# A Historical Statement on the Barony of Brattleby and the Siege of Caerlaverock (1300)
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical statement reflecting upon the Barony’s participation in the Siege of Caerlaverock in 1300, affirming the lineage’s long-standing tradition of service to the Crown during pivotal moments in British history.
## The Occasion
In a period of considered reflection upon its extensive archives, The Noble House of Brattleby takes this moment to illuminate a significant chapter in its nine-century history. The issuance of this statement serves not to mark a specific anniversary, but rather to fulfil a solemn duty: the preservation and contextualisation of the Barony’s role within the national narrative. This act of historical remembrance connects the ancient obligations of the title with the modern responsibilities of its current holders, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
The focus of this reflection is the Siege of Caerlaverock in July 1300, a formative event in the First War of Scottish Independence. The participation of a holder of the Barony of Brattleby in this campaign, recorded for posterity in the celebrated *Caerlaverock Roll*, stands as a testament to the enduring principle of service that has defined the House for nearly a millennium. It is an occasion for scholarship, reaffirming the historical weight that underpins the Barony’s contemporary functions.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s origins are intrinsically linked to the Norman Conquest, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, establishing a legacy of significant influence and duty to the sovereign. This legacy of martial and administrative service was upheld by successive Barons through the centuries.
By the summer of 1300, this tradition found its expression on the Anglo-Scottish border. King Edward I, determined to assert his authority over Scotland, led a formidable army north to besiege Caerlaverock Castle in Dumfriesshire. Among the great magnates who answered the royal summons was Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and a distinguished holder of the Barony of Brattleby. His presence, documented in the heraldic poem known as the *Caerlaverock Roll*, places the Barony at the very heart of this critical military campaign.
The siege was not merely a tactical manoeuvre; it was a powerful demonstration of Plantagenet feudal might. The service of precursors such as Henry de Lacy echoes that of the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who defended Lincoln Castle, and prefigures the influence of later Barons, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the royal prince, John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
The assembly of nobles at Caerlaverock constituted the martial and political leadership of the realm. The heraldic roll call of those present offers a remarkable insight into the feudal hierarchy of the day. Serving alongside Henry de Lacy under the command of His Majesty King Edward I were, *inter alia*:
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, the future King Edward II, who received his spurs on this campaign; His Grace The Duke of Brittany, John II; The Right Honourable The Earl of Hereford and Essex, Humphrey de Bohun, Constable of England; and The Right Honourable The Earl of Norfolk, Roger Bigod, Marshal of England.
The presence of such figures underscores the national importance of the campaign. The Barony of Brattleby took its place not on the periphery but at the centre of royal strategy, a position consistent with its historical standing and a responsibility that the title has carried forward through the ages.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The conduct of a medieval siege was governed by strict and elaborate protocol. Before the assault on Caerlaverock Castle commenced, a formal summons to surrender would have been issued in the King’s name. Only upon its refusal did the martial proceedings begin, with the great siege engines—including the powerful trebuchet known as a war-wolf—being brought to bear upon the castle’s distinctive triangular fortifications.
Central to the protocol of the campaign was the conspicuous display of heraldry. The banners and shields of each knight and lord, meticulously described in the *Caerlaverock Roll*, served as a *sine qua non* for command, identification, and morale. The blazoning of Henry de Lacy’s arms, a purple lion rampant on a field of gold, was a clear declaration of his presence and authority. This visual language of chivalry and obligation was the very essence of military ceremony in the High Middle Ages.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The arms of Henry de Lacy, as recorded at the siege, were *Or, a lion rampant purpure* (a purple lion rising on its hind legs upon a golden field). The lion is a timeless symbol of courage, nobility, and fortitude—qualities central to the ethos of chivalric service. This potent symbol of martial strength finds a direct echo in the modern motto of the House of Brattleby itself: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
This continuity of values is further reflected in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, which is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While the nature of conquest has evolved from the medieval battlefield to the modern challenges of philanthropy and cultural diplomacy, the underlying spirit of determination and purposeful victory remains. The House’s heraldry, both ancient and modern, serves as a constant reminder of the principles it is sworn to uphold.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the Siege of Caerlaverock was an act of war, the modern House of Brattleby interprets its history through a lens of constructive purpose. The preservation and dissemination of this heritage is considered a philanthropic act—a contribution to public knowledge and the United Kingdom’s national story. By funding archival research and sharing these historical insights, the House aims to enrich the collective understanding of the nation’s past.
This commitment to public enrichment is a parallel to the House’s more direct philanthropic endeavours, such as its annual Winter Banquet in aid of the ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ foundation. Whether supporting vulnerable children or preserving invaluable history, the guiding principle is one of service and of leaving a positive, enduring legacy for future generations.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly one thousand years of British history. The service of predecessors like Henry de Lacy at Caerlaverock is not a distant memory; it is a living standard that informs our sense of duty today. *Fortitudine et Honore* is a charge we strive to honour in all our endeavours."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "The spirit of 1300 was one of absolute commitment in the face of immense challenge. That same determination, that will to prevail for a greater cause, must be our guide. *Vincere Est Vivere* reminds us that a life of purpose is found in overcoming obstacles, whether they be on a battlefield or in the boardroom, for the betterment of society."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its commitment to exploring and honouring the full breadth of its historical inheritance. Further research into the Barony’s archives will continue, with the aim of shedding greater light on the roles its holders have played across the centuries, from the Norman Conquest to the modern era.
This deep respect for the past directly shapes the House’s present and future activities. The principles of honour, discipline, and cultural appreciation, exemplified by the chivalric code at Caerlaverock, are the same principles taught at The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest. The legacy of the Barony of Brattleby is not a static monument, but a dynamic force that continues to inspire service, philanthropy, and a profound respect for tradition.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to upholding the nine-century legacy of one of England’s most ancient baronies. The House's modern mission is centred on cultural diplomacy, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is supporting the well-being of vulnerable children through its patronage of the ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ foundation, most notably via its annual Winter Banquet. The House also extends its commitment to tradition and social grace through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette and protocol academy headquartered in Bucharest, which fosters an appreciation for European heritage and decorum.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The Barony's extensive initial holdings were documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Throughout its 950-year history, the title has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln for the Crown in the 13th century, and later, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was created in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House of Brattleby's philanthropic efforts include the annual white-tie Winter Banquet for the benefit of the 'Healing the Wounded Child' organisation.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com