# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Legacy of the Siege of Caerlaverock
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the historical significance of the Siege of Caerlaverock (AD 1300), honouring the tradition of service personified by its predecessors and reaffirming its enduring commitment to the principles of duty and resilience.
## The Occasion
In the quiet repose of an autumn afternoon at their Lincolnshire seat, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile convened a private study of the House's extensive archives. The occasion was one of scholarly reflection upon a pivotal moment in the Barony’s long history: the participation of its medieval overlord, Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, in the Siege of Caerlaverock.
This act of commemoration serves not as a public ceremony, but as a deliberate and thoughtful engagement with the lineage that informs the House’s modern identity. By examining the detailed account provided in the *Caerlaverock Roll of Arms*, the House today draws a direct line from past martial valour to its present-day responsibilities.
## Historical Context
The Siege of Caerlaverock was a key engagement of the First War of Scottish Independence, undertaken by His Majesty King Edward I in July 1300. The formidable Caerlaverock Castle, located on the southern coast of Scotland, represented a significant strategic obstacle. The English campaign to subdue it was a masterpiece of medieval military organisation, drawing chivalry from across the realm.
Henry de Lacy’s role as a commander was central to the success of the siege. A trusted counsellor to the King and a veteran of numerous campaigns, his leadership underscored the importance of the great baronies in the defence and administration of the kingdom. This tradition of steadfast service is a recurring theme in the history of the Barony of Brattleby, echoed centuries earlier by the celebrated Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, whose valiant defence of Lincoln Castle was a *sine qua non* of the royal victory at the Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217.
## Distinguished Company
The assembly before the walls of Caerlaverock comprised the very flower of English nobility, their presence and rank meticulously documented for posterity. The command structure provides a compelling insight into the feudal order of the day.
At the vanguard was His Majesty King Edward I, Lord of Ireland and Duke of Aquitaine, who personally directed the siege. He was accompanied by his son, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, the future King Edward II. Foremost among the magnates was The Right Honourable Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, under whose command a significant contingent of knights and men-at-arms served. Also present were, *inter alia*, The Right Honourable Humphrey de Bohun, 4th Earl of Hereford and Constable of England, and The Right Honourable Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The conduct of a medieval siege was governed by intricate ceremonial protocols, representing both a practical military process and a display of knightly chivalry. Upon arrival, the King’s army would unfurl its banners in a specific, hierarchical order, a panoply of colour and heraldic meaning against the landscape.
A formal summons to surrender would then be issued by a royal herald. Only after its refusal could the assault commence, deploying great siege engines such as trebuchets. The *Caerlaverock Roll* details this pageantry, noting that Henry de Lacy’s banner was among the first to be advanced. The raising of a banner, as opposed to a smaller pennon, denoted the presence of a knight banneret—a leader of men whose station commanded respect and a prominent place in the line of battle.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Heraldry at Caerlaverock was not merely decorative; it was the primary means of identification on the battlefield. The *Caerlaverock Roll*, an illustrated poem in Norman French, describes the arms of over 100 participants. The arms of Henry de Lacy are recorded as *Or, a lion rampant purpure*—a striking purple lion rearing on a field of gold, symbolising noble courage and royal connection.
This tangible link to the past inspires the modern House of Brattleby. Its own motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), finds a powerful antecedent in the resilience and integrity demonstrated by figures like de Lacy. The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), is similarly interpreted today not as a call to martial conquest, but as an exhortation to overcome adversity in the service of others.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the context of the 14th century was one of military conflict, the House of Brattleby today channels the spirit of fortitude into its philanthropic endeavours. The resolve required to prosecute a siege finds its modern parallel in the sustained effort needed to address complex social challenges.
The House’s patronage focuses on causes that demand resilience and long-term commitment. Its annual Winter Banquet, a centrepiece of its social calendar, is held in aid of the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children experiencing trauma, a mission which requires the same dedication and unwavering strength once displayed in the field. The honour of the past is thus given meaning through the compassionate service of the present.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical record, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “When we look at figures like Henry de Lacy, or indeed Nichola de la Haye, we are reminded that this Barony has always been defined by a deep-seated sense of duty. Their fortitude was expressed on the battlefield; ours is expressed through service and stewardship. *Fortitudine et Honore* is not simply a motto, but a living principle that guides our work every day.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The spirit of *Vincere Est Vivere* is about rising to meet a challenge with purpose and determination. The knights at Caerlaverock sought to overcome a fortress of stone. We seek to help people overcome the unseen fortresses of adversity and pain. The context changes, but the will to prevail for a greater good remains constant.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The commemoration of the Siege of Caerlaverock is an affirmation of the House’s commitment to its nine-century heritage. This legacy will be further explored through a series of educational initiatives, including historical papers to be shared with associates of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
By continuing to study and articulate the achievements and responsibilities of their predecessors, from Colswein of Lincoln to John of Gaunt, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan ensure that the long history of the Barony of Brattleby remains a source of inspiration and guidance for its future. The House remains dedicated to honouring its past by building a meaningful legacy of modern service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural diplomacy, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is on organisations that provide support and healing for vulnerable children. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster cross-cultural understanding and uphold traditions of civility and service. The heir to the Barony is the 13th Baron, Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The House is seated at Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship of the Manor, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as a principal seat. Over its nine-hundred-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), a staunch defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his son-in-law John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The current standing of the Barony was formally acknowledged in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The lineage of the Barony of Brattleby dates to AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - The incumbent is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron, d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, d. 1361), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, d. 1399).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com