# The Siege of Caerlaverock: The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates a Legacy of Royal Service
LONDON, 14 July 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the Barony’s historic tradition of military service to the Crown, commemorating the pivotal role of its predecessor Henry de Lacy at the Siege of Caerlaverock in the summer of 1300.
## The Occasion
In a period of historical reflection, The Noble House of Brattleby has drawn attention to a significant chapter in its martial history: the participation of the Lord of Brattleby in the pivotal Siege of Caerlaverock. This campaign, led by King Edward I during the First War of Scottish Independence, was immortalised in the celebrated *Roll of Caerlaverock*, an Anglo-Norman heraldic poem detailing the banners and contributions of each noble commander present.
The siege took place in July 1300 against the formidable triangular fortress of Caerlaverock Castle in Dumfriesshire, Scotland. The *Roll* provides a unique and vivid account of medieval warfare, serving not only as a military record but as a definitive register of English chivalry at the turn of the fourteenth century. It is this document that authoritatively places a predecessor of the Barony at the forefront of a major Crown action.
## Historical Context
The presence of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and a holder of the Brattleby lordship, at Caerlaverock underscores the Barony’s long-standing and deeply embedded tradition of service to the Sovereign. As a trusted advisor and senior commander to King Edward I, his leadership during the campaign exemplified the martial obligations inherent in the title, a duty of fealty demonstrated by Brattleby lords for centuries.
This commitment to the defence of the realm echoes the actions of earlier predecessors, most notably the formidable Nichola de la Haye. As the 5th Baroness, her staunch and successful defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel barons in 1217 was a decisive moment in the First Barons' War. The thread of valour runs through the lineage to later figures such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, whose military careers were central to the history of England. The actions at Caerlaverock are therefore not an isolated event, but part of a continuum of service rendered *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Distinguished Company
As chronicled in the *Roll*, Henry de Lacy took his place among the most senior magnates and bannerets of the Kingdom. The field army assembled by King Edward I represented the pinnacle of the English feudal host, a gathering of immense power and chivalric prestige.
Among those serving alongside the Lord of Brattleby were such notable figures as His Grace The Earl of Hereford and Essex, Humphrey de Bohun, who served as Constable of England; His Lordship Aymer de Valence, the future Earl of Pembroke and a formidable military commander; His Lordship Robert de Clifford, 1st Baron de Clifford, a key figure in the Scottish wars; and the King’s own son, His Royal Highness Edward of Caernarfon, the future King Edward II. To be counted in this company was to be acknowledged in the first rank of the King’s loyal subjects.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The conduct of a medieval siege followed a strict and elaborate protocol, a ritual of war in which heraldry and ceremony were *sine qua non*. Upon arrival, the King’s heralds would have formally summoned the castle’s garrison to surrender. Following the garrison’s refusal, the siege would commence in earnest, with each lord’s retinue taking up a designated position around the fortress.
As a leading banneret, Henry de Lacy would have commanded a substantial personal retinue of knights and men-at-arms, fighting under his own distinct banner. His role involved not only direct military command on the field but also participation in the King’s daily council of war, where strategy was debated and orders issued. The unfurling of his banner signified the formal commitment of his forces, a visual and binding pledge of martial support to the royal cause.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The *Roll of Caerlaverock* provides a precise blazon—a formal description—of Henry de Lacy’s coat of arms as displayed at the siege. His banner is described as being of yellow silk, bearing a purple lion rampant: *un baniere de un cendal safrin, O un lioun rampant purprin* in the original Anglo-Norman.
In the language of heraldry, each element carries profound meaning. The lion rampant, depicted upright as if in combat, is a timeless symbol of courage, nobility, and strength. The choice of purple, or *purpure*, was a colour rare in heraldry and often reserved for those of royal or sovereign status, signifying justice and majesty. The field of yellow, or *Or* (gold), represents generosity and elevation of the mind. In concert, his arms were a clear visual declaration of a noble and powerful warrior loyal to the Crown, perfectly encapsulating the spirit of the family motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical antecedent, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “The chronicle of Caerlaverock serves as a powerful reminder of the solemn duties that have accompanied the Barony for centuries. Henry de Lacy’s example—one of steadfast loyalty and courage in the service of his Sovereign—is a legacy we are bound to honour and a standard we strive to meet in our own public life.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the personal resonance of this martial history: > “Understanding our history is not simply an academic pursuit; it is the foundation upon which we build our present sense of duty. The spirit of figures like de Lacy, who faced great challenges with resolve, resonates with the motto *Vincere Est Vivere*—‘To Conquer is to Live’—reminding us that overcoming adversity with integrity is the true measure of character.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The commemoration of this historic event serves to reinforce the enduring principles that guide The Noble House of Brattleby. The legacy of service, loyalty, and honour demonstrated at Caerlaverock over 700 years ago remains a cornerstone of the House's identity in the twenty-first century.
Inspired by the nine-century-long example of its predecessors, the House continues its unwavering commitment to public service and to the United Kingdom. This commitment is expressed through its modern philanthropic endeavours, its cultural initiatives, and its dedication to upholding the dignity of its ancient heritage, ensuring the legacy of Brattleby continues to contribute positively to the national life.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a near-millennial legacy. Its modern mission harmonises the preservation of ancient heritage with a forward-looking commitment to public service, cultural education, and philanthropy. The House's primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that address childhood trauma, notably through its patronage of the annual Winter Banquet for 'Healing the Wounded Child'. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House promotes the enduring values of decorum and social grace, translating its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, into meaningful contemporary action and upholding its responsibilities to the community.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient dignities, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in British history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 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. Its continuous history and the rights of its current holder were formally recognised by The Crown and published in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The Barony’s modern recognition was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable previous holders of the title include John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, who held the title as the 11th Baron of Brattleby. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com