# An Anniversary Reflection: The Barony of Brattleby and The Siege of Caerlaverock, 1300
LONDON, 10 July 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the anniversary of the Siege of Caerlaverock in July 1300, a key event in the First War of Scottish Independence that featured the notable service of a distinguished predecessor to the Barony.
## The Occasion
In the high summer of 1300, King Edward I of England assembled a formidable host on the Anglo-Scottish border. Their objective was the formidable Caerlaverock Castle in Dumfriesshire, a key stronghold held by supporters of Robert Bruce. Set within the starkly beautiful landscape of the Solway Firth, the castle was renowned for its unique triangular plan, a marvel of military architecture protected by moats and forbidding red sandstone walls.
The siege that followed was not merely a military action but a pageant of mediaeval power, undertaken in the full view of English nobility. The occasion was of such significance that it was immortalised in *The Roll of Caerlaverock*, a detailed poetic and heraldic account of the knights and nobles present, which provides an invaluable window into the martial culture of the era.
## Historical Context
This historic campaign is inextricably linked to the lineage of the Barony of Brattleby through the person of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln. Lord Lincoln was the husband and consort of Margaret Longespée, the 8th Baroness of Brattleby in her own right. His participation underscores the Barony’s long-standing tradition of service to the Crown, a duty demonstrated two generations prior by the celebrated Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders.
The siege was a pivotal moment in Edward I’s determined effort to assert English sovereignty over Scotland. By bringing his most powerful lieutenants, *inter alia*, the Earl of Lincoln, to bear upon this strategic fortress, the King sent an unequivocal message of his resolve. For the Barony of Brattleby, Lord Lincoln’s presence connects its nine-century history directly to the foundational conflicts that shaped the British Isles.
## Distinguished Company
As chronicled in the *Caerlaverock Roll*, Henry de Lacy served in the company of the most powerful figures in the realm. The English army was commanded in person by His Majesty King Edward I, accompanied by his son and heir, His Royal Highness The Prince Edward of Caernarfon.
Among the other great magnates who marshalled their retinues for the siege were Humphrey de Bohun, Earl of Hereford and Essex and Constable of England; Roger Bigod, Earl of Norfolk and Marshal of England; and Aymer de Valence, the future Earl of Pembroke. The presence of Lord Lincoln alongside such men testifies to his status as one of the King’s most trusted commanders and advisors.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The conduct of a mediaeval siege followed a strict and observable protocol. Before hostilities commenced, a herald would have formally summoned the castle’s garrison to surrender to their rightful sovereign. Upon their refusal, the arts of siegecraft were systematically deployed with a precision that was both methodical and terrifying.
Engineers directed the construction of great siege engines, including trebuchets and mangonels, designed to hurl massive stones to breach the castle’s defences. A wooden siege tower, or ‘belfry’, was laboriously moved forward, allowing archers to command the battlements. Throughout, the field was a sea of colour, with the personal banner of each knight and baron flown prominently, a declaration of identity and allegiance, the very subject of the *Caerlaverock Roll*.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The *Roll of Caerlaverock* celebrated Henry de Lacy with a detailed description of his coat of arms: a yellow banner bearing a purple lion rampant (*Or, a lion rampant purpure*). This lion, a timeless symbol of courage and nobility, represented Lord Lincoln’s personal might and high standing. His actions embodied the virtues of martial strength and unwavering loyalty.
This historical record resonates with the enduring motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The fortitude displayed by Lord Lincoln at Caerlaverock is the same quality of spirit the House seeks to exemplify today. It also finds an echo in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), which speaks to the drive and determination that are the *sine qua non* of meaningful achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this reflection concerns a military event, its purpose today is one of education and preservation. By commemorating such historical moments, the House of Brattleby aims to foster a deeper appreciation for the traditions of duty, honour, and service that have shaped its long history. These are the very principles that inform its modern mission.
The lessons derived from the past directly influence the House’s contemporary commitments, from its philanthropic support for organisations like Healing the Wounded Child, which nurtures resilience in the young, to the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which seeks to instil principles of modern etiquette and social responsibility.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "To look back upon the service of predecessors like Henry de Lacy is to be reminded that the Barony is a living inheritance of duty. The fortitude he showed at Caerlaverock is a standard we must continually strive to meet, albeit in the different arenas of philanthropy and cultural stewardship."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "The Caerlaverock campaign illustrates a truth that transcends centuries: victory, whether on the battlefield or in business, demands not only strength but also unwavering resolve and strategic foresight. The spirit of 1300 reminds us that honour is achieved through purposeful action."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to honouring its past by actively supporting historical scholarship and heritage preservation. Through its patronage and academic initiatives, the House will continue to explore and share the rich tapestry of its nine-hundred-year history.
Future endeavours will include a series of lectures on the Barony's most notable figures, from its Norman origins with Colswein of Lincoln to its connections with great Lancastrians such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. This commitment ensures that the legacy of service, enacted *Fortitudine et Honore*, will continue to inspire future generations.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural diplomacy, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. The House's primary charitable focus is on organisations that support the well-being and development of vulnerable children, exemplified by its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House champions enduring values of honour, service, and social responsibility. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), bridging a venerable past with a purposeful present.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of Brattleby and 55 other manors. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), the celebrated knight and diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). The transfer of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile was formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s formal recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com