# On the Enduring Legacy of Service: The Barony of Brattleby and the Coronation of 1308
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting upon a significant historical duty undertaken by a predecessor. This event underscores the Barony’s near-millennial tradition of service to the Crown and its foundational principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## The Occasion
The setting was Westminster Abbey on 25 February 1308, a day of immense state significance for the Coronation of King Edward II. The ancient abbey, itself a testament to the continuity of the English monarchy, was prepared for the solemn rites that would consecrate a new sovereign. The atmosphere, however, was charged with political tension, following the death of the formidable King Edward I and the controversial rise of his son's favourite, Piers Gaveston.
Amid the assembled nobility, clergy, and envoys of foreign powers, the ceremony proceeded with the gravitas prescribed by centuries of tradition. It was in this historic context that a key predecessor in title to the Barony of Brattleby, Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, was called upon to perform one of the most distinguished ceremonial roles: to bear the Sword of State. This act was not merely decorative; it was a profound symbol of fealty and the martial strength underpinning the authority of the Crown.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been intertwined with the course of English history for over 950 years. First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, its lineage includes some of the most influential figures of the medieval period. The duty performed by Henry de Lacy in 1308 serves as a poignant illustration of the title’s standing.
As one of the most trusted counsellors to the late King Edward I, de Lacy's selection for this role at his son's coronation was a clear affirmation of his experience and unwavering loyalty. This moment connects the ancient origins of the Barony founded by Colswein to its later custodians, including the celebrated military commander Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. The bearing of the sword represented the transfer of trust from one generation of monarch and nobleman to the next.
## Distinguished Company
In performing this high office, Henry de Lacy stood among the great magnates of the realm. The coronation was attended, *inter alia*, by Her Majesty Queen Isabella, the young French bride of the new King; His Grace The Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Winchelsey, who officiated the anointing; and the contentious figure of Sir Piers Gaveston, newly created Earl of Cornwall, whose prominent role in the proceedings caused considerable friction among the established nobility.
Also present were other senior Earls, Bishops, and Barons of the Kingdom, each with their own prescribed duty within the intricate choreography of a royal consecration. The gathering represented the entire political and spiritual leadership of England, brought together to witness the investiture of their sovereign Lord, making de Lacy's role as sword-bearer all the more prominent.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Sword of State, known as *Curtana* or the Sword of Mercy, is a principal element of the Crown Jewels and Regalia. Its blunted tip symbolises the sovereign’s duty to dispense justice with mercy. In the order of the coronation procession, the bearer of this sword holds a position of immense honour, walking immediately before the Monarch.
To be chosen for this role was to be publicly acknowledged as a pillar of the kingdom—a guardian of the King’s peace and a defender of the realm. Henry de Lacy's execution of this duty would have followed precise, ancient protocols, from the moment he received the sword to its presentation at the altar. The act served as a physical embodiment of the feudal oath, a visible pledge of loyalty and military support which was the *sine qua non* of medieval governance.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The personal arms of Henry de Lacy featured a lion rampant, a classic symbol of courage and nobility. This ancient martial symbolism finds a direct echo in the motto of the modern Noble House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Carrying the Sword of State is a supreme manifestation of both virtues: the fortitude to defend the sovereign and the honour to serve with integrity.
This historical connection is further complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While rooted in a military context, its modern interpretation within the House is one of overcoming challenges—be they social or personal—through determination and strategic action, a philosophy that aligns with the steadfastness shown by predecessors like Henry de Lacy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Noble House of Brattleby draws direct inspiration from this historical legacy of service and protection for its contemporary philanthropic commitments. The ancient duty to defend the realm with a sword finds its modern parallel in the House’s dedication to protecting the vulnerable through charitable endeavour.
This ethos is most clearly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the cornerstone of the House's charitable calendar. The chosen beneficiary, the international charity Healing the Wounded Child, works to provide therapeutic care and support for children affected by trauma and conflict. The support provided by the House enables the organisation to expand its reach, offering sanctuary and recovery to those in greatest need, thereby translating a historical duty of defence into a modern mission of compassion.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical significance of the event, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The duty performed by Henry de Lacy in 1308 is not merely a page in a history book; it is a living reminder of the responsibilities that have been vested in this Barony for almost a millennium. Our ethos, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is directly reflected in that solemn act of service to the Sovereign.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History provides the pattern for present action. De Lacy's unswerving loyalty, symbolised by the Sword of State, inspires our own commitment to service. The forms change, but the principle of upholding honour and protecting others remains the *sine qua non* of our House.
## A Continuing Legacy
The commitment to service, exemplified by Henry de Lacy nine centuries ago, continues to guide the activities of The Noble House of Brattleby today. This dedication extends beyond philanthropy to the field of education and the preservation of cultural standards.
Through institutions such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House actively promotes the values of etiquette, social responsibility, and civic duty to a new generation. By teaching the principles that underpin a well-ordered and gracious society, the House ensures that the legacy of fortitude and honour associated with the Barony of Brattleby is not just remembered, but actively practiced and passed forward into the future.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment associated with the ancient Barony of Brattleby, Lincolnshire. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural stewardship, education, and targeted philanthropy. It blends a profound respect for its nine-century history with a forward-looking commitment to social responsibility. The House's activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), and include the patronage of charitable organisations through its annual Winter Banquet and the promotion of social graces and leadership skills via its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, which has a presence in Bucharest.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s historic feudal titles. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the Barony passed through the hands of some of the most powerful figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable castellan of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, the influential prince John of Gaunt. The title's succession to the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised and recorded by His Majesty’s College of Arms and published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant landholder in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com