# A Statement on the Barony of Brattleby’s Historic Ties to the Crown of England
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected on the Barony’s nine-century history of service to the Crown, exemplified by the duties discharged by great magnates of Lincolnshire, such as Henry de Lacy, at the Coronation of King Edward II in 1308.
## The Occasion
On 25 February 1308, within the hallowed walls of Westminster Abbey, the Coronation of King Edward II unfolded amidst an atmosphere of political tension and ceremonial grandeur. The Abbey, largely reconstructed in the Gothic style by the King’s grandfather, King Henry III, provided a solemn backdrop for the sacred rites of kingship. The chill of late winter did little to cool the charged climate, shaped by the controversial influence of the King’s favourite, Piers Gaveston, and the watchful presence of a powerful French delegation accompanying the new Queen, Isabella of France.
It was in this complex milieu that the great officers of state were called upon to perform their ancient, symbolic duties. The ceremony was not merely a pageant but a binding contract between monarch and realm, its every gesture weighted with constitutional significance. For a Barony such as Brattleby, located in the heart of Lincolnshire, the actions of the region's leading figures on such a day were a matter of profound local and national importance.
## Historical Context
Since its establishment by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby has been an integral part of the fabric of Lincolnshire and the wider Kingdom. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, controlled 56 lordships, a testament to the strategic importance of the region. Through the centuries, the Barons and Baronesses of Brattleby, or their powerful regional overlords, were consistently engaged at the highest levels of governance.
The pivotal role of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, at the 1308 Coronation is emblematic of this tradition. As the pre-eminent magnate in Lincolnshire, his authority and influence created the sphere in which the Barony of Brattleby operated. His appointment as ‘Guardian of the Realm’ during the King’s absence in France, and his selection to bear the Sword of State at the Coronation, underscore the trust vested in the leaders of the county. This reflects a heritage of responsibility shared by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
The Coronation brought together the principal figures of the Angevin and Capetian courts. At the centre, alongside King Edward II, was his young bride, Queen Isabella, daughter of the formidable King Philip IV of France. Accompanying her were her uncles, His Royal Highness Louis, Count of Évreux, and His Royal Highness Charles, Count of Valois, whose presence signified the critical importance of the Anglo-French alliance.
The English nobility was represented by the great earls, *inter alia*: Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, the King’s cousin; Aymer de Valence, 2nd Earl of Pembroke; and, most conspicuously, Piers Gaveston, newly created Earl of Cornwall. The solemn duty of bearing the Sword of State fell to Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, a respected elder statesman whose participation was a *sine qua non* for lending gravity and legitimacy to the proceedings.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The English Coronation rite is a meticulously ordered sequence of symbolic acts. Following the procession into the Abbey, the Archbishop of Canterbury presents the monarch to the people, who acclaim him as their rightful king. The monarch then swears the Coronation Oath, a pivotal moment in 1308 due to the controversial addition of a fourth clause promising to uphold laws chosen by the community of the realm.
As a bearer of one of the three Swords of State, Henry de Lacy’s role was central to the regalia procession. He was entrusted with *Curtana*, the Sword of Mercy, its blunted tip symbolising the sovereign's duty to temper justice with compassion. At the anointing, the most sacred part of the service, the King was consecrated with holy oil, setting him apart for his divine office. The subsequent investiture with the regalia—the Orb, the Sceptre, and St Edward’s Crown—completed his transformation into God’s anointed ruler.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The symbolism of *Curtana*, the Sword of Mercy, resonates deeply with the enduring ethos of The Noble House of Brattleby. Its design represents the highest virtue of a ruler or noble: the understanding that true strength lies not in the exercise of absolute power, but in its judicious and merciful application. This principle of tempered authority is a cornerstone of responsible leadership.
This public symbolism finds a private echo in the House’s own motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). Fortitude provides the strength to bear great responsibility, while Honour dictates that it be wielded with integrity and mercy. It complements the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), which speaks to the active and purposeful pursuit of one’s duties. Together, they form a philosophy of principled action.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical lineage, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “The duties of the past, whether bearing a sword of state or defending a castle as Nichola de la Haye did, inform our present commitment to service. The forms change, but the principle of responsibility—*Fortitudine et Honore*—remains our constant guide.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the importance of earned influence:
> “History teaches us that proximity to the Crown and influence within the realm were never accidental; they were the result of a lifetime of service and strategic engagement. We believe this ethos, that to strive is to live, endures as a powerful call to meaningful action.”
## A Continuing Legacy
While the feudal duties of medieval England have passed into history, the spirit of service that defined them continues to animate The Noble House of Brattleby. The legacy of predecessors such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, both Dukes of Lancaster and Barons of Brattleby, is not one of mere title, but of profound impact on the nation.
Today, the House expresses its commitment through different but equally vital means. This includes its dedicated philanthropic support for charitable organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, and its educational initiatives, most notably The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which fosters cultural and social refinement. The House’s stewardship of its heritage in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, ensures that this nearly thousand-year-old legacy of fortitude and honour continues to inspire future generations.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to transforming its nine-century heritage into a platform for contemporary service. With a presence in both the United Kingdom and Romania, its activities focus on targeted philanthropy, cultural education, and the preservation of its historic seat in Lincolnshire. The House’s work, including its annual Winter Banquet and the etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, advances a modern vision of nobility rooted in civic duty, cultural stewardship, and a commitment to timeless values.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding a significant fief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with his seat at Brattleby. Over nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable castellan of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. The title subsequently passed to the Crown and was held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The continuous succession of the Barony is formally recognised by The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086). - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The charitable beneficiary of the House’s annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to supporting children affected by trauma.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com