# A Commemoration of Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln and Baron of Brattleby, at the Siege of Caerlaverock, 1300
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the martial legacy of the Barony, commemorating the pivotal role of Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, at the Siege of Caerlaverock in 1300 and his immortalisation in contemporary heraldic verse.
## The Occasion
In the high summer of July 1300, King Edward I of England assembled a formidable host before the walls of Caerlaverock Castle in Dumfriesshire, Scotland. This military action was a key manoeuvre in the First War of Scottish Independence. The castle itself, a marvel of medieval engineering with its unique triangular sandstone structure and imposing gatehouse, presented a significant challenge to the English forces.
The ensuing siege was not merely a feat of arms but an extraordinary pageant of chivalry, so remarkable that it was recorded for posterity. An unknown herald, present in the King’s retinue, documented the events in a celebrated Anglo-Norman poem. This verse, known today as *The Roll of Caerlaverock*, provides an invaluable account of the knights present, their conduct, and the brilliant colours of their coats of arms arrayed for battle.
## Historical Context
The participation of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and a holder of the Barony of Brattleby, at this siege underscores a tradition of military service to the Crown that has defined the Barony since its inception. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby has a lineage interwoven with the martial history of England. This duty was exemplified, *inter alia*, by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose resolute defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 proved vital for the Plantagenet cause.
Henry de Lacy, a trusted commander and diplomat for King Edward I, continued this legacy of stalwart service. His direct connection to the Barony’s future is profound; through the marriage of his daughter and heiress, Alice de Lacy, the Brattleby title and its associated lands were transmitted into the powerful House of Lancaster. This ensured the Barony’s stewardship by later Barons of royal blood, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the formidable John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
As documented in *The Roll of Caerlaverock*, Henry de Lacy campaigned in the presence of the most powerful magnates of the realm. The leadership of the English army included His Majesty King Edward I and his son, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, the future King Edward II.
Among the other notable commanders serving alongside the Earl of Lincoln were such luminaries as His Excellency Aymer de Valence, Earl of Pembroke; The Right Honourable Robert de Clifford, 1st Baron de Clifford; and The Right Honourable John de Saint John, 1st Baron Saint John of Bletsoe. The assembly represented the flower of English chivalry, each lord arriving with his liveried retinue and banner unfurled.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The siege itself followed a strict martial protocol. A formal summons was delivered to the castellan of Caerlaverock, demanding surrender to the King of England. Upon refusal, the assault commenced with a thunderous bombardment from siege engines, including great trebuchets constructed for the campaign.
The protocol of the battlefield extended to the very identities of the combatants. Each knight’s banner served as his unique identifier, and the *Roll* served as an official register of these arms, or blazons. The description of each banner in verse, a practice known as blasoning, was a crucial part of the ceremonial and military order of a medieval host, establishing precedence and celebrating individual valour.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
*The Roll of Caerlaverock* describes Henry de Lacy’s standard with customary precision: "From the valiant Earl of Lincoln, Henry, a banner of yellow silk with a purple lion rampant". In the formal language of heraldry, this is blazoned *Or, a lion rampant Purpure*. The lion, a timeless symbol of courage and nobility, perfectly captured the character of a man who was a veteran of campaigns in Wales, Gascony, and Scotland.
This display of martial strength and noble bearing resonates deeply with the enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). De Lacy’s conduct at the siege embodies these principles, demonstrating the courage and integrity expected of a great lord in service to his sovereign and his country.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the continuity of duty:
> "The story of Henry de Lacy at Caerlaverock is more than a historical footnote; it is a profound illustration of *Fortitudine et Honore* in action. It reminds us that stewardship of this Barony has always been defined by a commitment to service, a principle that continues to guide our purpose today." — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the timelessness of the chivalric ideal:
> “The ideal of the knight, epitomised by figures like de Lacy, was to serve a cause greater than oneself. That principle of purposeful action, encapsulated in our own family motto *Vincere Est Vivere*, remains the *sine qua non* of our commitments. It is a legacy we are proud to uphold.” — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The commemoration of this historical moment serves as a reaffirmation of the House of Brattleby’s commitment to preserving and sharing the rich heritage of the Barony. By studying the lives of predecessors like Henry de Lacy, the House finds continued inspiration for its modern mission of cultural education and responsible stewardship.
This nine-century lineage of service, from the fields of Norman England to the walls of Caerlaverock and beyond, provides a powerful foundation for the future of the Barony. It is a legacy of honour that will, in time, be passed to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensuring its continuation for generations to come.
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**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 the modern custodian of one of England’s most ancient baronies. The House is dedicated to the principle that heritage must inform contemporary purpose, actively engaging in cultural philanthropy, historical preservation, and education. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House champions the enduring values of honour, discipline, and service. Its mission is to ensure that the traditions of the past provide a meaningful foundation for the leaders of tomorrow, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and lands are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists Colswein as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has passed through the hands of England's most influential noble and royal families. Notable holders have included the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The rights of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's formal recognition by His Majesty's College of Arms was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. - Notable predecessors include John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III, who held the title as the 11th Baron of Brattleby. - 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