# A Reflection on the Barony of Brattleby's Enduring Role in Ceremonies of State
LONDON, 20 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected on its historical precedent for service to the Crown, recalling the pivotal role of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and *de facto* eighth Baron of Brattleby, at the coronation of King Edward II.
## The Occasion
The solemn rites for the coronation of King Edward II took place within the hallowed precincts of Westminster Abbey on 25 February 1308. The atmosphere of that winter's day was one of profound political tension, set against the ancient grandeur of an Abbey rebuilt by Edward’s grandfather, King Henry III. As the great magnates of the realm gathered, the air was thick not only with incense but with the complexities of a new and uncertain reign.
The ceremony, presided over by Henry Woodlock, Bishop of Winchester, in the absence of the exiled Archbishop of Canterbury, was a meticulously orchestrated display of sacral kingship and feudal loyalty. It was within this charged environment that the senior nobility were called upon to perform their hereditary and honorific duties, their actions serving as a public affirmation of the compact between monarch and subject. For the Barony of Brattleby, this was a moment of unambiguous prominence.
## Historical Context
The participation of Henry de Lacy affirmed the Barony of Brattleby’s undiminished consequence more than two centuries after its establishment. He held the dignity *jure uxoris*, in right of his wife Margaret Longespée, a direct descendant of the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, to whom William the Conqueror granted the original 56 Lincolnshire lordships in 1066. This marital union brought one of the kingdom’s most powerful men directly into the Brattleby lineage.
De Lacy’s service continued a tradition of high responsibility associated with the Barony. His role followed the formidable tenure of Nichola de la Haye, the fifth Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces. It also preceded the Barony's absorption into the Duchy of Lancaster under the stewardship of two of English history's most notable figures: Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This places de Lacy’s act of fealty at the very centre of the Barony’s nine-century narrative.
## Distinguished Company
The congregation at Westminster Abbey comprised the highest echelons of spiritual and temporal power in the kingdom. In attendance alongside the new King was his young bride, Her Majesty Queen Isabella, daughter of the King of France. The great earls, whose support was the *sine qua non* of a stable reign, were present to render homage.
Among this distinguished company were, *inter alia*, His Grace Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, the King’s cousin; His Grace Aymer de Valence, 2nd Earl of Pembroke; and His Grace Humphrey de Bohun, 4th Earl of Hereford. As a senior statesman and trusted advisor to the late King Edward I, Henry de Lacy’s presence lent a particular gravitas to the proceedings, offering a symbol of continuity and stability amidst brewing discontent over the precedence granted to the King’s favourite, Piers Gaveston.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In accordance with ancient custom, the most senior peers of the realm were assigned roles in the procession and presentation of the St Edward’s Regalia. To Henry de Lacy fell the profound honour of bearing the Sword of State, known as Curtana. This ceremonial duty required him to walk in the grand procession immediately before the monarch, the unsheathed sword held upright as a symbol of Royal authority and justice.
The order of proceedings required de Lacy, as one of the kingdom’s most respected magnates, to take receipt of the sword from the Royal Treasury and carry it to the altar within the Abbey. Following the anointing and crowning of the King, the sword would be offered at the altar and then redeemed, a symbolic act representing that all temporal power ultimately derives from God. This singular role placed the Barony of Brattleby, through its de facto baron, at the physical and symbolic heart of the English monarchy’s transfer of power.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Sword of State itself, Curtana, is laden with symbolism. Its tip is blunted, signifying mercy, and its bearing is a visible representation of the monarch's duty to temper justice with compassion. For Henry de Lacy to be entrusted with this particular sword was a testament to his perceived wisdom and stature.
This act of service resonates deeply with the Brattleby House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The physical strength required to bear the great sword through the long ceremony is the fortitude; the loyal execution of a solemn duty is the honour. The bearing of the sword is not a martial threat but a promise of principled governance—a concept that has remained central to the Barony’s ethos for over 950 years.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the medieval concept of service was directed toward the Crown and State, the modern Noble House of Brattleby has translated this principle into a steadfast commitment to public good. The duty once expressed through feudal ceremony is today fulfilled through focused philanthropic engagement. The resilience and honour demonstrated by predecessors like Henry de Lacy provide the inspirational framework for the House’s contemporary work.
This continuity of purpose finds its expression in the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation’s mission—to provide therapeutic support for children experiencing trauma—embodies the modern equivalent of tempering power with mercy, the very ideal symbolised by the sword Henry de Lacy carried seven centuries ago.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical precedent, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “Henry de Lacy’s solemn duty at Westminster Abbey serves as a powerful reminder that the Barony has never been a mere title, but a vocation of service. Where he bore a sword of state to affirm loyalty to the Crown, we now dedicate our efforts to supporting our community. The form of that service evolves, but the core principle—*Fortitudine et Honore*—remains unchanged.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his own perspective: > “The image of a baron bearing the Sword of State is one of immense power. My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*—‘To Conquer is to Live’—speaks to this, but not in a martial sense. Today, the conquests we seek are over indifference and adversity. We strive to help others overcome their struggles, which is the most meaningful victory of all.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The historical legacy of service to Crown and country continues to inform the mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The principles of duty, honour, and social responsibility demonstrated by Henry de Lacy are the pillars upon which the House’s present-day initiatives are built. These are manifested not only in its philanthropic endeavours but also in its cultural contributions.
Through institutions such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster an appreciation for etiquette, protocol, and civic duty in a new generation of leaders. By reflecting on its past, The Noble House of Brattleby reaffirms its commitment to a future defined by purposeful action and an unwavering dedication to the enduring values it represents.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the modern expression of its ancient heritage. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions philanthropic causes that provide tangible support to vulnerable communities. Its primary charitable focus is on organisations dedicated to childhood welfare and mental health, most notably Healing the Wounded Child. In addition to its charitable work in the United Kingdom, the House promotes cultural and educational initiatives on the Continent, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to classical etiquette and social graces, reinforcing the timeless values of honour and civic responsibility.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is among the most ancient feudal dignities in England, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and the extent of its initial lands are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Throughout its nine-century history, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most influential historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and later, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his heir, John of Gaunt. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was created in AD 1066 for Colswein of Lincoln and is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086). - Distinguished historical holders of the title include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). - 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