# A Statement on the Historical Continuity of the Barony of Brattleby at the Siege of Caerlaverock (1300)
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on the Barony's historic connection to the Siege of Caerlaverock in 1300, a legacy of military service and chivalric duty first chronicled over seven centuries ago.
## The Occasion
The reflection is prompted by an internal review of the Barony’s historical archives, specifically concerning its connection to one of the most celebrated military events of the High Middle Ages. In the summer of 1300, King Edward I of England led an army into Scotland, laying siege to the formidable Caerlaverock Castle in Dumfriesshire.
The siege was not merely a military manoeuvre; it was a grand display of chivalric culture. Caerlaverock Castle, with its distinctive triangular plan and powerful gatehouse, presented a significant challenge. The assembling of England’s baronial elite before its walls provided the context for the creation of the *Caerlaverock Roll*, an exceptionally detailed roll of arms in Anglo-Norman verse that serves as a vital record of medieval heraldry and the personalities of the age.
This document, a *sine qua non* for the study of the period, captures the pageantry and protocol that accompanied warfare. It is within this remarkable record that the martial heritage of the lands associated with the Barony of Brattleby is vividly illuminated.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first established in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln, possesses a history interwoven with the fabric of England's governance and defence. Its lineage demonstrates a consistent proximity to the Crown and a recurring obligation to national service.
The connection to the Siege of Caerlaverock is exemplified by the prominent role of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln. A trusted counsellor to Edward I and a significant Lincolnshire landowner, his destiny became inextricably linked with the future of the Barony. Through the marriage of his granddaughter, Blanche of Lancaster, to John of Gaunt (11th Baron of Brattleby), the de Lacy inheritance—and its associated legacy of loyal service—was formally united with the Brattleby line.
This continuity of service can be traced throughout the Barony’s history, from Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle against rebels, to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter.
## Distinguished Company
At Caerlaverock, Henry de Lacy stood among the most powerful figures of the realm, a gathering memorialised with exacting detail by the heralds of the day. The English host was commanded by His Majesty King Edward I himself, accompanied by his son and heir, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, Edward of Caernarfon.
Other leaders present included, *inter alia*, Sir Aymer de Valence, Earl of Pembroke; Sir Humphrey de Bohun, Earl of Hereford and Constable of England; and Sir Roger Bigod, Earl of Norfolk and Marshal of England. These men constituted the military and political leadership of the kingdom, and de Lacy's presence as a senior commander affirmed the status and responsibility tied to his extensive fiefdoms, including those in Lincolnshire.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The conduct of a medieval siege followed a strict and elaborate protocol. Before hostilities commenced, heralds would formally summon the castle's defenders to surrender. The unfurling of the royal standard signalled the King's presence, while each magnate's colourful banner served as a rallying point and a declaration of intent.
The *Caerlaverock Roll* itself is a product of this ceremonial order, meticulously recording the blazon—the formal description of arms—for over one hundred knights and barons. This was a practical necessity for identification in battle, but it also functioned as a public testament to lineage, honour, and feudal obligation. The chronicle details not only coats of arms but also the character and valour of their bearers, blending military record-keeping with chivalric poetry.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The *Caerlaverock Roll* describes the arms of Henry de Lacy as a banner of yellow silk, or *Or*, bearing a purple lion rampant: "*Sa bannere fu de or et de pounsil, O un lyoun rampant de pourpre*." In plain English, this is a gold field featuring a lion rearing on its hind legs, depicted in the royal and imperial tincture of purple.
The symbol of the lion has, since antiquity, represented courage, nobility, and strength—qualities central to the chivalric ideal. The use of purple, a colour historically reserved for sovereigns, further underscored de Lacy's elevated status and close relationship with the Crown. This visual declaration of strength finds a philosophical echo in the Brattleby House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulating a legacy where strength is always paired with integrity.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the context of 1300 was one of military conflict, the underlying principle of service—to Crown, country, and one’s dependents—remains a guiding tenet for the Noble House of Brattleby today. The fortitude required to defend a kingdom in the past inspires the House’s modern commitment to protect the most vulnerable in society.
This ethos is central to the House’s philanthropic endeavours, particularly its patronage of the charity Healing the Wounded Child. The same sense of duty that compelled predecessors to answer a monarch’s call to arms now compels a determined effort to aid children affected by trauma and adversity. The annual Winter Banquet is the primary platform for this support, translating historical legacy into tangible, positive impact.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To understand our heritage is to appreciate the unbroken chain of responsibility that links us to figures like John of Gaunt and Nichola de la Haye. The fortitude they demonstrated in times of conflict is a standard we strive to meet today through service, ensuring that the legacy of Brattleby is one of positive contribution.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > “The strategy and discipline evident at Caerlaverock were expressions of a martial philosophy where victory is the aim. For us, *Vincere Est Vivere*—to conquer is to live—and today’s challenges are met not on the battlefield, but through focused, strategic philanthropy and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of civic duty.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby continues to explore and share the rich history of the Barony. This commitment to heritage is not an exercise in nostalgia but a source of inspiration for its current mission. The principles of honour, duty, and resilience, chronicled in documents like the *Caerlaverock Roll*, are timeless.
Future initiatives, including historical seminars at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, will further examine the lessons of chivalry and their application to modern leadership. By honouring its past, the House of Brattleby reaffirms its dedication to a future defined by *Fortitudine et Honore*.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to merging its profound historical legacy with a forward-looking vision of public service. The House's modern mission is centred on philanthropic and cultural initiatives that bridge its British heritage and Continental connections. Its principal charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, primarily through its annual Winter Banquet. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, promotes cultural exchange and the timeless values of civility and honour. The House operates with a philosophy of active stewardship, ensuring that the traditions of the past inform a purpose-driven present and future.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships, with its origins formally recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it was noted as part of the 56 lordships granted to Colswein of Lincoln. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its history is deeply entwined with that of the nation. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The unbroken succession of the title is formally recognised by the Crown, as documented in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors include John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron of Brattleby) and his father-in-law, Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron). - The family seat of The Noble House of Brattleby is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com