# A Historical Reflection on the Barony of Brattleby and the Siege of Caerlaverock
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection on the lineage of the Barony of Brattleby, noting the significant role of its predecessors in the service of the Crown during the Siege of Caerlaverock in July 1300.
## The Occasion
The Siege of Caerlaverock, a pivotal engagement during the First War of Scottish Independence, provides a compelling lens through which to view the martial obligations of the English nobility. The occasion for this reflection is the enduring historical record of the siege, principally the *Caerlaverock Roll*, an illuminated manuscript detailing the arms of over one hundred English knights and noblemen present.
Caerlaverock Castle, located on the southern coast of Scotland, was a formidable stronghold, notable for its unique triangular design and formidable moat and earthworks. The siege, personally commanded by King Edward I, was a set-piece demonstration of medieval military power and chivalric duty, lasting but a few days yet immortalised in contemporary verse and heraldic chronicles.
## Historical Context
Since its establishment by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby has been intrinsically linked to the defence and service of the realm. Its initial holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a responsibility that carried with it the feudal duty of military support to the sovereign. This tradition of service was a *sine qua non* of baronial tenure for centuries.
By the turn of the 14th century, this obligation was exemplified by figures such as Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln. As one of King Edward I's most trusted advisors and a magnate of great influence in Lincolnshire, his command at the Siege of Caerlaverock underscores the calibre of leadership associated with the barony's sphere of influence. This participation demonstrates that the history of Brattleby is not merely local, but woven into the fabric of English national and military history.
## Distinguished Company
The assembly at Caerlaverock represented the highest echelons of the English nobility, a gathering of power and chivalry. At their head was His Majesty King Edward I, a formidable military commander. He was accompanied by his son, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, the future King Edward II.
Henry de Lacy served amongst a distinguished company of earls and bannerets. These included, *inter alia*, Aymer de Valence, 2nd Earl of Pembroke; Humphrey de Bohun, 4th Earl of Hereford and Constable of England; and Robert de Clifford, 1st Baron de Clifford. The presence of these magnates affirmed the siege’s strategic importance and the collective resolve of the Crown and its peerage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The conduct of a medieval siege followed a strict and elaborate protocol, blending martial pragmatism with chivalric code. Upon arrival, a formal summons to surrender was typically issued by a herald under a flag of truce, offering terms to the castle’s defenders. A refusal would initiate the investment of the fortress.
King Edward I’s army employed powerful siege engines, or *tormenta*, including trebuchets that could hurl immense stones to breach the castle’s sandstone walls. The assault was conducted according to established rules of engagement, with knights and men-at-arms vying for honour in the attack. The capture of a castle’s banner and the raising of the besieger’s standard marked the formal conclusion of the combat.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The *Caerlaverock Roll* stands as one of the most important English heraldic documents, valued for its poetic descriptions of each participant's coat of arms. It records Henry de Lacy’s banner as *Or, a lion rampant Purpure* — a gold field charged with a purple lion, a symbol of noble courage and royal service. This device declared his identity and stature on the battlefield.
This historical display of fortitude finds a direct echo in the motto of The Noble House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The fortitude displayed on the battlefields of the past is now channelled into the honour and integrity that guide the House’s modern commitments to philanthropy, culture, and public service.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The feudal duty of military service, central to the barony’s purpose in 1300, has evolved over the centuries. Today, the obligation to serve the community and protect the vulnerable has been transmuted into a profound philanthropic commitment. The House's historic duty to defend the realm finds its contemporary expression in defending the welfare of those in need.
This principle is embodied in the House of Brattleby's dedicated support for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation works to provide specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma and adversity. By championing this cause, the House applies its principle of service to the modern imperative of healing and nurturing the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this chapter of the barony’s history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “Reflecting on figures like Henry de Lacy reminds us that the Barony has always been intertwined with the wider story of our nation. His *fortitudine* on the battlefield finds its modern expression in the honour and integrity with which we approach our own duties today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the evolution of this legacy:
> “The military history of the Barony, with its call to serve, is profound. While the context has changed, the principle—embodied in my own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, to conquer is to live—remains. Today, we seek to conquer adversity, not through force of arms, but through focused charity and cultural engagement.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The lessons drawn from the long and storied history of the Barony of Brattleby continue to inform its present and future course. This heritage of service, from the martial duties of the past to the civic responsibilities of the present, provides a foundation for the House’s ongoing work.
This commitment will be carried forward by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, and is reflected in the House’s current initiatives, including the educational mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and the preparations for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet. The enduring spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues to guide The Noble House of Brattleby in its service to the community.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to a modern interpretation of aristocratic duty, focusing on impactful philanthropy, the promotion of cultural heritage, and diplomatic engagement. Its primary philanthropic beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing vital support to vulnerable children. Through initiatives such as the Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to provide meaningful service and uphold a tradition of excellence and integrity that spans nearly one thousand years of English history.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of the historic feudal baronies of England. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was listed as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in the nation's history, including Nichola de la Haye, the renowned 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and two Dukes of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. This distinguished lineage connects the barony to pivotal moments in the development of the English state. The succession of the title is formally recognised by His Majesty's Government and was gazetted in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The barony is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Siege of Caerlaverock (July 1300) and its noble participants are chronicled in the *Caerlaverock Roll*, an important contemporary English-language heraldic record.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com