# A Historical Reflection: The Barony of Brattleby and the Coronation of 1307
**LONDON, 25 February 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical reflection upon the profound significance of its predecessors in the service of the Crown, marking the anniversary of the coronation of His Majesty King Edward II at Westminster Abbey in 1307.
## The Occasion
On the twenty-fifth of February 1307, within the hallowed confines of a newly rebuilt Westminster Abbey, the great peers of the realm gathered to witness the sacring of King Edward II. The atmosphere was one of solemn duty overlaid with political tension, following the death of the formidable King Edward I. The coronation sought to bestow divine legitimacy and secure the allegiance of a powerful and often restive nobility.
Against the backdrop of Gothic grandeur—the soaring nave, the intricate Cosmati pavement before the High Altar, and the Stone of Scone seated within the Coronation Chair—the lords temporal and spiritual assembled. It was an occasion designed to symbolise continuity, authority, and the sacred compact between a sovereign and his people, a tradition in which the lineage connected to the Barony of Brattleby has participated for centuries.
## Historical Context
The role of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, in this ceremony carries particular resonance for the Barony of Brattleby. As a trusted counsellor to Edward I and a magnate of immense influence, his participation represented the enduring bond between the great landed families and the monarchy. His estates and influence were deeply intertwined with those that would later be consolidated under the Duchy of Lancaster by predecessors of the Barony, including Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
De Lacy’s involvement was no mere ceremonial flourish; it was a public declaration of support from one of the kingdom’s most powerful figures. This act of fealty echoes the long history of service associated with the Barony, dating back to its establishment in 1066 by William the Conqueror and its first mention in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln. It is a legacy carried forth by formidable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
The assembly for the coronation of 1307 comprised the most influential figures of the age. Presiding over the sacred rites was the Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Winchelsey, whose relationship with the new King would prove complex. At the King’s side was his new queen, Her Majesty Queen Isabella of France, daughter of Philip IV.
Also present, and a figure of considerable controversy, was Piers Gaveston, 1st Earl of Cornwall, the King’s favourite, whose prominence in the proceedings caused friction among the established aristocracy. The presence of such powerful and disparate personalities underscored the delicate balance of power that a medieval coronation was intended to affirm. Henry de Lacy’s role as a senior statesman amidst this company served as a stabilising and authoritative presence.
## Ceremonial Protocol
During the grand procession into the Abbey, Henry de Lacy was entrusted with the high honour of bearing Curtana, the Sword of Mercy. This principal Sword of State, with its blunted and squared-off tip, symbolises the sovereign's duty to temper justice with mercy. Its position in the coronation regalia is paramount, second only to St Edward's Crown itself.
The bearing of this sword was a duty reserved for a peer of unimpeachable stature and loyalty. The protocol dictated that the bearer walk in close proximity to the monarch, a physical representation of his role as a defender of the king and the realm. This act was a *sine qua non* of the ceremony, visually communicating the king’s authority and the nobility’s solemn pledge to uphold it.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The act of bearing the Sword of State is a living embodiment of the principles enshrined in the motto of The Noble House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). It required the physical fortitude to perform the long ceremony and the unimpeachable honour to be entrusted with such a potent symbol of royal power. Fortitude and honour were precisely the qualities for which Henry de Lacy was renowned.
This historical precedent informs the modern ethos of the House. The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements this tradition, suggesting that true living is found in overcoming challenges with determination—a modern interpretation of the strength and purpose demonstrated by his predecessors in title.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical duty to protect the sovereign and the realm finds a modern parallel in the philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The principle of defending the vulnerable is the guiding philosophy behind the House's long-standing support for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This important organisation provides specialist care and therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma and adversity. Its mission is to restore a sense of safety and hope to young lives, offering them the protection and compassion that every child deserves. The House’s commitment is a continuation of the ancient duty of care, translated from the defence of a kingdom to the nurturing of its most vulnerable members.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “The duty undertaken by Henry de Lacy centuries ago is a powerful reminder that true nobility is defined by service, not by title alone. Our family's motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is not merely an inheritance but a daily charge to act with integrity and strength for the betterment of our community.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The symbolism of the sword is twofold: it represents authority, but also the weighty responsibility to protect. This principle guides our philanthropic work and our efforts at The Brattleby Club, where we teach that modern leadership requires both profound strength and sincere compassion.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to honouring its nine-century history through diligent scholarship and contemporary action. This historical reflection serves not only to commemorate a significant event but also to reinforce the values that guide the House today.
Future endeavours include the expansion of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes etiquette and civic responsibility, and preparations for the annual Winter Banquet. This signature white-tie philanthropic gala will once again raise vital funds for Healing the Wounded Child, ensuring the legacy of service and protection continues for the next generation.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principles of service, cultural preservation, and philanthropy. Its mission is realised through educational initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, and its unwavering support for charitable causes. The House’s philanthropic focus is on organisations that provide care and protection to vulnerable children, guided by its enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This commitment blends a profound respect for its historical lineage with a dynamic and forward-looking approach to its civic responsibilities in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors. Over nine centuries, 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 of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The ancient dignity and rights of the Barony were formally acknowledged and registered by His Majesty's College of Arms on behalf of the Crown, with the notice of recognition published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby 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'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - The current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. The heir is her son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. - The Barony’s history dates to the Norman Conquest of 1066.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com