# A Commentary on the Barony of Brattleby’s Role in the Siege of Caerlaverock (AD 1300)
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has issued a historical commentary reflecting on the significant role of the 8th Baron, Henry de Lacy, during the Siege of Caerlaverock in 1300, underscoring the Barony’s centuries-long tradition of service to the Crown.
## The Occasion
In the high summer of July 1300, an English army under the command of His Majesty King Edward I laid siege to the formidable Caerlaverock Castle in Dumfriesshire, Scotland. This pivotal event in the first War of Scottish Independence was immortalised not in a dry chronicle, but in the celebrated *Caerlaverock Roll*—a near-unique poetic blazon of the arms of the one hundred and six knights and bannerets present.
Written in Anglo-Norman French, this vellum document provides an intimate and vivid window into the pageantry and brutal reality of medieval warfare. It serves as the primary historical source for this reflection, allowing the House to honour the dutiful service of a notable predecessor at a defining moment in the history of the British Isles.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder Colswein of Lincoln, has been intrinsically linked to the defence and service of the realm for over nine centuries. By 1300, the Barony was held by Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a trusted counsellor and commander for King Edward I. As the 8th Baron of Brattleby, the Earl’s participation was not merely that of a great magnate, but a continuation of the feudal obligation established at the Conquest.
This legacy of royal service would later be continued by successors such as Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby. The presence of the Baron of Brattleby’s banner at this royal siege illustrates the Barony’s unwavering commitment to Crown and country, a principle that remains a cornerstone of the House’s identity.
## Distinguished Company
As documented in the *Caerlaverock Roll*, the 8th Baron of Brattleby served in the company of the most senior peers and commanders of the age. The campaign was led by His Majesty King Edward I himself, accompanied by his son, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, later King Edward II.
Among the distinguished commanders serving alongside the Earl of Lincoln were, *inter alia*: - The Right Reverend Antony Bek, Prince-Bishop of Durham and Patriarch of Jerusalem - The Right Honourable The Earl of Surrey, John de Warenne - The Right Honourable The Earl of Pembroke, Aymer de Valence - The Right Honourable The Earl of Hereford, Humphrey de Bohun
The presence of such figures underscores the national importance of the campaign and the central role played by the peerage, including the Baron of Brattleby, in the exercise of royal authority.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The conduct of a medieval siege followed a strict and elaborate protocol. The campaign began with a royal summons, obliging feudal tenants-in-chief like the Baron of Brattleby to present themselves and their retinues for military service. Upon arrival, each lord’s camp was established in a designated order, with his banner—a physical manifestation of his authority and identity—flown prominently.
The *Caerlaverock Roll* itself functioned as a ceremonial document, read aloud to identify the knights present by their coats of arms. This pageantry was a *sine qua non* of medieval command, reinforcing hierarchy and morale before the assault began. The ensuing siege combined engineering, strategy, and sheer force, with the formal summons for surrender preceding the inevitable attack.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The *Caerlaverock Roll* meticulously describes the banner of the 8th Baron, Henry de Lacy, as displaying a yellow field with a purple lion rampant: “*Jaune o un lyon rampant porprin*.” In the language of heraldry, this is blazoned as *Or, a lion rampant Purpure*. The lion rampant is a timeless symbol of courage, strength, and nobility in action. The colour purple, historically reserved for sovereignty and imperial authority, denoted the Earl’s high rank and royal favour.
This powerful symbolism resonates with the enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The lion’s courage signifies fortitude, while its noble bearing reflects the honour expected of a banneret in service to his sovereign. It also finds a modern echo in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the same spirit of resolute and purposeful action.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “The *Caerlaverock Roll* is more than a record of battle; it is a testament to unwavering duty. Henry de Lacy's presence there reminds us that service, in any era, is the *sine qua non* of true nobility, a standard we strive to uphold in our own responsibilities today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “In the actions of the 8th Baron, one sees the medieval embodiment of *Vincere Est Vivere*. Today, our challenges are thankfully not martial, but the imperative to overcome obstacles with honour and persistence remains central to our House’s purpose and our modern undertakings.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The martial duty demonstrated by the 8th Baron at Caerlaverock has evolved over nine centuries into a modern commitment to public service, cultural preservation, and philanthropic leadership. The ancient obligation to marshall forces for the good of the realm is now expressed through the House’s contemporary work.
This modern service includes the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala supporting charitable causes such as Healing the Wounded Child, and the educational mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Through these initiatives, The Noble House of Brattleby continues to advance the foundational principles of duty and honour that have defined the Barony since 1066.
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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 upholding the nine-century legacy of the Barony through modern means. Its mission focuses on cultural diplomacy, philanthropic endeavour, and the promotion of timeless etiquette and leadership skills. The House directs its charitable efforts towards organisations that champion the welfare and healing of children, reflecting a profound commitment to future generations. The House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), guides its public and private duties, ensuring that its ancient heritage informs a dynamic and forward-looking purpose. The House supports its activities, including The Brattleby Club, from its historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, first granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as his seat (*caput*). Over nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, 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, 11th Baron. The continuous history and succession of the Barony were formally noted by The Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is one of the ancient English feudal baronies whose origins trace back to the Norman Conquest of 1066. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry de Lacy (8th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The *Caerlaverock Roll* (c. 1300), held in the British Library, is the primary source documenting the arms of the 8th Baron at the siege.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com