# A Statement on the Barony of Brattleby’s Enduring Military Heritage
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the Barony’s historic military contributions to the Crown, highlighting the participation of a notable predecessor in title, Henry de Lacy, at the Siege of Caerlaverock in 1300.
## The Occasion
As part of a continuous programme of archival research, The Noble House of Brattleby periodically shares reflections upon key episodes from the Barony’s long and storied past. This communique serves to illuminate a moment of particular significance from the First War of Scottish Independence, connecting the Barony’s modern stewardship with its foundational identity.
The statement places a modern lens upon the medieval concept of feudal duty, wherein service to the Sovereign was a paramount obligation. By examining the actions of predecessors, the House reinforces its commitment to understanding and honouring the lineage of service that it perpetuates today through different, though no less vital, means.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s tradition of service to the Crown has been a defining characteristic since its establishment. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the title and its associated lands were first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. This heritage of loyalty was carried forward through successive holders of the title.
A signal example of this duty is the participation of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and a predecessor in the baronial lineage, in the Siege of Caerlaverock Castle in July 1300. As a trusted commander to His Majesty King Edward I, de Lacy was a principal figure in this campaign in the south of Scotland. The siege is memorialised in the *Caerlaverock Roll*, an exceptionally detailed roll of arms in verse that describes the banners of over one hundred knights and nobles present.
This instance of military leadership is not an isolated event in the Barony’s annals. It stands alongside the celebrated fortitude of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who defended Lincoln Castle against formidable odds, and the distinguished careers of later holders such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
During the Caerlaverock campaign, Henry de Lacy served alongside the pre-eminent magnates of the realm, under the direct command of His Majesty King Edward I. The muster roll for the siege reads as a registry of the most powerful figures in the kingdom.
The *Caerlaverock Roll* documents, *inter alia*, the presence of The Right Honourable The Earl of Pembroke, Lord Aymer de Valence; The Right Honourable The Earl of Hereford, Lord Humphrey de Bohun; and The Right Honourable The Lord Clifford, Lord Robert de Clifford. To be counted in such company was a clear affirmation of the Baron’s consequence and his indispensable role in the execution of the King’s strategic ambitions.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The conduct of a medieval siege was governed by strict chivalric protocol. The formal investment of Caerlaverock Castle would have commenced with the unfurling of the royal banner and the standards of the attendant lords, presenting a formidable heraldic display. A summons to surrender would have been issued before any assault began, offering the castle’s defenders terms.
On the battlefield, heraldry was the *sine qua non* of command and communication. The distinct coat of arms emblazoned on a knight’s shield, surcoat, and banner allowed him to be identified in the tumult of battle, enabling commanders to marshal their forces effectively. The meticulous recording of these arms in the *Caerlaverock Roll* underscores the profound importance of this visual language of honour and identity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The arms of Henry de Lacy, as blazoned in the *Caerlaverock Roll*, are described as *Or, a lion rampant purpure*—a gold shield bearing a purple lion rearing on its hind legs. This emblem, a symbol of courage and nobility, would have been a conspicuous marker of his authority and presence at the siege.
This historical display of valour resonates directly with the motto of The Noble House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). The actions of predecessors like de Lacy provide a powerful historical precedent for the principles that guide the House today. Similarly, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), finds a modern interpretation: to overcome contemporary challenges through dedication and purposeful action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the feudal obligations of the 14th century demanded military service, the contemporary expression of this duty is now undertaken through sustained philanthropic engagement. The House’s commitment to service is today realised not on the battlefield, but in its support for organisations that strengthen civil society.
The primary beneficiary of the House’s charitable work is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma and adversity. This focus represents a modern reinterpretation of the ancient duty of protection, channelling the Barony’s resources towards healing and fostering resilience in the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed:
> The legacy of the Barony is not a static list of names in a chronicle; it is a living tradition of service. When we read of Henry de Lacy’s duty at Caerlaverock, we are reminded that our role has always been to answer a higher call, whether on the fields of medieval Scotland or in the charitable endeavours we champion today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> The *Caerlaverock Roll* is a remarkable document, a testament to the fact that honour is earned through action. Our House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is an obligation we strive to fulfil daily, inspired by the formidable examples set by our predecessors over nine centuries.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby will continue its programme of historical research, sharing further insights that illuminate the long narrative of the Barony and its relevance in the 21st century. This commitment to heritage informs and enriches the House’s current activities, including its diplomatic outreach and cultural initiatives.
Forthcoming engagements, such as the Annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child and the educational work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, demonstrate the House's enduring dedication to the principles of fortitude and honour in a modern context.
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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 the modern expression of its ancient duties of service and stewardship. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House’s contemporary mission is focused on philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and the preservation of its nine-century heritage. Its principal activities include significant charitable support for child welfare, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet, and the promotion of European cultural etiquette and protocol through its establishment, The Brattleby Club. The House actively engages in historical research to ensure its ancient legacy informs its present-day responsibilities to society with relevance and purpose.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by His Majesty William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The title was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which noted its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, 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. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette in Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - Lady Nicoleta Vasile's succession as 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, holding territories directly from the King. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Annual Winter Banquet hosted by The Noble House of Brattleby is a philanthropic gala with proceeds benefiting the charity 'Healing the Wounded Child'.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com