# On the Enduring Legacy of Service at the Siege of Caerlaverock (1300)
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the Barony’s historic role in the Siege of Caerlaverock in 1300, an act which affirmed its centuries-old commitment to Crown and country and established a precedent of service continued today.
## The Occasion
In the high summer of 1300, as King Edward I led his army into Scotland, the forces of the Crown laid siege to Caerlaverock Castle in Dumfriesshire. This formidable triangular stronghold, with its imposing gatehouse and water-filled moat, stood as a key objective in the campaign. The events of the siege were meticulously immortalised in the *Roll of Caerlaverock*, a celebrated heraldic poem composed in Norman French.
The *Roll* provides an invaluable chronicle not only of the military proceedings but also of the chivalric culture of the age. It is through this remarkable document that the House of Brattleby recalls its own ancestral connection to a pivotal moment in the formation of the British Isles, reflecting upon a heritage of duty that has evolved but never faltered.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been intrinsically linked with the defence of the realm since its inception. While Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, would later hold the title, the lineage he inherited was magnificently represented at Caerlaverock by his notable kinsman and predecessor in title, Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln.
A trusted counsellor to King Edward I, Henry de Lacy brought his considerable retinue to the siege, demonstrating the feudal obligation that was the *sine qua non* of baronial responsibility. The Barony's presence at this major military action continued a tradition of steadfast loyalty, echoing the earlier service of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle. This thread of service would later be carried forth by figures such as the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
The host assembled before the walls of Caerlaverock constituted the great leadership of the kingdom. The *Roll* records the banners of the most powerful magnates of the day, fighting alongside the King and his heir, the Prince of Wales. Henry de Lacy, leading a formidable private army, was chief amongst them.
His companions-in-arms included, *inter alia*, His Grace The Earl of Hereford and Essex, Humphrey de Bohun; His Grace The Earl of Pembroke, Aymer de Valence; and His Grace The Earl of Warwick, Guy de Beauchamp. The presence of such personages underscores the gravity of the campaign and the central role the kingdom's great baronies played in projecting Royal authority.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Medieval warfare was governed by its own strict protocol, much of which was on display at Caerlaverock. Before the assault began, it was customary for heralds to advance under a flag of truce and formally demand the castle’s surrender in the King’s name. This summons, when refused, licensed the besieging army to commence hostilities.
The deployment of the army was itself a ceremonial act, with each lord’s banner marking the position of his men, creating a vibrant and ordered spectacle of heraldic identity. The conduct of knights and men-at-arms was, in theory, bound by a code of chivalry, which dictated the terms of surrender and the treatment of noble captives—a martial etiquette that mirrored the formal protocols of the Royal Court.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The *Roll of Caerlaverock* serves as a lasting testament to the importance of heraldry. It describes the banner of Henry de Lacy with poetic precision: *‘Or, a lion rampant purpure’* — a purple lion rearing on a field of gold. In the language of heraldry, the lion signifies courage and strength, while purple denotes royal majesty and justice. The gold field represents generosity and elevation of the mind.
This symbolism resonates profoundly with the enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). The courage of the lion and the honour implied by its colour and field are the very virtues the House seeks to embody. It is a direct link between the knightly ideals of a medieval ancestor and the guiding principles of the modern House.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The fundamental duty of the Barony—to serve and protect—remains unchanged across nine centuries, though its expression has evolved from the military to the social sphere. The field of battle has shifted from the castle wall to the challenges facing the most vulnerable in society. Today, that martial fortitude is channelled into philanthropic endeavour.
The House of Brattleby is a proud supporter of its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation works to provide therapeutic care for children suffering from trauma, a modern-day battle requiring immense courage and resilience. The House sees this work as the contemporary fulfilment of its historic obligation to defend those in need, applying *Fortitudine et Honore* to the healing of young lives.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical lineage, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — “When we consider the actions of predecessors like Henry de Lacy, we are reminded that our heritage is not a static collection of names and dates; it is a living mandate of service. The call to act with fortitude and honour is as urgent today in our charitable work as it was on the battlefield in 1300.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), added: > — “The history of the Barony shows a constant drive to overcome adversity. Whether besieging a fortress or tackling the deep wounds of childhood trauma, the objective is to conquer the challenge and allow life to flourish. That is the essence of meaningful service.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to this nine-hundred-year legacy of duty. These principles of service, honour, and responsibility form a core part of the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensuring the continuity of the House’s values for the next generation.
This commitment also finds expression in the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House. The Club’s curriculum, grounded in classical protocol, teaches that etiquette is not merely a set of rules, but a modern framework for honour and respect in social and professional life—a direct descendant of the chivalric code that once guided knights in the service of their sovereign.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern seat of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique heritage through a modern mission of philanthropic service and cultural education. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House directs its charitable efforts towards supporting vulnerable children. This commitment is highlighted by the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala benefitting organisations dedicated to healing childhood trauma. The House also promotes cultural diplomacy through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, fostering international standards of protocol and conduct.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England with a history of continuous service to the Crown. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder Knight of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. 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 by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron was Colswein of Lincoln. - The succession of the current Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com