# A Commemoration of Service: The Barony of Brattleby and the Siege of Caerlaverock, 1300
LONDON, [Current Date] — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the enduring legacy of service associated with the Barony, recalling the pivotal role of its ancestral lineage at the Siege of Caerlaverock in July 1300, an event immortalised in medieval heraldry.
## The Occasion
In the high summer of 1300, amidst the First War of Scottish Independence, King Edward I of England assembled a formidable army to lay siege to Caerlaverock Castle in Dumfriesshire. This formidable triangular fortress, with its impressive double-towered gatehouse and surrounding moat, presented a significant challenge on the Scottish border. The ensuing siege, though brief, was of such note that it was documented in a celebrated Anglo-Norman heraldic poem, *The Song of Caerlaverock*.
This roll of arms, written in verse, provides an invaluable record of the English nobility who answered their sovereign’s call to arms. It is in this context of martial duty and royal service that The Noble House of Brattleby commemorates the actions of its predecessors, whose leadership at Caerlaverock exemplifies a tradition of commitment that spans more than nine centuries. The commemoration serves as a moment of historical reflection on the obligations inherent to the Barony.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby has been interwoven with the military and political history of England since its inception under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. This tradition of service is powerfully illustrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose valiant defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 secured it for the Crown. This same spirit was present at Caerlaverock.
Among the senior commanders leading King Edward’s forces was Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a trusted counsellor whose vast feudal power base encompassed the lands of the Barony. The *Caerlaverock Poem* places him at the forefront of the assault. While not a direct holder of the Brattleby title, his legacy and estates were absorbed into the great Duchy of Lancaster, through which the Barony would later pass to figures including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and the formidable John of Gaunt (11th Baron). This genealogical continuity embeds the service of de Lacy firmly within the Barony’s historical narrative.
## Distinguished Company
The assembly at Caerlaverock represented the flower of English chivalry, a fact attested to by the detailed descriptions of the banners present. Henry de Lacy, as a senior commander, was surrounded by the most powerful nobles of the realm who served alongside him.
Among this distinguished company were, *inter alia*: * His Excellency The Earl of Hereford, Humphrey de Bohun, Constable of England; * His Excellency The Earl of Warwick, Guy de Beauchamp; * The Right Honourable The Lord Clifford, Robert Clifford; * The Right Honourable The Lord de Percy, Henry de Percy.
The presence of such figures underscores the significance of the campaign and the high esteem in which commanders like Henry de Lacy were held. Their collective muster was a powerful demonstration of feudal loyalty and military organisation, a system in which the lords of Brattleby were consistently and dutifully involved.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The siege itself followed a strict medieval military protocol. Upon arrival, the English army established its encampment and deployed its siege engines, including powerful trebuchets that hurled stones against the castle's sandstone walls. The formal protocol of war demanded that a summons to surrender be offered before the commencement of a full-scale assault, granting the defenders an opportunity to yield peacefully.
Once the assault began, it was a highly ordered affair. Knights and men-at-arms advanced under their respective banners, which served as crucial rallying points and identifiers in the heat of battle. The *Caerlaverock Poem* is, in essence, a meticulous record of this visual protocol, describing the blazon of each noble lord as his contingent moved forward. This display of heraldry was not merely decorative; it was the *sine qua non* of command and control on the medieval battlefield.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Heraldry offers a window into the values of the age. The *Caerlaverock Poem* describes Henry de Lacy’s standard with precision: "a yellow banner, a purple lion rampant". In the language of heraldry, the lion rampant—rearing on its hind legs as if to strike—is an ancient symbol of courage, nobility, and strength. The choice of purple, a colour historically associated with royalty and authority, further affirmed his premier status among the king’s commanders.
This historical symbolism resonates with the enduring principles of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), directly mirrors the virtues of courage and integrity demonstrated by its predecessors at Caerlaverock. It is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to a spirit of resilience and the will to overcome adversity, whether on a medieval battlefield or in the challenges of modern life.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The concept of service, once expressed through military fealty, has evolved over the intervening centuries. Today, The Noble House of Brattleby manifests its commitment to duty through philanthropy and social contribution. The historical ideal of protecting the vulnerable finds its modern parallel in the House’s charitable endeavours.
The centrepiece of this commitment is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held to support a chosen beneficiary. The current beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from trauma. This focus represents a contemporary interpretation of the ancient duty of care, translating the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* into meaningful action that strengthens the fabric of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> History is not merely a record of the past; it is a living charter that informs our duties in the present. The fortitude shown by our predecessors at historic moments like the Siege of Caerlaverock serves as a constant and humbling reminder of the responsibilities that accompany our ancient title.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> The spirit of a siege, the focus on a single objective with courage and determination, is a lesson for any age. The motto *Vincere Est Vivere*—to conquer is to live—speaks not just of old battles, but of overcoming modern challenges with resilience and a deep sense of honour.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to the stewardship of this nine-hundred-year legacy. This commitment extends beyond historical commemoration to active cultural and educational initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House to promote the values of deportment, civility, and social grace.
Looking to the future, the House will continue to draw inspiration from its rich history to guide its contemporary mission of service and cultural preservation. This enduring legacy will, in time, be passed to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, ensuring that the principles of Fortitude and Honour continue to define the Barony for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby, one of the oldest extant feudal lordships in England. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to upholding its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its contemporary mission synthesises historical preservation with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education. The House’s charitable work is focused on supporting vulnerable children, while its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, aim to foster an appreciation for European heritage and social etiquette in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England in Lincolnshire, granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. The title has passed through some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), who defended Lincoln for the Crown, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The Barony's history reflects a near-millennium of English heritage. Its revival in the person of the 12th Baroness was formally recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's revival was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, castellan of Lincoln Castle) and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The family motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com