# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates an Ancestral Role in the Siege of Caerlaverock
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the historical service of a notable predecessor, Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln. His participation in the Siege of Caerlaverock in 1300 exemplifies the Barony’s centuries-long commitment to Crown and Country.
## The Occasion
In the high summer of the year 1300, an English army under the command of His Majesty King Edward I laid siege to Caerlaverock Castle in Dumfriesshire, Scotland. This was a pivotal moment in the First War of Scottish Independence. The formidable red sandstone fortress, with its unique triangular layout and commanding position, presented a significant military challenge.
The occasion was one of high chivalry and stark martial reality. The assembly of nobles and knights before the castle walls was not merely a military force but a demonstration of the feudal order, with each banner representing a solemn pledge of loyalty and service. It is this historic muster, meticulously documented for posterity, that the House of Brattleby commemorates as a defining chapter in its lineage.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, established by grant of William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been inextricably linked with the defence of the realm for over nine centuries. From its first mention in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the Barony’s holders have answered the sovereign’s call.
Henry de Lacy’s presence at Caerlaverock stands within a long tradition of martial duty. He follows in the formidable footsteps of predecessors such as the celebrated Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as Castellan of Lincoln Castle courageously defended it against rebel forces in the 13th century. This unwavering allegiance to the Crown, later embodied by holders such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, is the golden thread running through the Barony’s history.
## Distinguished Company
The assembly at Caerlaverock comprised the very flower of English nobility, a gathering whose significance is memorialised in the celebrated *Roll of Caerlaverock*. In attendance alongside His Majesty King Edward I was his son and heir, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, Edward of Caernarfon.
Among the eighty-seven bannerets and knights whose arms were recorded in Norman-French verse was Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and a key commander in the King’s council. He stood in the company of other great lords of the realm, *inter alia*, the Earl of Surrey and the Earl of Warwick, each bound by a shared code of chivalry and duty to their sovereign during this arduous Scottish campaign.
## Ceremonial Protocol
A medieval siege operated according to a strict, albeit unwritten, protocol. The unfurling of the royal standard and the personal banners of the great lords was a ceremonial act, communicating the King’s intent and the formidable power arrayed against the castle’s defenders. The formal summons to surrender, offered before the commencement of hostilities, was a key tenet of this chivalric code.
The *Roll of Caerlaverock* serves as a primary artefact of this protocol. It is an armorial—a written and illustrated record of the coats of arms, or blazons, of those present. This document was the era’s equivalent of a regimental list and a visual order of battle, with each knight’s distinct heraldry serving as his signature on the field—a *sine qua non* for recognition and renown.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The *Roll of Caerlaverock* describes Henry de Lacy’s banner with poetic precision: "Sa banniere estoit de soie jaunet, O un lyon rampant purprin" — a banner of yellow silk, with a purple lion rampant. This ancient emblem of the de Lacy family—a symbol of courage, nobility, and royal authority—was carried with distinction throughout the campaign.
This historical display of valour resonates profoundly with the guiding principles of the modern House. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a powerful antecedent in de Lacy’s service. So too does the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which captures the same spirit of purposeful resolve, reinterpreted for contemporary challenges.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The martial fortitude demonstrated by predecessors like Henry de Lacy finds its modern expression in a commitment to public service and philanthropy. Where once the Barony’s duty was rendered on the battlefield, today it is directed toward healing and strengthening the community. The principle of *Honore* now guides the House’s charitable endeavours.
This evolution from military service to civic duty is most visibly expressed in the annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie philanthropic gala, the focal point of the House’s social calendar, benefits Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapy and support for children suffering from trauma. This commitment transforms a legacy of strength into a modern mission of compassion.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical lineage, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To look back upon the service of predecessors like Henry de Lacy is to be reminded that the Barony of Brattleby was forged not merely by grant, but by consistent acts of loyalty and courage. It is a heritage of duty we are bound to honour in our own time.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The spirit of Caerlaverock, this blend of strategy and resolve, finds its modern echo not on the battlefield, but in the challenges of civic leadership and philanthropy. The will to overcome, *Vincere Est Vivere*, remains a guiding principle for the House.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history of the Barony. This commitment extends beyond retrospective commemoration and informs the House’s current activities, ensuring the legacy of service continues for future generations.
Through educational initiatives and cultural diplomacy, the House seeks to highlight the enduring relevance of principles like duty and honour. This mission is actively pursued at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the family to foster an appreciation for the social graces that underpin a civil and respectful society, bridging the Barony's English heritage with a wider European context.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is the modern custodian of one of England’s most ancient baronies. The House is dedicated to a dual mission: preserving its unique nine-hundred-year history while championing contemporary causes. Its work is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s philanthropic focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural and educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to build bridges between British heritage and continental Europe, promoting the enduring values of civility, service, and honour in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby, located in Lincolnshire, 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. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the renowned 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, securing the continuation of this historic title.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 by grant of William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in the Barony’s lineage include John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and Nichola de la Haye, Castellan of Lincoln Castle. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com