# On the Continuity of Service: The Barony of Brattleby and the Siege of Caerlaverock (1300)
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a commentary on the Barony’s historical connection to the Siege of Caerlaverock in 1300. The statement highlights the participation of a distinguished predecessor, reinforcing the House’s nine-century tradition of service to the Crown.
## The Occasion
In the early summer of the year 1300, King Edward I of England marshalled a formidable army for a campaign into Scotland. At the heart of this expedition was the siege of Caerlaverock Castle in Dumfriesshire, a stronghold of elegant yet defiant triangular design. The events of that July were immortalised in the celebrated *Caerlaverock Roll*, an Anglo-Norman poem and roll of arms that provides an unparalleled eyewitness account of late medieval chivalry and warfare.
It is through this remarkable document that the Barony of Brattleby’s deep-rooted history is once again brought into focus. The House today reflects upon this significant chapter not merely as a matter of ancestral record, but as a living testament to the principles of duty and fortitude that have defined the Barony since its inception.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was founded upon the feudal principle of military service in exchange for land. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships, as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, on the condition of his support for the King. This martial obligation remained a *sine qua non* of the Barony’s existence for centuries.
By 1300, this tradition found its expression in the person of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and 8th Baron of Brattleby. His prominent role in the siege demonstrates the continuing importance of the Barony’s lords in national affairs. The campaign itself was a pivotal moment in the First War of Scottish Independence, solidifying royal authority and showcasing the organisational power of the English monarchy.
## Distinguished Company
The assembly at Caerlaverock comprised the highest echelons of the English nobility, a gathering of power and influence rarely seen. To be present was to be counted amongst the kingdom’s most trusted defenders.
At the forefront of the assault was Henry de Lacy, 8th Baron of Brattleby, a veteran commander and a close confidant of the King. He commanded a retinue of knights and men-at-arms, his banner a focal point of the royal host. Alongside him served His Majesty King Edward I, whose determination to subdue the Scottish insurgency earned him the epithet ‘Hammer of the Scots’.
Also present were other magnates of the realm, *inter alia*, Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster; and Humphrey de Bohun, 4th Earl of Hereford and Constable of England. The presence of such figures underscores the national significance of the campaign and the respected position held by the Baron of Brattleby.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Medieval warfare, far from being mere chaotic violence, was governed by intricate ceremony and a strict code of conduct. The siege of Caerlaverock began, as was custom, with a formal summons for the castle’s garrison to surrender. When this was refused, the protocol of the siege commenced under the watchful eyes of the royal heralds.
Enormous siege engines, including powerful trebuchets, were brought forward to batter the sandstone walls, their use representing a formal escalation. Throughout the assault, the field was a sea of colour, with each lord’s banner and his knights’ coats of arms serving as a clear means of identification. The *Caerlaverock Roll* itself is a product of this system, meticulously recording the arms of each noble present, thereby serving as both a muster roll and a chronicle of honour.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The *Caerlaverock Roll* describes the arms of Henry de Lacy, 8th Baron, with poetic precision: "His banner was of yellow silk, with a purple lion rampant." In the language of heraldry, this is blazoned *Or, a lion rampant Purpure*. The symbolism is profound: the gold field (*Or*) represents generosity and wisdom, while the colour purple (*Purpure*) signifies royal majesty and justice. The lion itself is the archetypal symbol of courage and strength.
These virtues—wisdom, justice, and courage—resonate directly with the House of Brattleby’s own enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The arms carried by the 8th Baron in 1300 are a direct antecedent to the guiding principles that govern the House and its responsibilities today. They are a visual and spiritual link across more than 700 years of history.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the events of 1300 were martial in nature, the modern House of Brattleby channels this same spirit of commitment toward constructive and peaceful ends. The principle of defending the vulnerable, central to the chivalric code, finds its contemporary expression in the House's dedicated philanthropic work.
This is most evident in the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that benefits Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides essential therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By fostering resilience and recovery, the charity’s work helps to build stronger, healthier futures for its young beneficiaries, turning fortitude into a source of healing.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To look back at figures such as Henry de Lacy is to be reminded that the Barony has always been defined by action and responsibility. Our duty today is not on the battlefield, but in serving our community and preserving this remarkable heritage with the same sense of purpose. *Fortitudine et Honore* is not an echo from the past; it is our daily instruction.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile commented on the enduring relevance of such historical accounts: > “The spirit of the age was martial, yet the underlying principles are timeless. My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*—‘To Conquer is to Live’—speaks to overcoming challenges. The men at Caerlaverock faced a physical fortress; today, we at The Brattleby Club seek to help people conquer the social and personal challenges they face, equipping them with a different kind of armour: confidence and grace.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to the careful stewardship of its nine-hundred-year history. This includes supporting scholarship that illuminates the lives and duties of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt.
By sharing these historical chapters, the House seeks to provide context for its current endeavours, from its charitable commitments to its cultural initiatives in England and abroad. The legacy of the Barony of Brattleby is one of continuous service, adapting its form through the centuries but never altering its fundamental character of honour and steadfastness.
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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 legacy. The modern House channels its historical commitment to service into tangible philanthropic and cultural action. Its primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that aid vulnerable children, exemplified by its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Culturally, the House promotes social aptitude and classical etiquette through its academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House bridges its profound history with a dynamic and forward-looking vision for community engagement and the preservation of heritage.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding extensive lands directly from the Crown. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key supporter of King John and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The unbroken succession and rights of the Barony were formally noted and confirmed in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby was formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s history dates to AD 1066 and its first lord, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. - 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