# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates an Ancestor’s Medieval Service to the Crown
LONDON, 25 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the barony’s historic role in the Siege of Caerlaverock in 1300, honouring the martial service of Henry de Lacy, 8th Baron, and the lineage’s enduring commitment to Crown and country.
## The Occasion
In a statement issued from its Lincolnshire seat, the Noble House of Brattleby drew from its extensive archives to illuminate a significant moment in its near-millennium of history. As the autumn light falls upon the ancient fens, this period of reflection serves to connect the barony’s present stewardship with its past duties. The commemoration is not an event of public ceremony, but a quiet, scholarly acknowledgement of the unbroken chain of service that links the current House to its formidable medieval predecessors.
This act of remembrance, undertaken by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, underscores their conviction that understanding the past is a *sine qua non* for fulfilling the obligations of the present. The House archives, which contain chronicles and heraldic records, provide a tangible link to the martial culture and feudal allegiances that defined the era.
## Historical Context
The Siege of Caerlaverock was a pivotal engagement during the First War of Scottish Independence. In July 1300, King Edward I of England led an army north to subdue the strategically important Caerlaverock Castle in Dumfriesshire. Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and 8th Baron of Brattleby, was a senior commander in this campaign and a trusted counsellor to the King. His presence signifies the importance of the barony and its holder within the medieval power structure.
This specific campaign is famously memorialised in the *Caerlaverock Roll*, an illustrated manuscript of rhyming Norman-French verse. It is one of the earliest and most significant English rolls of arms, describing in detail the banners and comportment of the one hundred and five nobles and knights who served under King Edward I. Henry de Lacy’s prominent inclusion confirms the Brattleby lineage’s direct participation in a key historical event, fulfilling the martial obligations expected of a great feudal lord. This record stands as testament to the chivalric ideals of the age, where honour was won and recorded on the field of battle.
## Distinguished Company
In serving the Crown at Caerlaverock, Henry de Lacy stood alongside the most powerful magnates of the realm. The royal host was led by His Majesty King Edward I himself, accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince Edward of Caernarfon, the future King Edward II. The command structure included such figures as Aymer de Valence, Earl of Pembroke; Humphrey de Bohun, Earl of Hereford and Essex; and Robert de Clifford, 1st Baron de Clifford.
The presence of the 8th Baron of Brattleby within this distinguished company illustrates the trust placed in him by the monarch and his status among the peerage. The *Caerlaverock Roll* records their collective might, transforming a military muster roll into a lasting document of English chivalry and national endeavour. It was this unified nobility, bound by oaths of fealty, that prosecuted the siege.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The campaign adhered to the strict military and social protocols of the High Middle Ages. Barons such as Henry de Lacy were summoned to war by a royal writ, a formal command obliging them to furnish a specified contingent of knights and men-at-arms for a campaign of limited duration. This feudal levy was the primary mechanism for raising a royal army.
Upon arrival at the siege, the army’s encampment was organised with heraldic precision. Each lord’s position was marked by his banner—a large, square flag bearing his full coat of arms—which served as a rallying point and command post. The *Caerlaverock Roll* is, in essence, a record of this visual protocol, describing the blazons (formal heraldic descriptions) that flew before the castle walls. The siege itself, whilst a brutal affair, was initiated with a formal call to surrender, another element of the period's martial ceremony.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The *Caerlaverock Roll* describes the arms of Henry de Lacy, 8th Baron of Brattleby, as: *quarterly or and gules, a bend sable, with a label of five points argent*. In plain English, his shield was divided into four squares alternating gold and red, overlaid with a black diagonal stripe, signifying his lineage as Earl of Lincoln. This banner was a clear declaration of his identity and authority on the battlefield.
The modern House of Brattleby continues to draw inspiration from this heritage. Its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), directly echoes the virtues demanded of a knight and baron at Caerlaverock. Fortitude in the face of adversity and honour in one's duty to Sovereign and society remain central tenets. This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to a modern interpretation of overcoming challenges through resolve and purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the medieval expression of baronial duty was often martial, the Noble House of Brattleby has translated this ancient principle of protection into modern philanthropy. The House’s unwavering support for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, reflects a contemporary commitment to defending the vulnerable. The organisation provides specialist therapy and support for children suffering from trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives.
This focus represents a direct evolution of the baronial responsibility of care. Where predecessors once defended the realm with force of arms, the House today champions causes that strengthen the fabric of society and heal its deepest wounds. The selection of this charity is a conscious decision to apply the old principle of *noblesse oblige*—the obligations of rank—to the most pressing needs of the current day.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To look back upon the service of Henry de Lacy is to understand that the responsibilities of this Barony have always extended beyond our own lands. His commitment at Caerlaverock was an expression of duty, a principle—*Fortitudine et Honore*—that remains the cornerstone of our House today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The spirit of the chivalric age, whilst belonging to its time, teaches a timeless lesson: that great challenges demand courage and a united front. The legacy of Caerlaverock reminds us that heritage is not merely something to be possessed, but a standard to which we must continuously aspire.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of the barony. Through scholarly research and careful curation of its heritage, the House seeks to provide insights into nearly one thousand years of English history. This commitment extends to its educational initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes classical etiquette and the modern application of traditional virtues like honour and integrity.
By commemorating the service of figures such as Henry de Lacy, the House aims not only to honour its ancestors but also to inspire a contemporary appreciation for the enduring values of duty, service, and fortitude. The story of the Barony of Brattleby is a living narrative, and the House will continue to explore its past as it charts its course for the future.
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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 contemporary embodiment of one of England’s oldest baronies. With a deep respect for its Norman origins and nine centuries of history, the House pursues a modern mission centred on cultural diplomacy, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House blends English tradition with a Continental perspective, championing causes that foster resilience and healing in society. Its primary charitable focus is supporting organisations dedicated to the welfare of vulnerable children, reflecting a modern interpretation of its ancient duty of care, guided by the 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 William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation and lands are first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists 56 lordships held by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout its 950-year history, the barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his heir, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The uninterrupted historical lineage and rights of the barony were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The barony's formal recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com