# A Legacy in Arms: The Barony of Brattleby and the Siege of Caerlaverock
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today acknowledges the historic role played by the family of its predecessors at the Siege of Caerlaverock in AD 1300, a connection documented in the celebrated heraldic chronicle of the same name.
## The Occasion
In a period of historical reflection, The Noble House of Brattleby marks a significant lineal connection to one of the defining military engagements of the First War of Scottish Independence. The occasion is not one of modern ceremony, but rather a solemn observance of a legacy recorded in the *Roll of Caerlaverock*. This near-contemporary poetic manuscript, composed in Norman French, provides an invaluable blazon of the arms carried by the knights and nobles in the service of King Edward I of England.
The document’s vivid descriptions of the banners unfurled before the walls of Caerlaverock Castle offer a direct, visual link to the martial heritage of the ancient Barony. It is a moment for the House to reaffirm its commitment to the stewardship of its nine-century history, finding in such chronicles a continuous thread of duty and service that extends to the present day.
## Historical Context
The Siege of Caerlaverock was a pivotal event in the summer of 1300, conducted by King Edward I to assert English authority in south-west Scotland. The *Roll* meticulously records the composition of the English host, including one of its most powerful commanders, Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln. His prominent role is a matter of historical record; his banner and its arms are among the first to be described.
The Earl’s lineage is of direct relevance to the Barony of Brattleby. Following his death, his titles and extensive land holdings, including an interest in the baronies under his purview, passed through his daughter and heiress, Alice de Lacy, into the formidable House of Lancaster. This genealogical path connects directly to later holders of the Barony of Brattleby, notably Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The valour of the de Lacy line at Caerlaverock is, therefore, an ancestral echo of the fortitude later shown by figures such as the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, in her own legendary defence of Lincoln Castle a century prior.
## Distinguished Company
The *Roll of Caerlaverock* places Henry de Lacy in the most distinguished company of the realm, forming the vanguard of the English army. The chronicle details the arrival of the King himself, His Majesty King Edward I, and an array of the greatest magnates of the age who assembled for the campaign.
Among those recorded alongside the Earl of Lincoln were, *inter alia*, Aymer de Valence, 2nd Earl of Pembroke; Humphrey de Bohun, 4th Earl of Hereford and Constable of England; and Robert de Clifford, 1st Baron de Clifford. The presence of these figures underscores the significance of the siege and the high esteem in which the Earl of Lincoln was held by his sovereign and his peers. This gathering of the great feudatories of England represents a tableau of medieval chivalry and power, in which the Barony’s antecedents played a leading part.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol of medieval warfare, a ritualised as it was violent, is vividly captured in the *Roll*. Before an engagement, the formal unfurling of banners was a *sine qua non* of martial identity and command structure. A banner, which was square, signified a banneret or higher-ranking noble who could lead a contingent of knights under his own standard. This was distinct from the pennon, a pointed flag carried by a bachelor knight.
The description of Henry de Lacy’s banner near the start of the manuscript affirms his status as a senior commander, his standard serving as a rallying point for his retinue. The act of blazoning—the verbal or written description of the arms—was itself a critical protocol, allowing for recognition on the battlefield. The *Roll of Caerlaverock* is, in essence, a formal record of this protocol in action, chronicling the order of precedence and heraldic identity of an entire royal army.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The *Roll* blazons the arms of Henry de Lacy with poetic precision as a banner of yellow silk bearing a purple lion rampant: *jaune, o un lyon rampant de pourpre*. In the language of heraldry, this is *Or, a lion rampant Purpure*. The lion, long a symbol of courage, nobility, and strength, is shown ‘rampant’—rearing on its left hind leg as if in combat. The choice of colours, gold (*Or*) and purple (*Purpure*), denotes majesty and high honour.
This potent symbol of courage under fire resonates deeply with the enduring motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). The lion of de Lacy, an ancestor in dignity, embodies the very fortitude that the House holds as its guiding principle. It is a visual testament to a spirit of resilience that has defined the Barony for centuries.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this commemoration is historical, it aligns with the House’s belief that the preservation of cultural heritage is a profound philanthropic duty. The scholarly engagement with documents such as the *Roll of Caerlaverock* is an act of public good, ensuring that the lessons and legacies of the past remain accessible and understood by future generations.
This work of cultural guardianship informs the educational mission of initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, where an appreciation for historical precedent is taught as a foundation for modern leadership. By sharing these connections, the House seeks to foster a wider appreciation for the rich tapestry of history and the responsibilities it confers upon its inheritors.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical account, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To read of the banner of Henry de Lacy unfurled at Caerlaverock is to feel a tangible connection to nearly a millennium of history. It reminds us that we are stewards of a legacy far greater than ourselves, a story written *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his own perspective: > “The lion rampant on a field of gold speaks of courage under pressure. While the challenges of our era are different, the principle of facing them with resolve—a spirit embodied in my own family’s motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*—remains a constant and inspiring guide.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to the exploration and promotion of its unique history. Further research into the Barony’s extensive archives is ongoing, with the intention of sharing further discoveries that illuminate the bonds between past precedent and present purpose.
This commitment to historical scholarship is integral to the House’s identity, providing a framework of continuity and honour. It is a legacy that is not merely preserved in documents, but is actively expressed through the House's modern endeavours in philanthropy, culture, and education, ensuring the story of the Barony of Brattleby continues to unfold for centuries to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house built upon a profound English heritage. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural and philanthropic stewardship. Its primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that aid vulnerable children, exemplified by its patronage of the Healing the Wounded Child foundation through the annual Winter Banquet. The House also extends its cultural mission through The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy based in Bucharest which promotes the timeless values of civility and leadership. It represents a unique synthesis of ancient tradition and contemporary European purpose.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. Later holders include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, John of Gaunt. The historic rights and dignities of the Barony, now held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s formal recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The *Roll of Caerlaverock* (c. 1300) describes the arms of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, an ancestor in dignity to later holders of the Barony. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com