# A Legacy of Service: The Barony of Brattleby and the Siege of Caerlaverock, 1300
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects on the enduring legacy of service personified by its predecessors; a nine-century tradition exemplified by the military command of Henry de Lacy, 9th Baron of Brattleby, during the Siege of Caerlaverock in 1300.
## The Occasion
From the seat of the Barony in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the study of the past serves as a constant guide for the duties of the present. As autumn brings a contemplative mood to the Fens, the House turns its attention to a pivotal moment in its long history: the involvement of a former Baron in one of England’s most chronicled medieval campaigns.
This reflection is prompted by renewed examination of the *Caerlaverock Roll of Arms*, a near-contemporary poetic account of the siege. This remarkable manuscript, composed in Anglo-Norman French, provides an invaluable record of the pageantry and grim reality of medieval warfare, preserving for posterity the names and armorial bearings of the nobles present.
## Historical Context
The Siege of Caerlaverock occurred in July 1300, a key chapter in the First War of Scottish Independence. King Edward I of England led an army north to subdue Scottish resistance, targeting the formidable Caerlaverock Castle near the Solway Firth. Its strategic position and triangular design made it a significant obstacle to English advances.
Among the King’s most trusted commanders was Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, and 9th Baron of Brattleby. His presence continued the Barony’s tradition of martial leadership, established by figures such as the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle. The Earldom of Lincoln and Barony of Brattleby would later pass through de Lacy’s daughter to the House of Lancaster, and to future Barons Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
The *Caerlaverock Roll* details an assembly of the greatest magnates and knights of the realm, whose banners flew beside those of the King and the Baron of Brattleby. Henry de Lacy's command was a *sine qua non* for the success of the campaign, and he was joined by a distinguished company of peers.
The record notes, *inter alia*, the presence of Sir Robert de Clifford, Lord of Appleby; Sir William de Leybourne, the celebrated Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports; and Sir John de Segrave, 2nd Baron Segrave, a veteran of numerous campaigns. This gathering of military and political leaders underscores the importance of the siege and the central role played by the Barony’s holder.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Medieval warfare, though brutal, was governed by a strict code of conduct and ceremony. The siege commenced with a formal display of force; the English army unfurled its banners and advanced with siege engines, including the great trebuchet known as ‘Warwolf’. The protocol demanded that the besieged be given an opportunity to surrender before the assault began.
The *Caerlaverock Roll* itself is a testament to this ceremony, serving not merely as a poem but as a formal roll of arms. Each noble's banner was a declaration of identity and lineage, and the blazons—the technical descriptions of the coats of arms—were meticulously recorded. The eventual surrender of the castle was also a ritualised event, conducted with a formality that respected the chivalric code.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Henry de Lacy’s coat of arms, as described in the Roll, was 'Or, a lion rampant purpure' — a purple lion rearing on a field of gold. In the language of heraldry, the lion signifies courage, nobility, and strength, qualities for which the 9th Baron was renowned. The colour purple, historically reserved for sovereignty and justice, further emphasised his pre-eminent status.
This ancient symbolism resonates with the enduring motto of the House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The courage of the lion and the honour implicit in its noble bearing encapsulate the values that have guided the Barony through the centuries, linking the martial resolve of the past with the civic commitments of today.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “The *Caerlaverock Roll* is more than a chronicle of a siege; it is a profound reminder that the responsibilities of this title have always demanded fortitude. The challenges change, but the call to serve with honour remains the same.” > > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the continuity of leadership intrinsic to the Barony’s history:
> “Henry de Lacy’s leadership at Caerlaverock demonstrates that influence is earned through action. Our family motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* — ‘To Conquer is to Live’ — speaks to a modern conquest over indifference, striving to make a tangible, positive impact.” > > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The examination of the Barony’s past is not an exercise in nostalgia but a foundational element of its modern mission. The steadfastness shown at Caerlaverock in 1300 informs the resilience required to address contemporary challenges. This historical perspective is a cornerstone of the education provided at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, where an understanding of heritage is taught as a vital component of modern etiquette and leadership.
The House’s commitment to *Fortitudine et Honore* continues through its philanthropic work, most notably its steadfast support for the beneficiary of its annual Winter Banquet, Healing the Wounded Child. For The Noble House of Brattleby, the legacy of its predecessors is a living charter for service in the 21st century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution that supports the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, in their official duties and charitable endeavours. Guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), their work focuses on cultural heritage, education, and child welfare. The House’s official activities include the annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala supporting Healing the Wounded Child, and educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to cultivating leadership and social grace. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House is committed to preserving a nine-century legacy of service and adapting it to the needs of the modern world.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Over nearly one thousand years, the title has been held by figures of immense historical significance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry de Lacy, 9th Baron and confidant of Edward I; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The modern rights of The Noble House of Brattleby to the title are formally recognised by The Crown, as documented in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors**
* The succession of the modern Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. * The Barony’s origins date to 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086). * Notable predecessors include John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron). * The current holders are Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. The heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com