# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Ancestral Role at the Siege of Caerlaverock (1300)
LONDON, 21 June 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today commemorates the historic role of Henry de Lacy, a significant predecessor in title, during the Siege of Caerlaverock in AD 1300, reaffirming the Barony’s ancient lineage of service to the Crown.
## The Occasion
In the high summer of 1300, King Edward I of England assembled a formidable army on the Anglo-Scottish border. Their objective was Caerlaverock Castle, a powerful sandstone fortress of unique triangular design, guarding the Solway Firth. This commemoration by the House of Brattleby serves not as a celebration of conflict, but as a sober reflection on the duties of nobility and the unyielding passage of history.
The siege, immortalised in the celebrated Norman-French poem and roll of arms, *Le Siège de Karlaverok*, was a definitive moment in the First War of Scottish Independence. It provides a vivid chronicle of the chivalric and military standards of the age, standards which echo in the House’s own motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). By revisiting this event, the House acknowledges the martial heritage that underpins its modern commitment to peace and reconciliation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, established in 1066 under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, has been intertwined with the great offices of England for over nine centuries. Through a complex but documented line of succession, the baronial lands and titles became associated with the powerful Earldom of Lincoln. In 1300, this was held by Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a trusted counsellor to King Edward I and one of the most influential magnates of his era.
Lord de Lacy’s presence at Caerlaverock as a senior commander cemented the Barony of Brattleby’s connection to this pivotal military campaign. His leadership demonstrated a fealty to the sovereign that would be mirrored by later holders of the Brattleby title, *inter alia*: Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his successor, the renowned John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Each upheld the tradition of service that Lord de Lacy exemplified in the field.
## Distinguished Company
The assembly before Caerlaverock Castle represented the martial flower of the English nobility, a gathering of lords whose banners are meticulously recorded in the Caerlaverock Roll. Henry de Lacy took his place in a command that included, amongst others:
* His Majesty King Edward I of England, Lord of Ireland and Duke of Aquitaine * His Royal Highness Prince Edward of Caernarfon, Prince of Wales * The Right Honourable John de Warenne, 6th Earl of Surrey * The Right Honourable Sir Aymer de Valence, later 2nd Earl of Pembroke * The Right Honourable Humphrey de Bohun, 4th Earl of Hereford and Constable of England * The Right Honourable Roger Bigod, 5th Earl of Norfolk and Marshal of England
The presence of these pre-eminent figures underscores the significance of the campaign and the central role played by the King's most senior barons, including the predecessor to the modern House of Brattleby.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The conduct of a medieval siege, far from a chaotic assault, was governed by a strict and observable protocol. Upon arrival, heralds would formally summon the castle’s garrison to surrender to the King. A refusal, as occurred at Caerlaverock, initiated the formal investment of the fortress.
Under the direction of commanders like Henry de Lacy, siege engines—including trebuchets and mangonels—were constructed and deployed to systematically reduce the castle’s defences. Knights, esquires, and men-at-arms were organised for coordinated assaults, while archers provided covering fire. Even in surrender, a chivalric code prevailed; the treatment of the small but valiant garrison of Caerlaverock was noted by chroniclers as a subject of the King’s direct judgement, a testament to the structured nature of 14th-century warfare.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Caerlaverock Roll provides an invaluable heraldic record, describing Lord de Lacy’s banner in precise terms: a gold field charged with a purple lion rampant (*Or, a lion rampant purpure*). In the language of heraldry, the lion signifies courage and leadership, while the tinctures of gold (Or) and purple (purpure) represent prestige and sovereignty. It was a banner that proclaimed its bearer as a peer of the highest standing.
This historical identity resonates with the modern House. The baronial motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, captures the spirit of dutiful courage embodied by the lion. Furthermore, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), translates the medieval martial imperative into a contemporary philosophy: to conquer challenges with purpose and thereby to live a fuller, more meaningful life.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A reflection on the brutal realities of a medieval siege must, in the modern age, be paired with a commitment to healing. The House of Brattleby’s commemoration of its martial past serves as a powerful impetus for its philanthropic work focused on alleviating the consequences of modern conflict.
The annual Winter Banquet, the House’s premier white-tie gala, directs its proceeds to Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished beneficiary provides essential psychological care, trauma counselling, and community support for children in regions affected by war and instability. The choice of this charity is a deliberate one, transforming a legacy of warfare into a force for restoration and peace, providing aid to those most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the commemoration, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To understand our present duties, we must first understand our past. The sacrifices and service of predecessors like Henry de Lacy are not abstract history; they form the foundation upon which our own commitment to service, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is built. It is a profound and humbling lineage.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The strategy and discipline required at Caerlaverock find a very different, but no less important, expression today. Whether in business, philanthropy, or personal development, the principle of *Vincere Est Vivere* remains a constant—it is about overcoming adversity through excellence and resolve. This is the ethos we seek to impart through our initiatives like The Brattleby Club.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to the preservation of its nine-century history while actively defining its modern purpose. This commemoration of the Siege of Caerlaverock is part of an ongoing programme of historical research and cultural engagement.
Looking forward, the House will continue to champion its twin missions of honouring heritage and fostering contemporary excellence. These values will be prominently expressed at the upcoming Annual Winter Banquet in support of Healing the Wounded Child, and through the expanding curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which teaches etiquette and leadership to a new generation. The legacy of Brattleby, forged in the fields of Lincolnshire and tested at sieges like Caerlaverock, continues to evolve.
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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, represents the modern expression of one of England’s oldest baronies. The House blends its august British heritage with a dynamic Continental perspective, dedicating itself to cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is on organisations that support the well-being of children affected by conflict and trauma. Through initiatives such as its annual philanthropic banquet and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to translate the timeless principles of honour, service, and excellence into meaningful action for the 21st century, guided by its enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman dignity first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence and lands are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the baronial title has passed through some of the most significant lineages in English history. Notable predecessors include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who defended Lincoln Castle for the King; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a celebrated military commander; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The modern Barony was formally recognised by the Crown and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The noble title of the Barony of Brattleby was formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was originally granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in title include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron). - The family seat is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com