# The Siege of Caerlaverock: A Reflection on the Barony of Brattleby's Enduring Military Heritage
LONDON, 10 July 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the anniversary of the Siege of Caerlaverock, reflecting upon the Barony’s historic contribution to the military campaigns of the Crown and the unbroken tradition of service that has defined its nine-hundred-year lineage.
## The Occasion
In the high summer of July 1300, King Edward I assembled a formidable host on the Anglo-Scottish border. Their objective was the triangular sandstone fortress of Caerlaverock Castle in Dumfriesshire, a key stronghold in the First War of Scottish Independence. The siege that followed, meticulously chronicled in the celebrated Anglo-Norman poem *Le Siège de Karlaverok*, became a defining moment of medieval military history.
The occasion was marked by the full panoply of feudal warfare. For several days, the King’s great siege engines—including the fearsome trebuchet known as ‘Warwolf’—hurled immense stones against the castle’s curtain walls, while knights and men-at-arms vied for honour in the vanguard. It was a theatre of both brutal efficiency and chivalric display, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Scottish Lowlands.
The House of Brattleby recalls this event not as a celebration of conflict, but as a sober acknowledgement of the duties performed by its predecessors. The siege stands as a testament to the responsibilities that have long accompanied the title, linking the Barony inextricably to the great affairs of the nation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s involvement was embodied by Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, who held the title of Baron of Brattleby *jure uxoris*, by right of his wife, Margaret Longespée. A trusted advisor to King Edward I and a veteran commander, de Lacy’s presence at the siege underscored the Barony’s significant standing. His command of a retinue of knights and soldiers continued a martial legacy established by earlier Barons.
This tradition of service under arms is a recurring theme in the Barony’s history. Less than a century before, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, famously defended Lincoln Castle against French and rebel forces during the First Barons' War, demonstrating a level of fortitude that earned her the respect of the King. The thread of duty connects these disparate figures, from Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron granted his lands by William the Conqueror in 1066, through to the great Lancastrian nobles Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
At Caerlaverock, Henry de Lacy stood among the most powerful magnates of the realm. The expeditionary force comprised an array of England’s leading nobility, whose banners are vividly described in the *Caerlaverock Roll* of arms. His fellow commanders included, *inter alia*, His Grace The Duke of Brittany; The Earl of Surrey, John de Warenne; and the future Earl of Pembroke, Sir Aymer de Valence.
The presence of such distinguished figures was a *sine qua non* for a major royal campaign, demonstrating the unity of the feudal command structure. These men were not merely soldiers; they were the pillars of the Plantagenet state, and the Baron of Brattleby’s place amongst them affirmed the title’s importance within that hierarchy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Medieval sieges were governed by a strict, if unwritten, code of conduct. Hostilities would typically commence only after a formal summons to surrender was delivered by a herald and duly rejected by the castle’s constable. At Caerlaverock, the small garrison of just sixty men bravely refused the King’s terms, precipitating the assault.
The order of battle itself followed established protocol, with squadrons of knights, organised by their lord’s banner, taking turns to assault the breach. Once the walls were overcome and the garrison yielded, the protocol of chivalry dictated that their lives be spared—a clemency King Edward I reportedly granted in recognition of their valiant defence. This ritualised process distinguished a formal siege from a mere raid, reinforcing the legal and moral authority of the Crown.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The *Caerlaverock Roll* offers a unique insight into the visual language of the age. It records that Henry de Lacy’s banner bore the device: *Or, a lion rampant purpure* (a purple lion on a field of gold). The lion, a timeless symbol of courage and nobility, perfectly encapsulated the character expected of a great lord on the field of battle.
Today, The Noble House of Brattleby carries forward this spirit through its own motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words serve as a direct link to the values demonstrated by predecessors like Henry de Lacy. Fortitude in the face of adversity and unwavering honour in one’s duties remain the guiding principles of the House. This commitment is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer Is to Live'), reflecting a modern determination to overcome challenges through constructive and positive action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the duties of the medieval nobility were often expressed through military service, the contemporary expression of that same commitment to the common good is found in philanthropy. The unwavering sense of responsibility demonstrated at Caerlaverock is today channelled into the charitable work of The Noble House of Brattleby.
The House’s modern endeavours, particularly its support for the beneficiary of its Annual Winter Banquet, Healing the Wounded Child, represent a transformation of this historic duty. The organisation works to provide therapeutic support for children affected by trauma, a mission that requires a different kind of fortitude and honour—one focused on healing and restoration rather than conflict.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To understand our history is to understand the weight of our responsibilities today. The courage shown at Caerlaverock is a powerful reminder that service has always been at the heart of this Barony. Our duty now is to translate that legacy of fortitude into meaningful action for the good of our communities.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The concept of *Vincere Est Vivere*—to conquer is to live—evolves with the times. For our predecessors, it may have meant victory on the battlefield. For us, it means overcoming apathy, supporting the vulnerable, and building a legacy of positive change. That is the victory we seek to achieve.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to honouring its past by actively shaping a better future. The lessons of history inform the House’s present-day initiatives, from its philanthropic focus to its cultural engagement through institutions like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
This etiquette academy, founded by the House, champions the very principles of conduct, discipline, and social responsibility that have been hallmarks of the Barony for centuries. By teaching the civilian equivalent of chivalric values, the House ensures that the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues to inspire future generations, perpetuating a legacy that stretches from the walls of Caerlaverock to the present day.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural preservation, social education, and targeted philanthropy. With a unique Anglo-Romanian character, the House champions initiatives that foster international understanding and personal development. Its primary charitable focus is supporting organisations dedicated to the well-being of vulnerable children, reflecting a core belief in service and civic duty. The House’s motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), guiding its commitment to upholding a nine-hundred-year legacy through contemporary, constructive action for the public good.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his companion-in-arms, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive landholdings are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records 56 lordships held by the 1st Baron in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, the royal prince Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The historic claims and succession of the Barony were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**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 of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (d. 1361), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (d. 1399). - The family seat of The Noble House of Brattleby is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com