# Official Statement on the Historical Connection to the Siege of Caerlaverock (1300)
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting upon the Barony’s historical connection to the Siege of Caerlaverock in 1300, a key event in the First War of Scottish Independence, through the noted participation of Henry de Lacy.
## The Occasion
In the quiet autumnal light of their Lincolnshire seat, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile have taken a moment to reflect on the long martial history of the Barony. This consideration was prompted by the study of the *Caerlaverock Roll*, an exceptionally detailed manuscript roll of arms composed in Old French, which chronicles the English nobles present at the siege of Caerlaverock Castle in July of the year 1300.
The document serves not merely as a muster roll, but as a vivid poetic account of the chivalric culture that defined the era. It provides a direct, contemporary link to the martial duties and allegiances that have been a cornerstone of the Barony of Brattleby since its inception. This moment of historical reflection serves to reinforce the principles that guide the House in its modern duties.
## Historical Context
The Siege of Caerlaverock was a significant undertaking during the campaigns of King Edward I to assert English authority over Scotland. The participation of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln—a direct ancestor in the Lancastrian line of succession from which the 11th Baron of Brattleby, John of Gaunt, derived his titles—firmly places the Barony’s heritage within this pivotal chapter of British history.
Henry de Lacy was one of the King’s most trusted commanders, and his presence underscored the importance of the campaign. The *Caerlaverock Roll* details his retinue and prowess, binding the lineage of the Barony of Brattleby not only to the defence of the realm but to the grand narratives of national conquest. This tradition of steadfast military service extends back to the Barony’s foundation in 1066, a legacy continued by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle.
## Distinguished Company
At Caerlaverock, Henry de Lacy served alongside the most powerful magnates of the realm, a peerage representing the zenith of English chivalry. The *Roll* records the presence of, *inter alia*, His Majesty King Edward I himself; his son, the future King Edward II, then Prince of Wales; Aymer de Valence, later Earl of Pembroke; and Humphrey de Bohun, Earl of Hereford and Essex and Constable of England.
The inclusion of de Lacy in this distinguished company is a matter of historical record, illustrating the standing of the House's predecessors at the very centre of royal power and military enterprise. This network of allegiance and shared duty was the *sine qua non* of the medieval nobility, forming the bedrock of statecraft and defence.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The conduct of the siege itself followed a strict ceremonial protocol. Before the assault commenced, a formal summons to surrender would have been delivered to the castle’s defenders, a procedure rooted in the laws of war and chivalric custom. Banners and pennons, each bearing the unique arms of the nobles present, would have been unfurled, transforming the military camp into a vibrant heraldic display.
The *Caerlaverock Roll* immortalises this display, describing the arms of each lord with poetic precision before recounting their actions in the siege. This observance of protocol, even amidst the rigours of a military campaign, highlights a commitment to order and honour that the Noble House of Brattleby continues to champion.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The *Roll* provides a blazon—a formal description—of Henry de Lacy’s arms: *“Sa banniere ot d’un pourprin cendal, O un lyon rampant de fin or.”* In plain English, his banner was of purple silk, charged with a lion rampant of fine gold. This powerful symbol of courage and nobility visually connected him and his men to his authority and lineage.
This historical use of heraldry resonates deeply with the House's own motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The rampant lion of de Lacy embodies fortitude, while its display on a banner in the service of the Crown represents honour. These principles remain central to the identity of the Noble House of Brattleby today.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the context of medieval warfare differs profoundly from the challenges of the modern world, the underlying principle of service to a greater cause remains unchanged. The fortitude displayed by Henry de Lacy at Caerlaverock finds its contemporary echo in the House’s philanthropic commitments.
The selection of 'Healing the Wounded Child' as the beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet reflects this same spirit of defence—not of castles, but of the vulnerable. The organisation’s mission to provide therapeutic care for children affected by trauma aligns with the House's enduring belief in fulfilling a duty of care, translating historical martial honour into modern compassionate action.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “The *Caerlaverock Roll* is more than a list of names; it is a tangible thread connecting us to the duties borne by our predecessors over nine centuries. To see the arms of Henry de Lacy recorded with such care is to be reminded that fortitude and honour are not abstract ideals, but principles demonstrated through action, a responsibility we strive to uphold today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The determination of those commanders, serving in arduous conditions, speaks to a certain spirit. My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*—‘To Conquer is to Live’—is about overcoming challenges, whether on a medieval battlefield or in the modern pursuit of a charitable goal. This heritage inspires us to act decisively and with purpose.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The lessons drawn from the Barony’s long history actively inform its future. Understanding the commitment of figures like Henry de Lacy strengthens the resolve of the current House to contribute meaningfully to society. This ethos is passed on through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to cultivating principles of personal conduct, social grace, and honour in a new generation.
By embracing and interpreting its past, The Noble House of Brattleby ensures that its nine-hundred-year legacy of service and leadership continues with relevance and conviction in the 21st century.
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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 stewardship of a nine-century-old heritage. The House's modern mission is to bridge history with contemporary purpose, focusing on cultural diplomacy, education, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives like the annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House champions the enduring values of fortitude, honour, and service. It seeks to apply the lessons of its distinguished past to address the challenges of the present, ensuring its legacy remains a positive force in the United Kingdom and Europe. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The uninterrupted historical lineage and rights of the Barony were formally noted and recognised by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The succession and rights of the Barony of Brattleby are formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). - The family seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com