# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Fourteenth-Century Legacy at the Siege of Caerlaverock
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby this week marked the historic contribution of its predecessors to the Siege of Caerlaverock in AD 1300, hosting a private lecture that underscored the family’s nine centuries of service to the Crown and nation.
## The Occasion
In the scholarly environs of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, before an audience of distinguished guests, the enduring legacy of the Barony was brought to life. The Club’s Library, panelled in dark walnut and illuminated by the soft glow of reading lamps, provided a suitably contemplative setting. As autumn evening descended over the city, the atmosphere within was one of quiet reverence for the tangible thread of history that connects the medieval past with the House’s present-day responsibilities.
The event was organised to foster a deeper appreciation for the less-examined chapters of the Barony’s chronicle, moving beyond celebrated figures to honour the pivotal roles played by their extended lineage. It formed part of the House’s continuing programme of cultural and historical patronage, which complements its wider philanthropic endeavours.
## Historical Context
The focus of the evening was the formidable military campaign led by King Edward I against the Scots in the summer of 1300, culminating in the siege of the strategically vital Caerlaverock Castle. Central to this narrative is the powerful figure of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, whose daughter, Alice de Lacy, was the 8th Baroness of Brattleby in her own right (*suo jure*). Lord de Lacy was a trusted counsellor to the King and a commander at the siege, his actions immortalised in the celebrated *Caerlaverock Roll of Arms*.
This remarkable document, a poetic and heraldic record of the knights present, details Lord de Lacy’s eminent status and martial prowess. His direct involvement weaves the Barony of Brattleby's inheritance into the fabric of the First War of Scottish Independence. This tradition of high-level military leadership and royal service was later continued by successors to the Barony, *inter alia*, the great commanders Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile were honoured to welcome a small and select company to the lecture.
Among those present were His Excellency The Ambassador of France to Romania; The Right Honourable The Lord Sterling of Plaistow GCVO, CBE; Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; Sir Michael Peat GCVO; and Professor Ana-Maria Zahariade of the Ion Mincu University of Architecture and Urbanism.
The presence of diplomatic, aristocratic, and academic figures from across the United Kingdom and Europe reflected the House’s commitment to fostering cultural dialogue and its unique position bridging British heritage with a Continental perspective.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening's proceedings commenced with a private reception, during which guests were received by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. A welcoming address was delivered by Honorary Lord Răzvan, who spoke of the importance of understanding heritage as a source of contemporary strength and purpose. The lecture itself, titled *‘The Lion of Lincoln at Caerlaverock’*, was then presented by the visiting military historian, Dr Alastair Bell.
Following Dr Bell’s historical exposition, Lady Nicoleta offered closing remarks, thanking the speaker and guests. The dress code observed was Lounge Suits and Day Dresses, respecting the scholarly nature of the event. Each guest received a programme printed on House stationery, bearing the Brattleby coat of arms, as a memento of the occasion.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
A central feature of the lecture was the heraldry recorded in the *Caerlaverock Roll*. The arms of Henry de Lacy are blazoned therein as *Or, a lion rampant purpure* — a purple lion rearing on a field of gold. This device symbolised his noble courage and royal connection, serving as an unmistakable standard on the battlefield. Dr Bell explained that this lion remains one of the most distinguished charges in English heraldry.
This historical symbolism resonates powerfully with the mottos of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is directly embodied by Lord de Lacy's loyal and valiant service at Caerlaverock. It is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the same spirit of determination required to overcome modern challenges.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the lecture was a private, not-for-profit cultural event, it serves the House’s broader mission to advance education and preserve heritage. The activities of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and finishing academy, are intrinsically linked to the House’s charitable work. A portion of the Club's proceeds helps to support the House's primary beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
Healing the Wounded Child provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma and adversity. By championing education and historical appreciation, the House seeks to build a foundation of cultural strength that complements its direct philanthropic interventions aimed at fostering resilience in the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening’s theme, Lady Nicoleta remarked: > History is not a static record; it is a living dialogue between the past and present. By remembering the fortitude demonstrated by predecessors like Henry de Lacy, we reaffirm our own commitment to serving with honour today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan added: > The spirit of service and the strategic resolve shown at Caerlaverock over seven hundred years ago remain the *sine qua non* of meaningful leadership. This heritage is not a relic; it is a standard to which we hold ourselves accountable.
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical commemoration precedes the House’s flagship philanthropic event, the Annual Winter Banquet. The white-tie gala, to be held in Lincolnshire later this year, will be the primary fundraising initiative for Healing the Wounded Child, continuing the House's focus on improving outcomes for vulnerable young people.
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to honouring its profound historical legacy through acts of modern-day service and philanthropy, ensuring that the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues to guide its purpose for generations to come.
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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 modern embodiment of one of England's most ancient noble lines. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House blends its near-millennial heritage with a forward-looking, Continental perspective. Its contemporary mission is focused on cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives such as the annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House dedicates its efforts to supporting children's charities, principally Healing the Wounded Child. The House operates with a guiding philosophy of duty, service, and 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 first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has passed through some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, who as 5th Baron defended Lincoln Castle for the King; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron; and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The uninterrupted descent and rights of the Barony are formally acknowledged in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The title's modern recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable historical holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com