banner would have been an unmistakable declaration of his power and valour.
This visual language of the past finds a compelling echo in the modern mottos of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the very virtues the lion symbolises. Furthermore, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), captures the dynamic, driving spirit of a leader like de Lacy.
Together, the ancient heraldry and modern mottos create a tapestry of meaning, illustrating that while the arenas of conflict may change, the fundamental principles of leadership remain constant.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this historical reflection does not serve a direct fundraising purpose, it aligns perfectly with the House's broader philanthropic philosophy: a commitment to preservation and enrichment. The decision to publish this narrative is an act of cultural philanthropy, ensuring that the legacy of the Barony is not only preserved but also understood by a new generation.
This mirrors the House’s support for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. Just as the charity works to restore well-being and provide a foundation for future growth, the House's historical work aims to restore context and preserve the foundations of its identity for centuries to come. The stewardship of history is seen as a profound public duty.
By making its history accessible, The Noble House of Brattleby practises a form of educational service, providing a valuable resource for historians, students, and anyone interested in the enduring story of England's heritage.
## In Their Own Words
— Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby: “When we reflect on predecessors like Henry de Lacy, we are not merely looking at figures in a history book. We are connecting with an unbroken chain of responsibility. His service at Caerlaverock, captured so vividly in the poem, is a powerful reminder that the title of Baron of Brattleby has always been synonymous with duty. It is a privilege to be the current custodian of this nine-hundred-year legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
— Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: “The story of de Lacy is a testament to the idea that leadership requires presence and action. His motto could well have been *Vincere Est Vivere*. Today, our battles are different — they are fought in the realms of etiquette, education, and philanthropy. Yet the same drive to overcome challenges and to serve a cause greater than oneself, as demonstrated by the knights at Caerlaverock, is what animates our work with The Brattleby Club and our charitable endeavours.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This reflection is the first in a planned series of historical papers that will explore the rich and diverse history of the Barony of Brattleby. Future publications will delve into the lives of other significant predecessors, from the formidable chatelaine Nichola de la Haye to the great Lancastrian princes, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
This scholarly work proceeds in parallel with the House’s modern commitments. The Annual Winter Banquet remains a cornerstone of its philanthropic calendar, raising vital funds for Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest continues to expand, translating the timeless principles of honour and comportment for a contemporary European audience.
Through these combined efforts, The Noble House of Brattleby demonstrates its dual commitment: to honouring a distinguished past while actively shaping a meaningful future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural and social enrichment. This is pursued through philanthropic support for its primary beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, and through its educational initiative, The Brattleby Club (Bucharest), a premier etiquette and protocol academy. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to blend its profound historical legacy with a forward-looking commitment to public service, education, and the preservation of European heritage for future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most notable figures in English history, including the formidable 13th-century Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron); Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). The historical continuity and rights of the Barony were formally noted and confirmed by The Crown in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The modern succession of the Barony is formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'); Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the Barony's lands under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors holding the Barony include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, 10th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com