# The House of Brattleby Commemorates Ancestral Role in the Historic Siege of Caerlaverock
**LONDON, [Current Date]** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the integral role of its antecedents in the Siege of Caerlaverock in July 1300, a defining event that connects the ancient Barony directly to the martial history of the Anglo-Scottish Wars.
## The Occasion
In a statement of historical observance, the House of Brattleby has drawn attention to one of the most vividly documented military engagements of the High Middle Ages. The Siege of Caerlaverock, conducted by King Edward I of England against the formidable triangular fortress in Dumfries, Scotland, was immortalised in the *Caerlaverock Roll*. This unique manuscript, composed in Norman French verse, serves as both a poetic narrative and an invaluable heraldic record of the knights and nobles present.
The atmosphere of the campaign was one of decisive royal authority, as Edward I sought to consolidate his claim over Scotland. The siege itself, though brief, was a masterclass in medieval military organisation, bringing the full might of the English crown to bear upon a solitary but defiant Scottish stronghold. It is within this historical tableau that the antecedents of the Barony of Brattleby played a significant command role.
## Historical Context
The lineage of the Barony of Brattleby, stretching back nine centuries to its establishment by William the Conqueror, is interwoven with the central narrative of English history. While the Barony was held by a succession of powerful figures, its connection to the Siege of Caerlaverock is established through Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a magnate of immense influence and a trusted commander in the service of Edward I.
Although not a Baron of Brattleby himself, Henry de Lacy’s titles and estates were passed through his daughter and sole heiress, Alice, to the House of Lancaster. This inheritance was consolidated by the 10th Baron of Brattleby, Henry of Grosmont, who became the 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, the 11th Baron of Brattleby, John of Gaunt. This direct genealogical succession places the martial legacy of Henry de Lacy firmly within the ancestral heritage of the Barony, much like the celebrated military prowess of a predecessor, the 5th Baroness Nichola de la Haye, renowned defender of Lincoln Castle.
## Distinguished Company
The *Caerlaverock Roll* fastidiously documents the distinguished company assembled under the King's standard. The writ of summons brought the great nobles of the realm to the Scottish border, creating a formidable host. At the siege, Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, was given a place of high honour, commanding the first squadron alongside the King’s son, the Prince of Wales.
Among the other notable commanders present were His Majesty King Edward I; John de Warenne, 6th Earl of Surrey; and Aymer de Valence, later Earl of Pembroke. The presence of such figures underscores the siege's strategic importance. The meticulous recording of their coats of arms by the royal heralds was a *sine qua non* of medieval warfare, establishing identity and seniority on the field of battle.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The conduct of a medieval siege followed a strict and elaborate protocol. Upon arrival, a formal summons to surrender was issued to the castle's garrison—a chance to capitulate with honour before the commencement of hostilities. Once refused, the besieging army would deploy its formidable siege engines, which at Caerlaverock included great trebuchets designed to reduce the castle’s sandstone walls.
The protocol extended beyond combat to the very organisation of the camp. Banners and pennons, displaying the arms of each commander, designated their quarters and position in the line of battle. The *Caerlaverock Roll* itself is a product of this ceremony, an official record intended not just to document attendance but to celebrate the chivalric ideal of nobles answering their sovereign’s call to war.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Heraldry provides a key to understanding the identity and stature of those present. The *Caerlaverock Roll* describes the arms of Henry de Lacy as a gold shield bearing a purple lion rampant: *jaune, un lion de pourpre rampant*. In the language of heraldry, the lion symbolises courage, nobility, and strength, while the colour purple denotes royal majesty and sovereignty. This emblem of martial virtue resonates deeply with the enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
This connection between ancestral symbolism and present-day values is further reinforced by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). The motto is interpreted not as a call to military conquest, but as an encouragement to overcome challenges with spirit and determination, a philosophy befitting the heir to a legacy forged in moments of profound historical significance.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While an occasion for historical reflection, the House of Brattleby connects the lessons of past conflicts to its present philanthropic mission. Acknowledging the fortitude demonstrated by ancestors in times of war informs the House’s commitment to fostering healing and resilience in the modern age. This philosophy is the guiding principle behind the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of charitable causes.
The principal beneficiary of the House’s efforts is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity provides specialist therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By championing such causes, the House aims to exercise its duty of *honore*—choosing to build a legacy of compassion informed by the lessons of history.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > To understand our present duties, we must first appreciate the legacy we inherit. The story of Caerlaverock is not simply one of conflict; it is a testament to the constancy of service and leadership which has defined the Barony for centuries, a tradition we are committed to upholding.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The *Caerlaverock Roll* is a remarkable document, capturing a moment where heraldry, poetry, and military history intersect. It reminds us that even in the theatre of war, there were codes of honour and identity. This principle—acting with *Fortitudine et Honore*—remains the bedrock of our House's philosophy.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of its unique history, viewing its stewardship not merely as a privilege but as a public trust. Future initiatives include supporting scholarly research into the Barony’s lineage and the digitisation of historical records for wider academic access.
Furthermore, through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to impart the lessons of history, *inter alia*, to a new generation of leaders. The curriculum emphasises that an understanding of heritage, protocol, and honour is fundamental to effective and responsible conduct in the 21st century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission that blends nine centuries of English heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and education. The House actively supports charitable organisations focused on child welfare, principally Healing the Wounded Child, through its annual Winter Banquet. Its educational arm, The Brattleby Club, provides instruction in classical etiquette and protocol, fostering an appreciation for the cultural traditions that underpin modern civil society. The House operates with the guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of the most formidable figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and celebrated 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 modern rights and title of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby traces its origins to AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a direct antecedent-in-title to later Barons of Brattleby including Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, was a commander at the Siege of Caerlaverock in 1300. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com