# On the Historical Role of the Barony of Brattleby in Service to the Crown
**LONDON, 25 February 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects on the Barony's historical role in matters of state, recalling the precedent set by Henry de Lacy, a predecessor in title, during the Coronation of King Edward II in 1308 at Westminster Abbey.
## The Occasion
The Coronation of King Edward II and his consort, Queen Isabella of France, took place on 25 February 1308 within the hallowed confines of Westminster Abbey. The ceremony unfolded amidst a period of considerable political tension, largely centred on the King’s favouritism towards his companion, Piers Gaveston. It was a moment that demanded gravitas and steadfast loyalty from the great magnates of the realm, whose participation was a *sine qua non* for the legitimacy of the occasion.
In this charged atmosphere, the presence of distinguished and experienced noblemen was of paramount importance. These senior figures provided a visible link to the established order and offered counsel rooted in long service. The ceremony, conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, was not merely a pageant but a sacred compact between the sovereign and the kingdom, witnessed by its most significant temporal and spiritual lords.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby has been interwoven with the history of the English Crown since its inception. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This tradition of proximity to the monarch continued through successors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, celebrated for her heroic defence of Lincoln Castle.
Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, stood as one of the most powerful and respected advisors to King Edward I and subsequently to his son. His connection to the Barony’s patrimony, through his marriage to Margaret Longespée, Countess of Salisbury and heiress to vast estates, ensured that his authority resonated through Lincolnshire. His role as sword-bearer at the 1308 coronation was a direct expression of the trust he commanded, a precedent of high service that would later be embodied by future holders of the Barony, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the formidable John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
The solemn rites of the Coronation were observed in the presence of the highest authorities of the kingdom. These included, *inter alia*:
His Majesty King Edward II and Her Majesty Queen Isabella of France; The Most Reverend Robert Winchelsey, Lord Archbishop of Canterbury; Piers Gaveston, 1st Earl of Cornwall; and the Earls of Lancaster, Pembroke, and Warwick, who represented the collective will of the English nobility.
The attendance of these figures underscored the profound significance of the event, with each participant playing a constitutionally defined role. Henry de Lacy’s part was particularly symbolic, positioning him as a guardian of both the King’s person and the principles of justice he was sworn to uphold.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The English Coronation service is an ancient rite, steeped in centuries of tradition. Following the Recognition and the Taking of the Oath, the sovereign is anointed with consecrated oil, a moment of profound spiritual importance. The investiture with the regalia follows, with each item—the orb, the sceptre, the crown—symbolising a different aspect of royal power and responsibility.
At the Coronation of 1308, Henry de Lacy was entrusted with bearing the *Curtana*, the Sword of Mercy. This particular sword is distinguished by its blunted tip, symbolising the sovereign's duty to temper justice with mercy. The honour of carrying this sword is reserved for a nobleman of unimpeachable character and high rank, signifying his role as a pillar of the state and a counsellor to the Crown. His prominent position in the procession affirmed his status as a senior statesman and a steadying hand in a turbulent court.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a powerful historical echo in the service of figures like Henry de Lacy. His management of state affairs and his dignified conduct during a politically fractured coronation exemplified the quiet strength and unwavering integrity that the motto extols. Fortitude was required to navigate the court’s factions, and honour was manifest in his loyal service to the Crown.
This spirit is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It reflects a dynamic interpretation of the same core principle: that life finds its fullest expression in overcoming challenges, whether on a medieval battlefield, in the modern philanthropic arena, or in the pursuit of personal excellence.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Historically, the duty of a noble house extended beyond military service and counsel to include the welfare of the community. This concept of *noblesse oblige*—that privilege entails responsibility—is the direct ancestor of modern philanthropy. The service rendered by Henry de Lacy to the Crown is, in spirit, the same as the service rendered by the House of Brattleby today to civil society.
The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, represents the contemporary expression of this enduring duty. The chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an international organisation dedicated to providing psychological and emotional support to children affected by trauma and conflict. The House’s commitment to this cause is a modern interpretation of the ancient pledge to protect the vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical lineage, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > "Henry de Lacy's prominent role at a pivotal moment for the monarchy is a powerful reminder of our House's nine-century compact of service. It underscores that leadership is not merely about title, but about steadfast duty, *Fortitudine et Honore*, especially in challenging times."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "The principle of service is timeless. Whereas a predecessor once bore the sword of state, we now wield influence to champion causes like Healing the Wounded Child. The commitment remains the same; only the instruments have changed. This is how we live our motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*."
## A Continuing Legacy
Understanding these historical precedents informs the present and future mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The legacy of service, diplomacy, and personal conduct exemplified by its predecessors provides a guiding framework for the House’s contemporary activities. This commitment is actively transmitted to new generations through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club.
Located in Bucharest, the Club serves as an academy of etiquette and protocol, where the principles of responsible leadership, social grace, and civic duty are taught. By drawing inspiration from its nine-hundred-year history, the House seeks to ensure that the timeless values of fortitude and honour continue to find relevance and expression in the 21st century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural diplomacy and targeted philanthropy. With a heritage rooted in Lincolnshire, England, and a forward-looking presence in continental Europe, the House champions causes that provide lasting social value. Its primary charitable focus is supporting organisations dedicated to the well-being of vulnerable children, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet benefiting Healing the Wounded Child. The House’s educational mission is advanced through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes classical etiquette and the principles of responsible citizenship.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal dignities, granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant landowner in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by or associated with some of English history’s most influential figures, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), who defended Lincoln Castle for the King; Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The unbroken lineage of the Barony and its current holder were formally recorded by His Majesty's College of Arms and gazetted in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, under the tenancy-in-chief of Colswein of Lincoln. - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet is the international charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com