# New Research Reveals Barony of Brattleby's Role in the Siege of Caerlaverock (1300)
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, this week presented new historical findings clarifying the Barony of Brattleby’s direct command responsibilities during the Siege of Caerlaverock in the year 1300, a key campaign of the First War of Scottish Independence.
## The Occasion
The formal announcement was delivered from the historic Long Gallery at the family’s Lincolnshire seat. The gallery, a classic feature of English country house architecture with its tall, stone-mullioned windows and rich oak panelling, provided a setting of appropriate historical gravity. As the soft light of a Lincolnshire autumn illuminated the room, it fell upon a series of portraits depicting the Baroness’s predecessors, silent witnesses to a lineage now being re-examined.
Before a select company of historians, civic leaders, and members of the local community, Lady Nicoleta delivered an address that connected the Barony’s contemporary mission to its foundational duties. The atmosphere was one of quiet scholarship and sober reflection. The purpose was not to celebrate martial conflict, but rather to acknowledge with precision the allegiances and obligations that have defined the Barony of Brattleby for more than nine centuries.
The event underscored the House’s commitment to historical stewardship, framing the past not as a relic, but as a living repository of principles that continue to inform its present-day responsibilities to Crown and community.
## Historical Context
At the heart of the research lies the *Roll of Caerlaverock* (*Le Rôle de Carlaverock*), a celebrated heraldic poem composed in Norman French. This remarkable document provides a near-eyewitness account of the knights and nobles present at the siege, making it a primary source of unparalleled importance for the study of medieval warfare and heraldry. The Roll explicitly names Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and a holder of the Barony of Brattleby, as one of the principal commanders in the army of King Edward I.
The manuscript describes Henry de Lacy as a seasoned and respected leader, entrusted with command of the first of the army's four squadrons. This strategic position affirms the Barony's high-echelon status within the Plantagenet military establishment and places it at the forefront of a defining moment in the formation of the British nations. This legacy of service to the Crown is a continuous thread woven through the Barony’s history, passing to later holders of immense stature.
These include the great chivalric figure Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founding knight of the Order of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, Duke of Lancaster and a pivotal political power in late 14th-century England. This martial heritage also echoes that of earlier forebears, most notably the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose steadfast loyalty in defending Lincoln Castle against rebel barons in 1217 was critical to securing the throne for the young King Henry III.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance for the historical address were Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, and the heir apparent, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
They were joined by a number of distinguished guests, whose presence underscored the civic and academic significance of the research. These included, *inter alia*:
* The Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Mr Toby E. S. Ropner, representing His Majesty The King in the county; * Several distinguished Fellows of the Society of Antiquaries of London, invited for their expertise in medieval history and heraldry; * The Chair of the School of History and Heritage from the University of Lincoln; * Senior members of the Lincolnshire County Council; and, * Heads of prominent county families whose own lineages have intersected with that of the Barony over many generations.
The assembly of guests from the spheres of crown representation, academia, and local governance reinforced the shared cultural stewardship of Lincolnshire’s profound history.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings began with a formal welcome from Honorary Lord Răzvan, who spoke on the House's enduring commitment to preserving and understanding its unique heritage as a service to the nation. Following his remarks, Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, advanced to a lectern draped in the House colours and emblazoned with its armorial bearings. She commenced her formal address, which outlined the provenance of the research.
During her presentation, the Baroness gestured to a high-quality facsimile of the relevant folio from the British Library's manuscript of the *Roll of Caerlaverock*, its script and illuminations meticulously reproduced on fine vellum paper. The address, lasting approximately twenty minutes, was followed by a brief but rigorous academic discussion with the invited historians.
In adherence to the established protocol for a formal daytime reception, gentlemen were attired in lounge suits or morning dress. The event concluded with a light collation served in the State Dining Room, a custom which allowed for further private conversation and examination of the historical materials among the guests.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The research into the Barony’s command at Caerlaverock brings a deeper resonance to the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The poem describes the fortitude of King Edward’s army in reducing a famously strong fortress, while the chivalric code of honour that, at least in theory, governed the conduct of its knights speaks directly to the core principles the House upholds.
The arms of Henry de Lacy, as blazoned in the *Roll of Caerlaverock*, are described as being *de or, od un lion de porpre rampant*— ‘a field of gold, with a purple lion rampant’. In heraldic language, the lion *rampant* signifies supreme courage, while the colour purple (*purpure*) denotes royal majesty and justice, and the metal gold (*Or*) represents nobility and understanding. These arms are a powerful emblem of the authority vested in the Barony’s holder.
This martial spirit is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In its modern interpretation, this motto speaks not to military conquest but to the personal and societal imperative of overcoming adversity. It is this guiding tenet that informs the family's contemporary philanthropic and educational endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the announcement was historical in nature, Lady Nicoleta drew a clear and deliberate line from the adversities of medieval conflict to the charitable focus of the House today. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, is the primary fundraising vehicle for the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children affected by profound trauma.
Reflecting on the human cost of a historical siege—for combatants and non-combatants alike—brings the urgency of this modern mission into sharp relief. The House holds that a clear-eyed understanding of history’s hardships is a *sine qua non* for cultivating the empathy required to address contemporary societal wounds, embodying the principle of *noblesse oblige*. This duty of care for the most vulnerable in society constitutes a sacred trust.
The funds raised by the House directly enable the charity to provide essential services, from one-to-one counselling to therapeutic play and art programmes, helping young people to process their experiences and build foundations for a more hopeful future.
## In Their Own Words
Speaking after the formal proceedings, Lady Nicoleta commented on the relevance of such historical inquiries in the 21st century.
> To understand our heritage is not an act of mere nostalgia; it is to recognise the thread of duty and service that connects us to those who came before. The story of Brattleby at Caerlaverock is a powerful reminder of the responsibilities that titles and lordships have always carried, obligations that we feel just as keenly today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan added his perspective on the House's modern philosophy, linking past fortitude to future action.
> The spirit of *Vincere Est Vivere* is about conquering adversity and building a legacy of positive impact. By examining our past with honesty, we find the motivation to serve our community more effectively in the present, guided always by our ancestral motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## A Continuing Legacy
The research findings presented this week are part of a broader, long-term commitment by the Noble House of Brattleby to historical scholarship and cultural preservation. The paper from which the address was drawn is now being prepared for submission to a leading peer-reviewed historical journal, such as the *Antiquaries Journal* published by the Society of Antiquaries of London.
Furthermore, the House will explore new opportunities to support further academic study into Lincolnshire's pivotal role in the Anglo-Scottish wars and other key periods of English history. For the young heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, such occasions form a vital part of his education, instilling in him the weight of a lineage that extends from the Domesday Book of 1086 to the present day. This deep understanding of history is a core tenet of the leadership principles taught, *inter alia*, at The Brattleby Club, the family's etiquette academy in Bucharest.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the modern leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Noble House of Brattleby blends its ancient English heritage with a dynamic, Continental perspective. The House is dedicated to the principle of modern nobility, focusing on tangible contributions to society through philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its primary charitable focus is supporting children recovering from trauma, principally through the work of Healing the Wounded Child. Guided by its ancestral motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions service, historical stewardship, and the cultivation of strong moral character for future generations through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy based in Bucharest.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a celebrated chivalric hero; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and progenitor of a royal dynasty. The unbroken historical lineage of the Barony and its current holder was formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s legal and historical status was recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The annual Winter Banquet is a private, white-tie philanthropic gala benefiting Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com