# A Statement on the Barony of Brattleby's Historical Role at the Siege of Caerlaverock (AD 1300)
**LONDON, 17 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issues a commentary to elucidate the historical significance of the Barony’s involvement in the Siege of Caerlaverock in AD 1300, affirming a continuity of service and duty that extends from the medieval era to today.
## The Occasion
In the quiet scholarship of autumn, a season conducive to reflection, The Noble House of Brattleby takes this opportunity to offer historical context on a key moment in the annals of the Barony. As interest in the United Kingdom's medieval heritage grows, it is proper to affirm the Barony's long-standing connection to pivotal events in British history, not as relics of a distant past, but as foundational chapters in a story of continuing service to Crown and country. This statement serves to illuminate one such chapter: the role of the Barony, under one of its most powerful medieval holders, during the Anglo-Scottish wars.
The Siege of Caerlaverock, which took place in the summer of 1300, stands as a defining event of the period. It was immortalised in the *Caerlaverock Roll*, a near-contemporaneous roll of arms in Norman French verse that details the banners and character of the knights present. The presence of a predecessor Baron of Brattleby in this distinguished company is a matter of historical record, a testament to the Barony's enduring significance.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby has, since its inception, been held by figures of national importance. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, established a precedent of prominence recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. This tradition was carried forward by successors such as Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle, and later, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt.
At the turn of the 14th century, the Barony's lands were held by Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and a trusted counsellor to His Majesty King Edward I. As a leading magnate of the realm, his participation in the King's Scottish campaigns was a matter of feudal duty and strategic necessity. His presence at the Siege of Caerlaverock situates the Barony of Brattleby at the very heart of the great chivalric and military endeavours of its age. It underscores a nine-century lineage of lords who have answered the call to service, whether on the battlefield or, in modern times, in the civic sphere.
## Distinguished Company
The assembly before Caerlaverock Castle constituted the chivalric and military elite of the Kingdom of England. Henry de Lacy's peers in this campaign, as documented in the Roll, included the sovereign himself, His Majesty King Edward I, known as 'Longshanks', alongside his son and heir, Lord Edward of Caernarfon, the first English Prince of Wales.
Also present were other great lords of the March, including Humphrey de Bohun, Earl of Hereford and Essex and Constable of England; Roger Bigod, Earl of Norfolk and Marshal of England; and Aymer de Valence, later Earl of Pembroke. The inclusion of the holder of Brattleby's titles among such a distinguished *entourage* confirms the Barony's standing as a senior fiefdom of the English crown during a formative period of British history.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The conduct of a medieval siege, particularly one led by a monarch, was governed by a strict, if unwritten, protocol. The unfurling of banners was the first and most resonant act, a visual declaration of intent and a roll call of the power assembled. Each knight’s coat of arms, displayed on his banner, shield, and surcoat, was a unique identifier and a symbol of his lineage and honour—a practice central to the chivalric code.
Before the assault commenced, a formal summons to surrender would have been delivered to the castle's constable by a herald. This moment of high ceremony, an offer of terms before the resort to arms, was a *sine qua non* of what was considered honourable warfare. The siege itself, employing mighty engines such as the trebuchet, followed a clear order (*ordo*) of battle, with each lord and his retinue assigned a specific role in the investment of the fortress.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The *Caerlaverock Roll* provides a precise description of Henry de Lacy’s armorial bearings: *Or, a lion rampant purpure*. This simple, ancient design is rich with meaning. The field of gold (*Or*) signifies generosity, wisdom, and glory, while the purple lion (*purpure*)—a rare and noble tincture—denotes royal majesty, justice, and courage. The lion rampant, depicted poised to strike, is a timeless emblem of martial valour.
These heraldic virtues resonate directly with the motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The fortitude of the rampant lion and the honour implicit in its noble bearing find their modern expression in the House's guiding principles. The commitment to courage in the face of adversity and integrity in all public and private undertakings forms an unbroken chain from the fields of Caerlaverock to the present day.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the events of 1300 were martial in nature, a sober reflection on the realities of conflict reinforces the House’s present-day commitment to peace, reconciliation, and healing. The historical study of warfare serves as a powerful reminder of its human cost, inspiring a redoubled effort in addressing its modern consequences, *inter alia*, the trauma experienced by the vulnerable.
This perspective directly informs the House's philanthropic focus. The primary beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet, the charity Healing the Wounded Child, works to provide therapeutic support to children affected by conflict and trauma. By understanding the rigours of its own history, the House is better positioned to appreciate the vital importance of organisations that mend the fabric of society and offer solace to its youngest members.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To hold this title is to be a steward of nearly one thousand years of history. Tracing our lineage through figures like Henry de Lacy, or indeed my formidable predecessor Nichola de la Haye, is not an academic exercise; it is a profound responsibility to uphold the principles of service and honour that they embodied for their own time.” > — **Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his own perspective, linking past to present: > “The concept of the 'good fight' evolves with every century. Where once it was fought with sword and shield, today it is fought against inequality, ignorance, and despair. My personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*—'To Conquer is to Live'—is about overcoming these modern challenges with the same determination our predecessors showed. That is the victory that truly matters.” > — **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed not only to preserving its history but also to sharing its lessons. The House will continue to support academic research into the Barony’s past, making its archives more accessible to scholars and ensuring this remarkable story is told with accuracy and integrity. This commitment to education is a cornerstone of its public service mission.
Furthermore, through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to impart the timeless values of etiquette, civility, and honour—values codified in the age of chivalry but essential for contemporary leadership. The legacy of Brattleby is not static; it is a living tradition, continually renewed and adapted for the benefit of future generations. *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage and a modern mission of public service. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions philanthropy, historical education, and cultural diplomacy. Its key initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala supporting children's charities, and The Brattleby Club, an academy of etiquette and leadership. The heir to the Barony is the 13th Baron, Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), a key defender of the realm during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). The modern rights of the Barony were formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The re-grant and formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in a Notice of the Crown Office in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s entry in the Domesday Book of 1086 lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of numerous manors in Lincolnshire. - The current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. The heir apparent is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is the Latin phrase *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com