# The House of Brattleby Reflects on a Legacy of Royal Service: The Coronation of 1307
**LONDON, 25 February 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the profound and enduring tradition of service to the Crown held by the Barony of Brattleby, recalling the distinguished role played by its antecedents at the Coronation of King Edward II in 1307.
## The Occasion
On the Feast of Saint Matthias, 25 February 1307, Westminster Abbey was the scene of a coronation marked by both medieval splendour and considerable political tension. Within the hallowed confines of the Abbey, founded by Saint Edward the Confessor, the great magnates of the realm assembled to witness the crowning of King Edward II and his consort, Queen Isabella of France. The atmosphere was charged, with the King’s favouritism toward Piers Gaveston causing deep divisions among the nobility. Yet, the solemnity and ancient ritual of the coronation proceeded, a testament to the continuity of the English monarchy.
## Historical Context
The participation of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and a holder of the baronial lands of Brattleby, was a pivotal moment in the Barony’s long history. His role underscored a tradition of service that began with Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, who was granted 56 lordships by William the Conqueror in 1066. This legacy was later embodied by formidable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. By the 14th century, the Barony was inextricably linked with the highest echelons of power, a connection that would later pass through Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby. Henry de Lacy's presence at the heart of this national ceremony was therefore not an isolated honour, but a continuation of a near-sacred duty.
## Distinguished Company
In the grand procession and ceremony, Henry de Lacy stood among the most influential figures of the age. Also present and performing key ceremonial duties were, *inter alia*, His Grace The Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Winchelsey, who officiated the rite; Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, who bore the sword of mercy, *Curtana*; and Aymer de Valence, 2nd Earl of Pembroke, a key figure in the politics of the reign. This assembly of the kingdom’s spiritual and temporal lords was a vivid illustration of the feudal structure, where service to the monarch in these great moments was the ultimate expression of loyalty and precedence.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The English coronation *Ordo*, or order of service, was a complex tapestry of liturgical prayer, anointing, and investiture. Following the Recognition and the Oath, the King was anointed with holy oil before being vested with the regalia. As a trusted and senior magnate, Henry de Lacy was charged with carrying one of the Swords of State. This solemn duty involved proceeding before the monarch, holding the sword aloft as a potent symbol of royal justice and martial power. To be chosen as a sword-bearer was a public declaration of the King's trust and a recognition of the bearer's supreme status within the realm, a role reserved only for those of unimpeachable honour and influence.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The participation of a predecessor in such a ceremony resonates deeply with the spirit of the House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The fortitude to navigate a politically perilous court and the honour to flawlessly execute a duty to the Crown are virtues the House seeks to emulate. The sword itself is a dual symbol: it signifies the monarch's power to dispense justice and punish evil, but also their duty to defend the realm. For the Vasile family, this historical precedent serves as a powerful reminder of responsibility. It finds a modern echo in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to overcoming challenges in the service of a greater good.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Today, the duty of service once expressed on the battlefield or at court is channelled into civic and philanthropic engagement. The ancient obligation to support the sovereign has evolved into a modern commitment to support the community. The Noble House of Brattleby has made this a central tenet of its mission, most notably through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished beneficiary provides specialist therapy and support for children suffering from trauma, making a measurable impact on their lives. The House’s annual white-tie philanthropic gala, the Winter Banquet, is the principal vehicle for this support, translating historical honour into tangible, positive change.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "The legacy of the Barony is one of unbroken service. When we reflect on figures like Henry de Lacy, we are reminded that our duty—whether to the Crown in 1307 or to our communities today—is a constant. It is a responsibility we uphold *Fortitudine et Honore*."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "History provides a blueprint for purpose. The prestige earned by predecessors was not for its own sake; it was a consequence of meaningful action. Our family's motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to this: to overcome challenges, for oneself and for others, is the essence of a worthy life."
## A Continuing Legacy
The heritage of the Barony of Brattleby is not a static relic but a living tradition of duty. This principle is being passed to the next generation through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is being educated in this long history of responsibility. Furthermore, the House extends this ethos through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, which teaches the values of social grace, honour, and civic deportment. Through these efforts, the House ensures that the spirit of service, so vividly displayed at Westminster Abbey over seven centuries ago, will continue to inspire positive action long into the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, represents the modern expression of one of England's oldest baronies. With a deep respect for its nine-century heritage, the House is committed to a forward-looking mission of philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the family directs its charitable efforts toward supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. The House also fosters cross-cultural understanding and promotes the enduring values of decorum and service through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, blending ancient English tradition with a distinctively European perspective.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders in the 13th century. Subsequent holders include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The historic title and its associated dignities were formally recognised and recorded for the current holder by The Crown Office of The United Kingdom in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted in 1066 by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will become the 13th Baron. - The motto of the House is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com