# A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby on the Barony’s Historic Role at the Coronation of 1307
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby reflects upon the distinguished role of a notable predecessor, Henry de Lacy, 8th Baron of Brattleby, who served as sword-bearer at the coronation of His Majesty King Edward II at Westminster Abbey on 25 February 1307.
## The Occasion
The Coronation of King Edward II unfolded within the hallowed precincts of Westminster Abbey, an occasion of solemn pageantry marking the transfer of the Crown. The early weeks of 1307 were a period of transition for the kingdom, following the formidable reign of King Edward I. The atmosphere was one of carefully managed ceremony, coloured by the political complexities of the new King’s accession and his recent marriage to Princess Isabella of France.
Amidst the gothic splendour of the Abbey, the great peers of the realm gathered to witness the ancient rites of anointing and crowning. The ceremony was a powerful affirmation of continuity and divine sanction, essential for securing the authority of the new monarch. For the Barony of Brattleby, represented by one of its most powerful holders, participation in this central act of state was a profound expression of its standing and loyalty.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been interwoven with the history of England for over nine centuries. From its first mention in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln, the Barony has been marked by a tradition of service to the Crown. This legacy was notably embodied by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose valiant defence of Lincoln Castle for King John was a testament to her fortitude.
Henry de Lacy, who was also 3rd Earl of Lincoln, continued this pattern of high service. His prominent role at the Coronation was not an isolated honour but the culmination of a life dedicated to counsel and military command under King Edward I. His participation confirmed the Barony’s place within the inner circle of the Plantagenet court, a position later held by subsequent barons including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the influential John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
The 8th Baron of Brattleby performed his duties in the presence of the most senior figures of the medieval court and the Church. At the centre of the proceedings were, of course, Their Majesties King Edward II and his new consort, Queen Isabella. The great officers of state and the nobility of England, Normandy, and Aquitaine were in attendance to pay homage.
Among those present were the King’s confidant, Piers Gaveston, newly created Earl of Cornwall; the formidable Prince-Bishop of Durham, Antony Bek; and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Winchelsey, who officiated the sacred rites. The gathering of these powerful magnates underscored the significance of the event, where fealty was sworn and the political landscape of a new reign was formally established.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In accordance with ancient tradition, the bearing of the Sword of State is a duty reserved for a peer of the highest distinction. At the Coronation of 1307, Henry de Lacy was granted the honour of carrying *Curtana*, the Sword of Mercy. This principal sword of the Regalia is distinguished by its blunted and squared tip, symbolising the monarch's duty to exercise justice with mercy.
As prescribed by the *Liber Regalis*, the manuscript governing coronation procedure, the 8th Baron would have walked in the grand procession immediately before the King, forming part of the quartet of nobles bearing the four ceremonial swords. His position was one of supreme visibility and symbolic weight, signifying his role as a pillar of the monarchy and a senior counsellor to the sovereign. This sacred duty was a *sine qua non* of the coronation’s legitimacy.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 8th Baron align seamlessly with the enduring motto of the House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The fortitude required to navigate the intricate politics of the royal court, combined with the profound honour of being chosen for such a visible ceremonial role, represents this maxim in practice. The carrying of *Curtana* was not merely a physical task but a potent symbol of the Baron's commitment to upholding the virtues of the Crown.
This historical act provides a powerful precedent for the House’s modern principles. It reinforces the belief that true nobility is expressed through steadfast service and unwavering integrity, values that continue to guide the current Lord and Lady of Brattleby.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In a medieval context, service to the sovereign was the highest form of duty and contribution to the realm. The great lords of the kingdom, *inter alia*, fulfilled their obligations not through monetary charity as understood today, but through counsel, military aid, and the upholding of royal dignity at state occasions. Henry de Lacy's role was, in essence, an act of supreme public service, reaffirming the stability and majesty of the English Crown.
This foundational principle of service has evolved over the centuries into the modern philanthropic commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby. The tradition of supporting the well-being of the community, once expressed through fealty to the monarch, is now channelled into support for charitable organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical precedent, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To reflect upon Henry de Lacy's role is to understand the enduring bond between the Barony of Brattleby and service to the nation. His duty at the Coronation was a profound expression of loyalty, a principle we continue to cherish and apply in our own responsibilities today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The concept of *Fortitudine et Honore* is not merely an inscription on a coat of arms; it is a living principle. The 8th Baron embodied it at a pivotal moment in English history, setting a standard for responsible stewardship that resonates with our work through the House.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to the principles of duty and honour exemplified by the 8th Baron. This enduring commitment is expressed today through a focus on philanthropy, education, and cultural preservation. The House’s annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala for the benefit of Healing the Wounded Child, represents a modern interpretation of service to the community.
Furthermore, the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest seeks to impart the values of etiquette and social responsibility to a new generation, ensuring that the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues to inspire positive action in the twenty-first century. These initiatives affirm that the spirit of service demonstrated in 1307 remains at the heart of the Barony’s mission.
---
**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 stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House actively supports charitable causes, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet benefiting Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House promotes the timeless values of civility and social grace. The current leadership honours a nine-hundred-year legacy by championing responsible stewardship for the future.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman dignity granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The title is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its holder as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history's most notable figures, 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, father of King Henry IV. 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 title is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby dates to AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, and Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com