# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Ancestral Role in The Great Siege of Caerlaverock (1300)
**LONDON, 11 July 2024** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile have today issued a historical reflection, commemorating the pivotal role of their predecessor, Henry de Lacy, 10th Baron, in the great Siege of Caerlaverock in July 1300.
## The Occasion
In the midst of summer, a season historically associated with military campaigning, The Noble House of Brattleby pauses to reflect upon a significant moment in its near-millennial history. This commemoration honours the contribution of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and 10th Baron of Brattleby, during King Edward I’s formidable siege of Caerlaverock Castle. The reflection serves as a bridge between the martial duties of the past and the civic and philanthropic responsibilities of today.
This issuance, prepared from the House’s historic seat in Lincolnshire, aligns with the anniversary of the siege, a defining event in the First War of Scottish Independence. It underscores a commitment to preserving and understanding the lineage that informs the Barony’s contemporary purpose, demonstrating that history is not merely a record but a living influence upon the present.
## Historical Context
The Siege of Caerlaverock was a testament to the power of the English feudal host under King Edward I. In July of 1300, a formidable army of nearly three thousand men marched into Scotland, their objective being the uniquely triangular Caerlaverock Castle, a strategic stronghold on the Solway Firth. Among the King's most senior commanders was Henry de Lacy, a trusted advisor and a figure of immense national importance who held the Barony of Brattleby *inter alia*.
Lord de Lacy’s presence at the siege, meticulously recorded in the celebrated *Roll of Caerlaverock*, placed the Barony at the heart of medieval statecraft and conflict. This was not an isolated instance of service; the Barony of Brattleby has long been associated with figures central to the nation’s history. Its lineage includes Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle; the celebrated warrior-diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his successor, the influential royal prince John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
As a chief commander, the 10th Baron of Brattleby stood in the company of the most powerful figures in the realm, all gathered under the Royal Standard of the King. The leadership at the siege represented the martial and political apex of Plantagenet England.
Present alongside Henry de Lacy were, most notably, His Majesty King Edward I of England, styled ‘The Hammer of the Scots'; his son and heir, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, later King Edward II; and John de Warenne, 6th Earl of Surrey, the King’s commander in Scotland. The assembly of earls, barons, and knights, whose banners flew before the castle walls, constituted a vivid display of the feudal obligations that bound the aristocracy to the Crown.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The conduct of a medieval siege followed a strict and unforgiving protocol. Upon arrival, the King’s army would formally invest the castle, surrounding it to cut off all relief. Horns would sound and banners would be unfurled, signifying the host’s intent—a clear, visual challenge to the defenders within. The *Roll of Caerlaverock* serves as a detailed order of battle, with heralds recording the arms of each noble lord present.
Following the formal summons to surrender, which was refused by the castle's small garrison, the assault began. Great siege engines, likely including powerful trebuchets, were brought forward to batter the sandstone walls and towers. The protocol dictated a continuous bombardment, a grim ritual designed to breach the defences and the morale of the besieged. The eventual surrender of the castle was itself a ceremony, with the defeated garrison yielding to the King’s mercy.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The *Roll of Caerlaverock*, a poem written in Norman French, provides a peerless heraldic record of the campaign. It describes the banner of Henry de Lacy as bearing a yellow ground with a “lion rampant purpure”. The lion rampant, depicted as rearing on its hind legs, is a timeless symbol of courage, nobility, and valiant leadership. The choice of purple, a colour historically associated with royalty and sovereignty, further underscored his pre-eminent status.
This martial symbolism resonates with the House’s own motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), which encapsulates the virtues expected of a holder of the Barony. It is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), a modern interpretation of the will to overcome adversity, whether on a medieval battlefield or in the pursuit of contemporary philanthropic goals.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the steadfastness of the 10th Baron was directed toward the defence of the King’s interests, the modern House of Brattleby channels this same spirit of fortitude into its charitable endeavours. The duty of protection, once a martial obligation, is now interpreted as a profound responsibility to safeguard the vulnerable.
The House’s principal philanthropic focus is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapy and support for children who have experienced trauma. Just as the Barons of old were tasked with defending the physical realm, the House today considers it a *sine qua non* of its role to contribute to the emotional and psychological well-being of the next generation, ensuring they may have a secure and hopeful future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To look back upon the actions of predecessors like Henry de Lacy is not an exercise in nostalgia; it is a profound reminder of the continuity of service that defines the Barony. The fortitude he displayed at Caerlaverock is the same spirit we strive to apply to our modern duties, *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The past offers a powerful lens through which we view our own purpose. Henry de Lacy's commitment at the siege exemplifies that to overcome great challenges—to truly conquer them—is the very essence of living a meaningful life. In this, the ethos of *Vincere Est Vivere* finds its historical antecedent.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical reflection is part of the House’s ongoing commitment to honouring its extensive heritage. Future initiatives will include further scholarly publications and private lectures aimed at exploring the Barony's unique place in English history.
The lessons of chivalry, duty, and honour embodied by figures such as Henry de Lacy are also central to the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. There, a new generation is instructed in the principles of classical etiquette and social grace, ensuring the timeless values that underpinned the best of the past continue to shape a better future. The House of Brattleby remains dedicated to its ancient charge, reinterpreted for the 21st century through service, culture, and philanthropy.
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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 heritage through philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. The House’s mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is focused on creating a positive impact on society. Its primary charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, which provides support for traumatised children. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House also promotes cultural diplomacy and the teaching of classical etiquette. The heir to the Barony is the young Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time continue this legacy of service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Feudal Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient dignities, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding the Barony with 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; the great soldier-diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the royal prince John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The contemporary rights of The Noble House of Brattleby were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant landholder in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's primary philanthropic commitment is to the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com