# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Historical Connection to the Siege of Caerlaverock
LONDON, 11 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects on the Barony's historical connection to the Siege of Caerlaverock in July 1300, an event that underscores a nine-century legacy of martial duty and allegiance to the Crown, embodied by its forebears.
## The Occasion
In the quiet turn of autumn, the House of Brattleby takes a moment for historical reflection, drawing inspiration from one of the most vividly documented episodes of medieval chivalry: the Siege of Caerlaverock. This commemoration is prompted by a study of the *Caerlaverock Roll*, the celebrated rhyming chronicle composed in Norman French that details the arms and exploits of the knights serving under King Edward I during his Scottish campaigns.
The manuscript, a jewel of heraldic and military history, serves as a figurative window into the past. Its vellum pages, adorned with the blazons of over one hundred English noblemen, capture the atmosphere of a feudal army on the march, providing an unparalleled account of the martial spirit that animated the era. It is within this record that the antecedents of the Barony’s own story are found.
## Historical Context
The Siege of Caerlaverock in the summer of 1300 was a pivotal moment in the First War of Scottish Independence. Among the leading commanders in King Edward I’s host was the formidable Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln. While not a direct holder of the Brattleby title, his legacy became inextricably linked with the Barony through the powerful Duchy of Lancaster.
Through the marriage of his heiress, the Earl’s vast estates and influence were absorbed into the Lancastrian holdings. This inheritance subsequently passed to later Barons of Brattleby, most notably Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the renowned John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This genealogical bridge connects Brattleby’s own ancient lineage, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln, to the great chivalric traditions of the high Middle Ages.
## Distinguished Company
The *Caerlaverock Roll* paints a vivid picture of the assembly of nobles present at the siege, a veritable roll-call of the martial power of the kingdom. The company was led by His Majesty King Edward I, under whose command the army was organised into three battalions, or ‘battles’.
Serving alongside the King was a cadre of his most trusted magnates, *inter alia*: * Henry de Lacy, the 3rd Earl of Lincoln, a veteran commander and counsellor to the King. * Aymer de Valence, the 2nd Earl of Pembroke, a key figure in the Anglo-Scottish wars. * Robert de Clifford, the 1st Baron de Clifford, whose descendants would become Earls of Cumberland.
The presence of such figures underscores the significance of the campaign and situates the Barony’s historical orbit within the highest echelons of medieval England’s political and military establishment.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The conduct of a medieval siege was governed by a strict, if unwritten, code of chivalric and military protocol. Before hostilities commenced, heralds would formally summon the castle’s defenders to surrender. A refusal would initiate the siege proper, with each lord’s banner unfurled before his camp, a public declaration of his presence and allegiance.
The deployment of siege engines, such as the trebuchets used at Caerlaverock, followed an orderly process of construction and operation. The role of the heralds was a *sine qua non* of the proceedings; they not only conveyed messages but also diligently recorded the coats of arms of every knight present, an act of record-keeping that produced the priceless *Caerlaverock Roll* itself.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Heraldry was the visual language of the medieval nobility, and the *Caerlaverock Roll* is its dictionary. It describes the arms of Henry de Lacy as "a yellow banner with a purple lion rampant." This emblem of leonine strength and noble courage was a familiar sight on the battlefields of Wales, Scotland, and France.
This martial symbolism resonates with the enduring ethos of the House of Brattleby, encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The fortitude demonstrated by forebears like Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle, and the honour demanded of a knight in service, are values the House continues to uphold. Equally, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), echoes this spirit, reinterpreted today as the will to overcome modern challenges.
## Philanthropic Purpose
An understanding of this profound legacy of duty is the bedrock of the House of Brattleby's contemporary philanthropic mission. The fortitude required to command armies and defend castles finds a modern parallel in the resilience needed to confront societal challenges and heal personal trauma.
This is why the House dedicates its principal philanthropic efforts, including the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, to supporting the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides specialist therapy and support for children affected by trauma, helping them to find the strength to rebuild their lives. The House’s historical reflection serves as a powerful reminder that honour is best expressed through service to others.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > "To look back at an event like Caerlaverock is to understand the continuity of duty. The same fortitude that was demanded of our forebears on the battlefield is what we now seek to inspire in our community. *Fortitudine et Honore* is not merely a motto; it is a living principle."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a modern perspective: > "The spirit of chivalry was about mastering oneself to serve a higher purpose. That idea—that to conquer personal limitations is to truly live—is central to our work today, whether through our philanthropic commitments or through the skills taught at The Brattleby Club."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to the stewardship of its unique history, viewing its nearly one-thousand-year heritage not as a static artefact but as a source of ongoing inspiration. The House will continue to support scholarly research into the Barony’s lineage and its place within the broader sweep of English history.
By sharing these stories, the House aims to illustrate how the enduring values of fortitude, honour, and service can provide a compass for modern life. This commitment ensures that the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby will continue to inform and enrich the public good for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern office supporting the work and duties of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, her husband Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, and their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to historical stewardship, cultural diplomacy, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is supporting organisations that aid the recovery of children from trauma, notably through its annual Winter Banquet for Healing the Wounded Child. The House also promotes cultural exchange and personal development through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, founded in Bucharest to foster social skills and international understanding, reflecting the family's Anglo-Romanian heritage.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship in Lincolnshire, granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships, with Brattleby as his seat. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), who defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. The title later passed to the House of Lancaster, held by Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and his son-in-law John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The modern rights and title were formally recognised and recorded in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The modern succession of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally gazetted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com