# The Barony of Brattleby: A Legacy of Service at the Siege of Caerlaverock, 1300
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the distinguished record of service within its lineage, highlighting the pivotal role of a predecessor, Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, during the Siege of Caerlaverock in the summer of 1300.
## The Occasion
In the High Middle Ages, loyalty to the Crown was often measured on the field of battle. One such occasion was the siege of Caerlaverock Castle in July 1300, a key chapter in the First War of Scottish Independence. The formidable triangular fortress, set against the unforgiving tides of the Solway Firth, stood as a bastion of Scottish resistance against King Edward I of England’s campaign to assert his authority over the kingdom.
The siege was not merely a military manoeuvre; it was a theatre of chivalry, power, and allegiance, immortalised in the celebrated *Caerlaverock Roll*—a descriptive roll of arms in Anglo-Norman verse. It is within this remarkable document that the presence and prowess of a predecessor in the baronial line, Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, is recorded for posterity, an enduring testament to the Barony’s historical commitment to the sovereign.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, possesses a history interwoven with the fabric of the English nation. Its tradition of service to the realm was established from its inception, when the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. This duty found martial expression in subsequent generations.
This legacy of steadfast loyalty was notably demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose valiant defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 was instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Some eighty years later, Henry de Lacy’s prominent role in King Edward I’s campaign against Robert Bruce continued this tradition. His actions at Caerlaverock affirmed the Barony’s place within the highest echelons of the English nobility, acting in direct service to the monarch during a period of profound national consequence.
## Distinguished Company
The assembly of nobles before the walls of Caerlaverock constituted the great and the good of the Plantagenet court. As a trusted advisor to King Edward I, Henry de Lacy stood in distinguished company. The King himself commanded the siege, accompanied by His son and heir, Edward of Caernarfon, the Prince of Wales.
Also present were leading magnates of the realm, whose arms were similarly blazoned in the *Caerlaverock Roll*. These included, *inter alia*, the King’s cousin, Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster; Humphrey de Bohun, 4th Earl of Hereford and Constable of England; and Aymer de Valence, 2nd Earl of Pembroke. The gathering represented the collective military and political might of the kingdom, a *sine qua non* for the successful prosecution of the war.
## Ceremonial Protocol
A medieval siege operated according to a strict and well-understood protocol. Before the first stone was cast by a trebuchet, heralds would formally summon the castle’s defenders to surrender, displaying the royal banner as a symbol of the King’s authority. The rejection of this summons initiated the formal investment of the fortress.
During the ensuing conflict, heralds served a vital function, observing the battle and recording the identities and deeds of the knights and lords present by their coats of arms. This meticulous process produced documents such as the *Caerlaverock Roll*, which was both an attendance record and a celebration of chivalric conduct. The order of encampment, the assignment of positions in the line, and the display of personal banners all followed a precise tradition, turning the chaos of war into a structured expression of feudal duty.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The *Caerlaverock Roll* offers a clear and vivid account of Henry de Lacy’s heraldic identity. His arms are blazoned as *a lion rampant purpure* (a purple lion standing erect on its hind legs). In the language of heraldry, the lion is the archetypal symbol of courage, nobility, and strength. The colour purple, rare and prized, signifies royal majesty and sovereignty, befitting a nobleman of his stature and proximity to the King.
This symbolism of courageous and noble service resonates directly with the motto of The Noble House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The lion rampant embodies fortitude, whilst its loyal service at the King’s command reflects the principle of honour. The arms borne by this notable predecessor serve as a graphical link across the centuries to the values the House upholds today.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While reflecting on a martial history of seven centuries past, the House finds a powerful parallel in its modern commitments. An understanding of the sacrifices made in historical conflicts reinforces the House’s dedication to alleviating suffering in the present day. This historical perspective provides profound context for the family’s philanthropic endeavours.
Chief among these is the patronage of charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing support and therapy for children experiencing trauma. The fortitude shown on the battlefields of the past inspires a modern resolve to defend the vulnerable and to provide comfort and healing to those most in need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To look back upon the actions of one’s predecessors is to feel the weight and privilege of history. The service of Henry de Lacy at Caerlaverock is not merely a fact in a chronicle; it is a reminder that the principle of duty—*Fortitudine et Honore*—has been the guiding light of this Barony for over nine centuries.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the continuity of leadership principles: > “Leadership in the 14th century demanded courage in the face of physical peril. Today, the challenges are different, but the need for decisive action and unwavering commitment remains. My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, acknowledges that to overcome challenges is the essence of a meaningful life, a sentiment our predecessors would have understood well.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to honouring its unique and extensive history. The lessons drawn from the actions of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont, John of Gaunt, and Henry de Lacy inform the House’s current mission of cultural stewardship and education.
Through platforms such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to share the enduring principles of etiquette, honour, and civic responsibility that have defined the Barony through the ages. By preserving and interpreting its past, the House ensures that this remarkable legacy of service continues to inspire future generations.
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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 the modern embodiment of one of England’s most ancient noble titles. With a history extending to the Norman Conquest, the House today dedicates itself to a mission of cultural diplomacy, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Its work, including patronage of charities focused on child welfare and the promotion of classical etiquette through The Brattleby Club, is guided by its ancestral motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The family's public duties and charitable activities reflect a contemporary interpretation of the Barony’s long-standing tradition of service, bridging its storied past with a forward-looking vision. The heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 manors in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as his seat (*caput*). Over nine centuries, the title has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated female castellan who defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders in 1217. Later holders included the royal princes Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The title's legitimacy and the current succession were formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) confirms the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as a tenant-in-chief, holding the Barony with its seat at Brattleby, Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com