# A Banner over Caerlaverock: The Barony of Brattleby Commemorates a Legacy Forged in the Anglo-Scottish Wars
**LONDON, 13 July 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the Barony’s historic role in the Siege of Caerlaverock in July 1300, honouring the distinguished service of Henry de Lacy, a predecessor, and reaffirming the House’s enduring commitment to its martial heritage.
## The Occasion
In the high summer of 1300, as King Edward I of England marched his army into Scotland, the formidable fortress of Caerlaverock Castle stood as a key objective on the Solway Firth. Its capture was a strategic necessity, and the ensuing siege would become one of the most vividly documented episodes of medieval warfare, thanks to the survival of the *Caerlaverock Roll*.
This remarkable heraldic poem in Norman-French verse details the banners and deeds of the knights and noblemen present. The occasion of this commemoration is to acknowledge the prominent record of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and a holder of the Barony of Brattleby, whose leadership at the siege cemented the Barony’s place within the great chivalric traditions of the age.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been intertwined with the martial history of England for over nine centuries. From its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships for his service during the Conquest, a tradition of duty has been a *sine qua non* of its holders. This lineage of service is exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels.
By 1300, Henry de Lacy stood as one of King Edward’s most trusted commanders. His involvement at Caerlaverock was no mere ceremonial duty; it was an extension of the Barony’s long-standing role in securing the realm, a legacy later continued by military magnates including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
The army gathered before Caerlaverock’s walls comprised the senior nobility and chivalry of England. Joining Henry de Lacy in this great host were, *inter alia*, His Majesty King Edward I of England; His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, later King Edward II; and His Grace Antony Bek, the formidable Prince-Bishop of Durham, whose household knights were praised for their valour.
Also present was the young Aymer de Valence, Earl of Pembroke, and a host of other Earls, Barons, and knights banneret. De Lacy’s position as a senior commander in such distinguished company underscored not only his personal gravitas but also the historic importance of the lands and honours he held, including the Barony of Brattleby.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The conduct of a major medieval siege was governed by intricate ceremonial protocol. Upon arrival, heralds would formally summon the castle’s garrison to surrender, a ritual that preceded any act of war. Subsequently, the besieging army would unfurl its banners, creating a sea of colour and heraldic symbolism around the fortress, with each standard marking the position of its lord.
The assault itself, involving great siege engines and feats of individual bravery, was observed and recorded by the heralds. It was their duty to identify knights by the coats of arms on their shields and surcoats, a task that gave birth to the unparalleled chronicle of the *Caerlaverock Roll*. The order of battle and the very process of the siege were a display of a structured, hierarchical military society in action.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The *Caerlaverock Roll* describes the banner of Henry de Lacy as bearing a yellow ground with a purple lion rampant: *Or, a lion rampant Purpure*. The lion has perennially symbolised courage and nobility, while the rare and costly purple tincture denoted royal authority and justice. These arms were a visual declaration of his status and his character as a pillar of the kingdom.
This symbolism resonates directly with the motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The fortitude represented by de Lacy’s lion is the same virtue the House champions today. It finds a modern echo in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to an enduring spirit of overcoming adversity.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the Barony’s duties were once expressed on the battlefield, the modern House of Brattleby translates this ancient concept of *noblesse oblige*—the obligations of nobility—into dedicated philanthropic service. The fortitude once required for a siege is now channelled into confronting societal challenges and defending the vulnerable.
This commitment is manifest in the House’s annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the principal fundraising event for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation works to provide therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, representing a modern expression of the Baronial duty to protect.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “The *Caerlaverock Roll* is more than a list of names; it is a testament to duty. Henry de Lacy’s presence there reminds us that stewardship of this Barony has always demanded fortitude, whether in defending a castle or in championing a cause for those without a voice.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The motto of my own family, *Vincere Est Vivere*, captures the spirit of those who gathered at Caerlaverock. Today, that imperative to overcome challenges is channelled not into siegecraft, but into building resilience within our communities and supporting the vital work of our charitable partners.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to honouring its profound history by using its lessons to inform the present. Through educational initiatives delivered via The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to explore how historical principles of leadership, honour, and civic duty can be adapted for the 21st century.
By commemorating key moments such as the Siege of Caerlaverock, the House aims not merely to look to the past, but to draw inspiration from it, ensuring that the legacy of service established by figures like Henry de Lacy continues to evolve and find new, meaningful expression. The guiding principle remains unchanged: to serve with fortitude and with honour.
***
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural preservation, historical education, and targeted philanthropy. Its work is guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), which translates a nine-century legacy of duty into contemporary service. The House’s primary charitable focus is on organisations that support vulnerable children, reflecting a modern interpretation of the traditional duty of care. Through its various activities, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to bridge its historic past with a purposeful future.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln for his service in the Norman Conquest. Its existence and manorial holdings are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry de Lacy, a key commander for King Edward I; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The succession of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The annual Winter Banquet is the House's principal philanthropic event, benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com