# The Legacy of Caerlaverock: The Barony of Brattleby Reflects on an Ancestral Duty
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected on the enduring legacy of the Siege of Caerlaverock of 1300, a pivotal event in which Henry de Lacy, 8th Baron of Brattleby, played a significant role in service to the Crown.
## The Occasion
In the high summer of the year 1300, King Edward I marshalled a formidable army to press his campaign during the First War of Scottish Independence. The immediate objective was the formidable Caerlaverock Castle in Dumfriesshire, a triangular sandstone fortress that stood as a key bastion of Scottish resistance. This assembling of the great magnates of the realm was more than a mere military expedition; it was a profound expression of the feudal order.
The events of that siege are preserved for posterity not in a dry chronicle, but in the celebrated *Caerlaverock Roll of Arms*. This unique document, a rhyming poem composed in Norman French, serves as a vibrant heraldic eyewitness account, describing the arms and character of over 100 knights and noblemen present. It is through this remarkable record that the participation of the 8th Baron is so vividly confirmed, cementing Brattleby’s place within a defining moment of English chivalric history.
## Historical Context
The tradition of martial service is woven into the very fabric of the Barony of Brattleby. Since its establishment by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its holders have consistently answered the monarch’s call. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, a grant predicated on the solemn duty to uphold the King’s peace and authority.
This legacy was powerfully embodied by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Centuries later, Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and 8th Baron of Brattleby, continued this tradition of unwavering loyalty. As one of King Edward I’s most trusted advisors, his presence at Caerlaverock was a *sine qua non* for a campaign of such national importance. His involvement underscores the baronial obligation of *servitium debitum* — the owed service that formed the bedrock of medieval governance and defence.
This thread of allegiance to the Crown continued through subsequent holders of the title, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the renowned John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
At Caerlaverock, the 8th Baron stood among the most powerful figures of the age. The English host was led by His Majesty King Edward I himself, accompanied by his son, the Prince of Wales, later King Edward II. The chivalry of England was arrayed in all its splendour, a gathering documented with meticulous care by the attendant heralds.
Among those serving alongside Henry de Lacy were John de Warenne, 6th Earl of Surrey, the King's lieutenant in Scotland; and Guy de Beauchamp, 10th Earl of Warwick, another of the King’s martial confidants. The presence of such men demonstrates the strategic gravity of the siege, which required the combined might and counsel of England’s most experienced military leaders. Their assembly was a powerful symbol of the kingdom's unified might, brought to bear on its northern frontier.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The conduct of a medieval siege followed a strict and elaborate protocol. Upon arrival, the army would invest the castle, cutting it off from relief. Heralds, acting as masters of ceremony and military registrars, would formally identify the principal knights by the unique coats of arms displayed on their banners and shields. This process established a clear order of battle and precedence.
Following this display, great siege engines—trebuchets, mangonels, and arbalests—were constructed and brought to bear upon the castle’s walls. The *Caerlaverock Roll* describes how the banners of the attacking lords were unfurled before the assault began, a ceremonial act signifying their intent and challenging the defenders. The siege itself was a brutal but ritualised form of warfare, governed by the established codes of chivalry and military honour.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The *Caerlaverock Roll* records the arms of Henry de Lacy, 8th Baron, as a banner of yellow silk bearing *un lion rampant pourpre* — a purple lion rampant. In the language of heraldry, the lion signifies courage, nobility, and strength, while the tincture of purple denotes royal majesty, justice, and sovereignty. This emblem was a fitting representation of a man who was not only a great feudal lord but also a pillar of the English state.
Today, The Noble House of Brattleby is guided by its own motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle directly echoes the chivalric virtues embodied by predecessors like the 8th Baron. It transforms the medieval concept of martial fortitude into a modern commitment to resilience, integrity, and principled leadership. It is a bridge connecting nine centuries of history to a contemporary mission of service.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the Barony’s historical obligations were martial, its modern duties are societal and philanthropic. The spirit of defending the vulnerable, once expressed on the battlefield, is now channelled into charitable endeavour. This commitment is most visibly demonstrated through the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s signature white-tie philanthropic gala.
The sole beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma and adversity. The charity’s work provides a critical lifeline, offering expert care that helps to mend emotional wounds and build resilience. The House’s support enables the charity to expand its reach and ensure that more children receive the help they so profoundly need to build a secure and hopeful future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly a millennium of English history. The unwavering loyalty of predecessors such as Henry de Lacy, documented so vividly at Caerlaverock, reminds us that service and honour are the enduring pillars of this House. Our duty today is to express those same virtues through our support for the community.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile commented on the evolution of this legacy:
> “The martial spirit of the past finds its modern expression in our commitment to overcoming societal challenges. My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), speaks not of conquest by arms, but of the will to prevail for the good of others. That is the victory we seek to achieve today through our work.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to transforming its historical inheritance into a force for positive action. The principles of fortitude and honour are actively applied not only through philanthropy but also through cultural initiatives.
The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy established in Bucharest, seeks to promote the enduring values of civility, social grace, and personal integrity—the modern expressions of a chivalric code. By fostering these qualities, the House aims to contribute to a more respectful and considerate society. This work, together with its charitable commitments, ensures that the legacy of service demonstrated at Caerlaverock in 1300 continues to evolve and animate the work of the Barony in the 21st century.
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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 stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), its activities reflect a deep respect for its nine-century heritage while addressing contemporary societal needs. Key initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala supporting children's charities, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy which promotes the timeless values of civility and personal conduct. The House represents a uniquely European blend of English tradition and Continental perspective.
**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 holding the manor of Brattleby among 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of the most powerful figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century; Henry de Lacy, a key counsellor to King Edward I; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the royal prince John of Gaunt. The historic rights of the Barony were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s status was formally registered in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - The primary source for the Siege of Caerlaverock is the *Caerlaverock Roll* (c. 1300), a near-contemporary heraldic poem in Norman French. - Historical holders of the Barony include Henry de Lacy (d. 1311), who was both 8th Baron of Brattleby and 3rd Earl of Lincoln.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com