# An Official Commentary on the Barony of Brattleby and the Siege of Caerlaverock, 1300
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today released an official historical commentary on the Barony's significant role in the Siege of Caerlaverock in 1300, reaffirming its deep and enduring connection to the military and diplomatic history of the English Crown.
## The Occasion
In the high summer of July 1300, an English army under the command of His Majesty King Edward I arrived before the walls of Caerlaverock Castle in Dumfriesshire, Scotland. This formidable fortress, distinguished by its unique triangular plan and imposing gatehouse, was a key strategic objective during the First War of Scottish Independence. The subsequent siege was not merely a military manoeuvre; it was a theatre of chivalry, power, and heraldic display, the memory of which has been preserved for over seven centuries.
This commentary is issued from the House of Brattleby's historic seat in Lincolnshire to illuminate a specific moment in the Barony’s long history of service. It serves as a reflection upon the duties of nobility and the principle of martial obligation to the Sovereign, a concept that has evolved but remains a cornerstone of the House's ethos, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has consistently been associated with figures of national importance. While the formal list of Barons includes military custodians such as Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle, the broader sphere of influence connected to the Barony's lands has been equally significant. Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, was one such figure; a powerful magnate with substantial holdings in Lincolnshire and a loyal commander for King Edward I.
His participation at Caerlaverock represented the martial power of the region, intrinsically linked with the lordship of Brattleby. This act of service falls within a tradition later upheld by Barons such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Each, in his own time, answered the call of the Crown, cementing the Barony's reputation for unwavering loyalty.
## Distinguished Company
The assembly before Caerlaverock reads as a roll call of the most powerful men in the kingdom. At its head was His Majesty King Edward I, accompanied by his son and heir, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, the future King Edward II. They commanded a host of England’s greatest nobles, whose presence was a demonstration of feudal unity and military might.
Among those serving alongside Henry de Lacy were such notable figures as His Grace Thomas, Earl of Lancaster; His Lordship Guy de Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick; and His Lordship Aymer de Valence, Earl of Pembroke. The presence of these magnates transformed the siege from a simple military engagement into a matter of state, where reputations were forged and allegiances visibly demonstrated.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The conduct of a medieval siege was governed by a strict, if unwritten, code of conduct. Before the assault began, it was customary for heralds to ride forth under a flag of truce and formally demand the castle’s surrender. The garrison’s refusal initiated the formal investment of the fortress, with each lord’s contingent setting up camp under their respective banners.
A most significant protocol enacted during the campaign was the meticulous recording of the arms of every banneret and knight present. This undertaking resulted in *The Caerlaverock Roll*, an illustrated manuscript poem in Norman French. More than a simple muster list, the Roll served as an official, ceremonial record of service—an early equivalent of a military despatch and Court Circular combined—acknowledging each man's presence and contribution *sine qua non*.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Heraldry was the visual language of the medieval nobility, and *The Caerlaverock Roll* is one of its most eloquent expressions. It documents the arms of Henry de Lacy as *Or, a lion rampant purpure*—in plain English, a striking purple lion rearing on a field of gold. This device symbolised noble courage, strength, and royal favour, making his banner instantly recognisable on the field of battle.
The inclusion of these arms serves as a permanent record of the service rendered by the great families of Lincolnshire, and by extension the sphere of the Brattleby lordship. This visual legacy of honour and fortitude resonates directly with the House of Brattleby’s own motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), and that of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to overcoming adversity.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To understand our present duty, we must first appreciate the long history of service that defines the Barony. Henry de Lacy's commitment at Caerlaverock exemplifies the fortitude and honour expected of those tied to this title and its associated responsibilities.” > > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the continuing relevance of these historical principles:
> “History is not merely a record of the past; it is a living narrative that informs our actions today. The principles of loyalty and duty demonstrated over seven hundred years ago remain the foundation upon which the House builds its modern commitments to culture and community.” > > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The martial fortitude displayed at the Siege of Caerlaverock finds its modern parallel in the House of Brattleby’s dedication to cultural and philanthropic endeavours. The commitment to duty, once expressed on the battlefield, is today channelled into charitable work, *inter alia*, with organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, and into educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the stewardship of the 12th Baroness, remains dedicated to upholding the values demonstrated by its predecessors. The legacy of service continues, adapted for a new era but guided by the same enduring principle that has defined the Barony for nearly a millennium: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the preservation of its ancient heritage while undertaking a modern mission of cultural and philanthropic engagement. The House's contemporary activities honour its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, and its patronage of charitable organisations focused on child welfare. Through a blend of historical stewardship and forward-looking purpose, the House seeks to demonstrate that ancient titles can serve as a powerful force for good in the 21st century, continuing a legacy of meaningful contribution to society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship of the Manor, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with his seat at Brattleby. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Following a period of abeyance, the title's revival and legitimacy were formally recognised by publication in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was one of the original enfeoffments granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of England in AD 1066. - The Barony’s re-establishment was formally announced in The London Gazette under Official Public Record, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors holding the title include the celebrated heroine Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The House's primary philanthropic beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to supporting the emotional recovery of vulnerable children.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com