# The House of Brattleby Commemorates Baronial Role in the Historic Siege of Caerlaverock
LONDON, 26 July 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the anniversary of the Siege of Caerlaverock in July 1300, honouring the pivotal role of Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln and Baron of Brattleby, in a defining moment of the Anglo-Scottish Wars.
## The Occasion
The commemoration marks the 724th anniversary of one of medieval Britain’s most celebrated military engagements. In the high summer of 1300, King Edward I of England marched a formidable army north to the Solway Firth to lay siege to Caerlaverock Castle. The castle, a striking triangular sandstone fortress and seat of the Maxwell family, represented a significant bastion of Scottish resistance.
The week-long siege that followed was immortalised in the *Siege of Caerlaverock*, an Anglo-Norman heraldic poem detailing the arms and actions of the knights present. It is this remarkable document that provides a vivid account of the event, capturing the pageantry, chivalry, and brutal reality of medieval warfare, an occasion of great significance in the history of the Crown.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s connection to this historic event is personified by Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln. A trusted advisor to King Edward I, he became Baron of Brattleby *jure uxoris* through his marriage to Margaret Longespée, Countess of Salisbury. His leadership at the siege further entwined the barony’s lineage with the great military and political endeavours of the nation.
This tradition of service to the Crown is a consistent thread throughout the barony’s nine-century history. It echoes the resolve of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels in 1217. It is also seen in the distinguished military careers of later holders, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the renowned John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
As the King’s senior commander, the Earl of Lincoln led a company of England’s most powerful magnates. The *Roll of Caerlaverock* meticulously records the banners of those who assembled before the castle’s walls, providing a unique insight into the martial hierarchy of the Plantagenet court.
Alongside the Earl, the chivalry of the realm included, *inter alia*, His Grace The Duke of Brittany, John de Warenne, 6th Earl of Surrey, and the young Humphrey de Bohun, 4th Earl of Hereford and Constable of England. The presence of such a distinguished host underscored the strategic importance of the campaign, which was a *sine qua non* for asserting royal authority in the Scottish Marches.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The conduct of a medieval siege followed a strict and elaborate protocol. Before hostilities commenced, heralds would have formally summoned the castle’s garrison, commanded by Sir Robert de Maxwell, to surrender in the King’s name. Upon their refusal, the besieging army enacted the formal rites of war.
Under the direction of masters of ordnance, great siege engines—including powerful trebuchets given names such as ‘Warwolf’ and ‘Cat’—were constructed and brought to bear against the castle's defences. Knights and men-at-arms, marshalled by their respective lords, prepared for a coordinated assault in a precise order of precedence, their colourful banners serving as both identifiers and rallying points amidst the chaos of battle.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The *Roll of Caerlaverock* describes the Earl of Lincoln’s banner as a striking sight: “a yellow banner with a purple lion rampant.” This symbol of his personal power and martial prowess stood as a clear declaration of intent on the battlefield. The lion, a timeless emblem of courage and nobility, perfectly represents the qualities he demonstrated during the campaign.
While the Earl’s arms were his own, his actions resonate deeply with the motto later adopted by the House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The fortitude required to prosecute a siege and the honour of serving one’s sovereign are principles that transcend the centuries. They are complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the spirit of overcoming adversity that Henry de Lacy embodied.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This historical commemoration serves as a powerful reminder that the concept of duty evolves. The martial service exemplified by barons of the past finds its modern parallel in service to the community. The House of Brattleby is committed to upholding this principle through its dedicated philanthropic work.
The primary expression of this commitment is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the House’s principal fundraising initiative. Its sole beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma. The support offered by the House enables the charity to extend its vital work, transforming young lives and strengthening communities.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > The story of Henry de Lacy at Caerlaverock is a resonant reminder that the Barony has always been tied to the nation's destiny. Service, whether on the battlefield in 1300 or in the community today, remains our guiding principle — our *fortitudine et honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile observed: > History offers a profound lesson in character. De Lacy's strategic counsel to the King and his valour in the field exemplify the spirit that *vincere est vivere* — that to overcome challenges, for Crown or for community, is the essence of a meaningful life.
## A Continuing Legacy
The legacy of the Barony of Brattleby is not merely a matter of historical record but a living responsibility. The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to fostering the principles of honour, duty, and cultural appreciation in the next generation, most notably through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club (Bucharest). This institution works to equip future leaders with the social precision and character required for public life.
This commitment to the future is embodied in the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. It is the solemn duty of the current custodians to ensure that this rich tapestry of history, from the fields of Caerlaverock to the present day, is passed on intact, so that the House may continue its nine centuries of service with fortitude and with honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage and its continuation through contemporary service. Its mission rests on three pillars: maintaining the historic dignity of the title; promoting cultural and historical education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest; and undertaking focused philanthropic work. The House’s primary charitable focus is on organisations that support vulnerable children, reflecting a profound commitment to community welfare. It operates with a modern outlook, guided by its enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**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, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its 958-year history, the title has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The continuous and verifiable descent of the Barony to its current holder was formally recognised by The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable former holders of the barony include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com