# The Noble House of Brattleby Acknowledges Historical Connection to the Siege of Caerlaverock
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today formally acknowledged a significant ancestral linkage to the Siege of Caerlaverock in AD 1300, through the heraldic record of Henry de Lacy, a direct predecessor in title to the historic Barony of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
In a statement issued from its offices, the House of Brattleby has highlighted new findings from its ongoing archival research into the Barony’s near-millennium of history. This announcement serves not to mark a new event, but rather to reaffirm a deep and tangible connection to one of the pivotal moments of the First War of Scottish Independence.
The nexus of this historical review is the celebrated *Song of Caerlaverock* (*Le Siège de Karlaverock*), a contemporaneous roll of arms written in Norman French. This remarkable poem provides a detailed, verse-by-verse account of the English army under King Edward I and lists the arms of over 100 knights and barons present at the siege. It remains a document of primary importance for students of both military history and medieval heraldry.
The House’s formal recognition of this lineage detail underscores its commitment to the diligent stewardship of the Barony’s extensive heritage, ensuring that its past continues to inform its present mission.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, bears witness to much of England’s history. The connection to the Siege of Caerlaverock flows through the line of succession of the great medieval earldoms with which the Barony was associated.
Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, was a principal commander at the siege in the summer of 1300. His prominence is immortalised in the poem, yet his connection to Brattleby is more profound. Through the marriage of his daughter and heiress, Alice de Lacy, his titles and lands eventually passed to the House of Lancaster.
This lineage includes two notable holders of the Barony of Brattleby: Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. In this way, the martial legacy of Henry de Lacy at the walls of that Dumfriesshire castle forms an integral part of the ancestral narrative of the Barons of Brattleby.
## Ceremonial Protocol
While this announcement is not accompanied by a physical ceremony, it follows the House’s strict internal protocol for historical verification. The process began with an analysis of the primary source, the *Song of Caerlaverock*, by the House’s historical advisers.
The lineage was then corroborated through peerage records and charters, tracing the inheritance of the Earldom of Lincoln to the Duchy of Lancaster. This genealogical work was cross-referenced with the Barony’s own foundational records, beginning with its entry in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln.
Such meticulous research is a *sine qua non* for any public statement on the Barony’s history, ensuring that all claims are founded upon scholarly rigour and verifiable fact, in keeping with the House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The *Song of Caerlaverock* provides a vivid description of Henry de Lacy’s banner: *“Sa baner fu de soie forte, Jaune, a un lion de porpre rampant.”* This translates as, “His banner was of strong silk, yellow, with a purple lion rampant.” The choice of a lion—a symbol of courage, nobility, and strength—was common, but its purple tincture on a field of gold was a distinguished and recognisable charge on the battlefield.
This ancient symbol of martial leadership finds a modern echo in the House’s own motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). While the armorial bearings have evolved over nine centuries, the underlying principles of duty and courage remain constant. The motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), further connects to this tradition of purposeful resolve.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the importance of understanding this long continuity.
> To appreciate the duties of the present, we must first understand the long chain of responsibility of which we are but one link. The account of Henry de Lacy at Caerlaverock, and later the tenure of figures like Nichola de la Haye, reminds us that the principles of service and fortitude are timeless. It is our responsibility not only to uphold them, but to ensure they have meaning for the future. > > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The work to chronicle and communicate the history of the Barony of Brattleby is a core commitment for the Noble House. This announcement is part of a broader educational initiative to document the complete lineage and contributions of the Barony’s holders, from Colswein of Lincoln to the present day.
The insights gained from this research inform the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House’s etiquette and cultural academy, where the lessons of history are used to instil a modern understanding of civic duty and personal honour.
Future publications and research findings will continue to be shared as part of the House’s dedication to historical preservation and its belief that a deep knowledge of the past is essential for building a resilient future.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is the modern embodiment of one of England’s oldest dignities. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to a contemporary mission of cultural education and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable enterprise is the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, benefitting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, which provides support for young people affected by trauma. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes the timeless values of etiquette, historical awareness, and civic responsibility, bridging its ancient heritage with the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable castellan who defended Lincoln Castle for the King; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. This extensive history is a testament to its enduring significance. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* in Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086). - The succession of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com