# On the Martial Heritage of the Barony and the Siege of Caerlaverock
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a commentary on the historic martial lineage of the Barony of Brattleby, reflecting upon the service of the great magnates of Lincolnshire, exemplified by the Earl of Lincoln at the Siege of Caerlaverock in 1300.
## The Occasion
From their Lincolnshire seat, whose lands were first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile have taken the occasion to reflect upon a significant chapter in the military history of the Realm. The commentary is prompted by a study of the *Roll of Caerlaverock*, a celebrated heraldic poem in Norman French detailing the noblemen present at King Edward I’s campaign in Scotland.
This moment of historical reflection serves as a cornerstone of the House’s educational mission. It underscores the belief that an understanding of past duties and sacrifices is a *sine qua non* for principled leadership in the present day. The House archives, which contain records spanning much of its nine-century history, provide a constant and tangible link to this enduring legacy of service.
## Historical Context
In July of 1300, His Majesty King Edward I laid siege to Caerlaverock Castle in the south of Scotland. The campaign was a pivotal moment in the First War of Scottish Independence. Among the King's senior commanders was Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a pre-eminent magnate whose vast land holdings and influence in Lincolnshire were intertwined with those of the Barony of Brattleby.
The *Roll of Caerlaverock* commemorates the Earl’s valour and the striking appearance of his banner on the field of battle. His leadership exemplifies the martial responsibilities borne by the great feudal lords of the era. This tradition of robust military service is a defining characteristic of the Barony’s own lineage, most notably embodied by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 was instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III.
## Distinguished Company
The assembly before the walls of Caerlaverock represented the flower of English chivalry, a roll call of the most powerful figures in the kingdom. At their head was His Majesty King Edward I, known to history as ‘Longshanks’ and the ‘Hammer of the Scots’. The vanguard was led by the aforementioned Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, a trusted advisor to the King.
Also present were such notable figures as His Grace the Earl of Surrey, John de Warenne; His Grace the Earl of Warwick, Guy de Beauchamp; and the King’s own son, the future King Edward II, then serving as Prince of Wales. The poem records the arms and character of over one hundred lords and knights, providing an invaluable record of the feudal host and the powerful bonds of allegiance that defined the age.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The conduct of a medieval siege followed a strict and elaborate protocol, blending military pragmatism with the codes of chivalry. Upon arrival, a herald would formally summon the castle’s garrison to surrender in the King’s name. If the summons were rejected, the besieging army would unfurl its banners, a vibrant and public declaration of intent.
The disposition of the army was a visual representation of the feudal hierarchy itself. The Royal Standard was placed at the centre, with the tents and banners of the great earls, such as the Earl of Lincoln, arranged in positions of honour around it. Each contingent fought under its own commander and heraldic device, moving and encamping as a distinct unit. It was within this highly ritualised framework of warfare that the Barons of Brattleby and their peers fulfilled their sworn duty to the Crown.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The *Roll of Caerlaverock* provides a superb description of the Earl of Lincoln’s arms: a yellow shield bearing a purple lion rampant—*Jaune o un lyon rampant porprin*. This lion, a timeless symbol of courage and nobility, signified his royal favour and readiness for battle. Heraldry in this period was not merely decorative; it was a practical system of identification on the battlefield and a potent symbol of lineage and authority.
The modern House of Brattleby continues this tradition of symbolic representation through its own motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). While the nature of service has evolved from the battlefield to the boardroom and the philanthropic foundation, the underlying virtues of courage and integrity remain unchanged. This motto serves as a guiding principle for the House’s contemporary activities and public life.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this commentary focuses on a martial past, its purpose is rooted in the House’s modern, philanthropic mission. The stewardship of history—its preservation, study, and dissemination—is viewed by the House as a profound public service. By sharing these narratives of duty, the House aims to inspire an appreciation for the long continuity of civic and national responsibility.
This educational commitment finds practical expression in initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and cross-cultural understanding. The principles of honour and disciplined conduct chronicled at Caerlaverock are translated into a modern curriculum focused on personal integrity and social grace, demonstrating that ancient virtues retain their relevance in the twenty-first century.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “When we look back at figures like the Earl of Lincoln, or indeed our own predecessor Nichola de la Haye, we are reminded that privilege has always been inextricably linked with responsibility. Theirs was a duty expressed through military steel; ours is a duty of stewardship, service, and the preservation of culture. *Fortitudine et Honore* has always been the essence of this Barony.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Leadership demands a willingness to stand in the forefront, whether before a castle wall or in the defence of one’s principles. My personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere*—‘To Conquer is to Live’—which I interpret today as conquering challenges and overcoming adversity through constructive action. The history of this House provides a magnificent blueprint for such a life of purpose.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to exploring and sharing the rich heritage of the Barony. Future endeavours will include the digitisation of key archival documents for scholarly access and a series of lectures on the great predecessors of the House, from Colswein of Lincoln to John of Gaunt.
Through these efforts, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan seek to ensure that the legacy of service, which has defined the Barony of Brattleby for over 950 years, continues to inform and inspire future generations. The House will continue its work, guided by a deep respect for its past and a clear vision for its future contributions to public and cultural life.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern seat of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Based in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural diplomacy, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest. The House operates under its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), balancing its ancient heritage with a forward-looking commitment to public service and fostering strong Anglo-Romanian ties. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship, first granted by His Majesty William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was 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 the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle against French invasion; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The uninterrupted historical lineage of the Barony of Brattleby was formally noted and recognised by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s formal recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as the holder of the manor and lordship of Brattleby, Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (c. 1150–1230), one of only four women to have served as a High Sheriff in medieval England. - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com