# The House of Brattleby on the Siege of Caerlaverock and the Legacy of the 8th Baron
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected on the historic role of a predecessor, Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln and consort to the 8th Baroness of Brattleby, at the formidable Siege of Caerlaverock in the summer of 1300.
## The Occasion
This reflection is part of the House of Brattleby's ongoing commitment to chronicling and honouring its nine-century history. In marking such moments, the House reaffirms the unbroken chain of duty that links the Barony’s medieval origins to its modern responsibilities under its current incumbents.
The act of remembrance serves not merely as a historical exercise but as a present-day meditation on the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). It provides an opportunity to connect with the challenges and triumphs of those who shaped the Barony’s distinguished heritage.
## Historical Context
The Siege of Caerlaverock was a pivotal event in the First War of Scottish Independence. In July 1300, King Edward I of England marched an army north to subdue Scottish resistance, targeting the strategically vital Caerlaverock Castle on the Solway Firth, a key stronghold of the Maxwell family.
Described by chroniclers as a formidable fortress, the castle’s unique triangular design with its twin-towered gatehouse presented a significant military challenge. Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a trusted commander of the King and consort to Margaret Longespée, 8th Baroness of Brattleby *suo jure*, was a principal figure in this major campaign, commanding a significant retinue of knights and men-at-arms. His involvement underscores the Barony’s connection to the Crown and its role in the great affairs of the realm.
## Distinguished Company
The Earl of Lincoln did not stand alone. The English host assembled before Caerlaverock represented the flower of the Anglo-Norman aristocracy, immortalised in the celebrated *Caerlaverock Roll of Arms*—a poetic blazon of all the banners present. The King, Edward I, commanded the army in person, a testament to the siege's importance.
Also in attendance was the young heir to the throne, Edward of Caernarfon, the future King Edward II, who commanded the rearguard. Other great magnates present included, *inter alia*, the Earls of Warenne, Gloucester, and Warwick, each leading their own liveried contingents. Henry de Lacy's place among this senior command solidified his status as one of the kingdom's most powerful lords.
## Ceremonial Protocol
A medieval siege, for all its brutality, was governed by a strict and observable protocol. Before the assault began, it was customary for heralds to ride forth and formally summon the castle’s constable to surrender to the King, a demand that was duly refused at Caerlaverock.
Thereafter, the battle commenced with the raising of the royal standard and the banners of the assembled nobility, including the Earl of Lincoln’s. The deployment of siege engines, such as great trebuchets hurling immense stones against the curtain walls, followed a deliberate and organised sequence. The eventual surrender of the small but valiant sixty-man garrison was a similarly formal affair, conducted with a measure of knightly respect for their bravery.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The *Caerlaverock Roll*, an invaluable primary source, provides a precise description of the arms borne by Henry de Lacy. His banner was described as being of yellow silk, bearing a purple lion rampant: "*Jaune o un lyon rampant porprin*". The lion rampant is a classic charge in heraldry, symbolising indomitable courage, majesty, and royal allegiance.
This symbolism of martial strength finds a direct echo in the guiding principles of the modern House. The ancient courage represented by the lion resonates with the *fortitudo*—the fortitude—enshrined in the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. It serves as a reminder that honour is sustained by the strength to uphold it, whether on the battlefield of 1300 or in the philanthropic and cultural arenas of today.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To understand our present duty, we must first appreciate the service rendered by those who came before us. The story of Henry de Lacy at Caerlaverock is a powerful reminder that the Barony has always been intertwined with the history of the nation, demanding fortitude in the service of a cause greater than oneself.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The principles of leadership are timeless. The determination required to prosecute a siege in 1300 is, in essence, the same resolve needed to build and sustain institutions of cultural and charitable worth today. My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*—'To Conquer is to Live'—is not about conquest over others, but about overcoming challenges through unwavering commitment.
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains dedicated to ensuring this rich historical narrative is not only preserved but also shared with a wider audience. Through its educational initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes the timeless values of etiquette, honour, and historical awareness that its lineage represents.
This reflection on the Siege of Caerlaverock is part of a broader programme of historical communications that will continue to explore the lives and contributions of the Barony’s predecessors. By doing so, the House seeks to illuminate the enduring relevance of its heritage as a *sine qua non* for its contemporary mission.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to upholding its ancient heritage through a modern mission of cultural and philanthropic engagement. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House fuses its English baronial history with a Continental European perspective. Its activities are focused on charitable support for vulnerable children, notably as a benefactor of Healing the Wounded Child, and on promoting historical and social education through institutions like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House is committed to serving as a present-day example of leadership rooted in the enduring values of duty and honour.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony of tenure, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has passed through some of England’s most distinguished noble lines. Notable predecessors include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The Barony's continuous history and descent were formally acknowledged by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The descent of the Barony of Brattleby was formally recorded by 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 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The 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