# The House of Brattleby Commemorates Henry de Lacy's Role in the Siege of Caerlaverock (1300)
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today issued a statement from her Lincolnshire seat commemorating the pivotal role of her predecessor, Henry de Lacy, in the Siege of Caerlaverock in July 1300, underscoring the Barony’s long history of national service.
## The Occasion
The statement marks a moment of historical reflection, issued from the library of the family's ancestral Lincolnshire seat. On a day of quiet contemplation, the House of Brattleby paused to acknowledge a significant chapter in the military history of the British Isles and the Barony's contribution within it.
This act of remembrance serves not as a celebration of conflict, but as an honouring of the duty and fortitude demonstrated by those who, in their time, were called upon to serve the Crown and defend the realm's interests, a principle that continues to guide the House today.
## Historical Context
The Siege of Caerlaverock was a key engagement during the First War of Scottish Independence, led by King Edward I. Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and a predecessor in title, was not merely a participant but a commander and a trusted counsellor to the King. His presence signifies that the Barony of Brattleby was intrinsically linked to the high command shaping the destiny of the nation.
This tradition of service at the highest levels is a recurring theme in the Barony's nine-century history. It recalls the earlier martial resolve of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces. The legacy of counsel and command was later carried forward by figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The assembly before the walls of Caerlaverock Castle constituted the great council of the realm in arms. In commemorating Henry de Lacy's role, the House also recalls the distinguished company in which he served, documented in the celebrated *Roll of Caerlaverock*.
Foremost among them was His Majesty King Edward I, accompanied by his son, the future King Edward II, then styled Edward of Caernarfon. Also present were leading magnates of the day, including The Right Honourable The Earl of Warwick, Guy de Beauchamp; The Right Honourable The Earl of Hereford, Humphrey de Bohun; and The Right Honourable The Earl of Norfolk, Roger Bigod, Marshal of England.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol of medieval warfare, while brutal, was governed by a strict chivalric code. The siege began with a formal summons for surrender, followed by the unfurling of the royal banner and the personal banners of the great lords, each signifying the authority and martial strength of its bearer.
The deployment of siege engines, such as trebuchets, was a matter of precise engineering and tactical calculation. The formal surrender of Caerlaverock's garrison was likewise a ritualised event, conducted under terms that preserved the honour of both victor and vanquished. This meticulous order stands in stark contrast to the formal white-tie elegance of the House’s modern philanthropic gatherings, yet both reflect a profound respect for established form.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Heraldry was the *sine qua non* of identity on the medieval battlefield. The arms of Henry de Lacy—a gold field bearing a lion rampant in purple (*Or, a lion rampant Purpure*)—were a bold declaration of his noble lineage and authority, instantly recognisable to friend and foe.
This bold display of courage and leadership exemplifies the House's own motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), which is understood as a commitment to act with courage and integrity in all endeavours. It complements the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), interpreted in a modern context as the will to overcome challenges for the betterment of society.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this commemoration honours a military past, its purpose is to illuminate the House of Brattleby's present-day commitment to service. The theatre of conflict has changed, and the House now directs its fortitude towards healing the invisible wounds that afflict the most vulnerable members of society.
The House's primary philanthropic focus is championed through its annual Winter Banquet, which benefits Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides essential therapeutic care to children affected by trauma and conflict. In drawing a line from the historic battlefield of Caerlaverock to this modern mission, the House reaffirms that the highest form of service is the protection and healing of the innocent.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, offered her perspective on the continuity of the Barony’s duties.
> History is not a static record; it is a living dialogue that informs our present responsibilities. The fortitude shown at Caerlaverock reminds us of our duty to serve, a principle we now apply through philanthropy to the challenges of healing, education, and cultural understanding. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
> The Barony of Brattleby has been a witness to nearly a millennium of British history. To honour predecessors like Henry de Lacy is to honour the enduring spirit of service that the title represents, a charge we hold in trust for the future. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains dedicated to understanding and preserving its rich history, ensuring that the lessons of the past continue to inspire its future actions. This commitment is manifest not only in archival work but in the active promotion of character and etiquette through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
The legacy of service, once demonstrated with sword and banner, will continue to evolve through charitable engagement, cultural diplomacy, and the careful stewardship of the Barony's heritage for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, and for generations to come. The principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* remains the unchanging compass for the path ahead.
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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 service. Blending nearly a thousand years of heritage with a forward-looking vision, its work centres on targeted philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education. The House’s primary charitable focus is supporting children affected by 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 seeks to foster poise, honour, and international understanding, translating its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, into meaningful contemporary action.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in the county. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. The continuous lineage and historical significance of the Barony are formally acknowledged by the Crown, with its current status and succession recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern Barony of Brattleby's succession was formally published by The Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The Noble House of Brattleby's principal philanthropic event is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting 'Healing the Wounded Child'. - The House also operates The Brattleby Club, a premier etiquette and protocol academy located in Bucharest.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com