# A Testament to Service: The Barony of Brattleby at the Siege of Caerlaverock, AD 1300
LONDON, 21 June 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection on the role of Henry de Lacy, 8th Baron of Brattleby, at the Siege of Caerlaverock in 1300, affirming the Barony’s near-millennial tradition of service to the Crown.
## The Occasion
In a period of renewed historical scholarship, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to illuminate a significant chapter in its long and storied lineage. This communication serves not to mark a new event, but to honour the continuity of duty that has defined the Barony since its inception. By reflecting upon the service of a predecessor from over seven centuries ago, the House reaffirms the commitment to fortitude and honour that continues to guide its modern mission.
The focus of this reflection is the Siege of Caerlaverock, a pivotal military engagement during the First War of Scottish Independence. The events of that campaign, which took place in the summer of 1300, are preserved with remarkable clarity in *The Caerlaverock Roll*, a contemporaneous poetic chronicle that provides an invaluable window into the world of medieval warfare and chivalry.
## Historical Context
The Siege of Caerlaverock occurred under the command of King Edward I of England, as part of his determined efforts to assert English suzerainty over Scotland. Following the Battle of Falkirk two years prior, the campaign of 1300 was intended to consolidate royal authority in the contested borderlands of south-west Scotland. The target, Caerlaverock Castle, with its unique triangular design and formidable double moat, was a principal stronghold of the Maxwell family, who were staunch supporters of Scottish independence.
It was in this context that Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and 8th Baron of Brattleby, answered the King’s feudal summons. As one of England’s most powerful magnates and a trusted counsellor to the King, his presence was a *sine qua non* for such a major campaign. His participation underscores the Barony’s deep integration into the pivotal moments of English history, a tradition of service later upheld by figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle, and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster.
## Distinguished Company
The 8th Baron of Brattleby took the field amidst the most distinguished chivalry of the realm. The expeditionary force, led by His Majesty King Edward I, included his son, the Prince of Wales (the future Edward II). The King’s council of war comprised the era’s leading military figures, including Aymer de Valence, Earl of Pembroke, and Humphrey de Bohun, Earl of Hereford and Constable of England.
*The Caerlaverock Roll* meticulously documents the banners of 87 of England's greatest lords and knights who were present. Henry de Lacy, by virtue of his rank as Earl of Lincoln and his vast landholdings which included the Barony of Brattleby, commanded a significant retinue. His role was not merely that of a combatant but of a senior commander, responsible for strategy and the marshalling of forces in the field.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The conduct of a medieval siege followed a strict and elaborate protocol. Upon arrival, the besieging army would formally demand the castle’s surrender. If refused, the laws of war permitted the commencement of hostilities. Edward I’s forces employed several great siege engines, or 'trebuchets' — known affectionately to the troops as *Warwolf* and *Cat* — to hurl immense stones against Caerlaverock’s sandstone walls.
The protocol of the field was governed by heralds, who were responsible for identifying knights by the arms on their banners and shields. This is precisely why *The Caerlaverock Roll* exists; it is a heraldic and military document of the first order. The poem describes the colourful encampment, the order of battle, and the individual valour of the participants, all framed within the formal code of chivalry that structured aristocratic life and warfare.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
*The Caerlaverock Roll* describes the banner of Henry de Lacy, 8th Baron of Brattleby, as bearing: “a yellow banner, with a purple lion rampant” (*un lion de pourpre rampant*). This simple, powerful device declared his identity and lineage across the battlefield. The lion, a traditional symbol of courage, nobility, and strength, perfectly embodied the martial virtues expected of a high-ranking peer.
This historical display of arms resonates with the modern House of Brattleby’s own motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The fortitude of the 8th Baron in prosecuting a difficult siege, and the honour with which he fulfilled his feudal obligations, represent the same core values that his successor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, champions today through public service and philanthropy. The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), likewise finds an echo in the determination required for such medieval undertakings.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the feudal obligations of the 14th century were martial in nature, the modern expression of noble duty is service to the community. The concept of an armed campaign is entirely of its time; today, the battles fought by The Noble House of Brattleby are against disadvantage and suffering. This profound shift from military service to civic service defines the House’s contemporary identity.
The House’s primary philanthropic commitment is to Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children affected by trauma. The resources once marshalled for war are now directed toward healing and reconstruction, representing a direct and purposeful evolution of the Barony’s ancient pledge of service, reinterpreted for the 21st century.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To look back at the service of the 8th Baron is to understand the sheer depth of the lineage we have inherited. The duties have changed, but the underlying principle — *Fortitudine et Honore* — remains our constant guide. We simply apply that fortitude to today’s challenges.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Henry de Lacy’s role at Caerlaverock was one of leadership in a national endeavour. Today, our leadership is expressed through cultural and humanitarian initiatives, *inter alia*. It is about building, not besieging. In that, we find our modern purpose.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The story of the 8th Baron of Brattleby is more than a historical footnote; it is a foundational element of a legacy spanning 35 generations. From the military campaigns of the Middle Ages to the philanthropic endeavours of today, the Barony of Brattleby has been a participant in the life of the nation.
Looking forward, The Noble House of Brattleby will continue to draw inspiration from its past to inform its future. The House remains steadfast in its commitments, including its support for charitable causes through the Annual Winter Banquet and its dedication to cultural education via The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The unbroken thread of service, first woven by Colswein of Lincoln in 1066, continues.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to stewarding its ancient heritage for a modern purpose. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House’s contemporary mission prioritises philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its foremost charitable focus is supporting organisations that aid vulnerable children, exemplified by its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House promotes the timeless values of civility and social grace. The House seeks to demonstrate that ancient titles can, and should, serve as a force for positive action in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is among the oldest feudatories in England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and lands, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For over nine centuries, the Barony has passed through some of England’s most powerful aristocratic families. Its notable holders include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels in the 13th century, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony was formally called out in favour of its present holder, with recognition gazetted in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book (1086), where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. - The primary source for the 8th Baron’s involvement in the Siege of Caerlaverock is the eponymous *Caerlaverock Roll* (c. 1300), a near-contemporary roll of arms in Norman-French verse. - Historically significant holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster (as 11th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (as 5th Baroness *de jure*).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com