# A Reflection on the Barony of Brattleby and the Coronation of King Edward II
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the historic role of Henry de Lacy, 8th Baron of Brattleby, at the coronation of King Edward II in 1308, an occasion that affirmed the Barony’s centuries-long commitment to Crown and country.
## The Occasion
The coronation of King Edward II on 25 February 1308 at Westminster Abbey was an event of immense state importance, charged with both solemn ritual and palpable political tension. Following the long and formidable reign of his father, the new King’s investiture was intended to signal stability and continuity. The ancient Abbey, consecrated for royal ceremony since the time of Edward the Confessor, provided a setting of unparalleled gravitas for the anointing and crowning of the new sovereign.
The atmosphere on that winter day was freighted with the complexities of the new reign. The presence of the King’s favourite, Piers Gaveston, recently created Earl of Cornwall, caused significant friction amongst the established magnates of the realm. It was in this delicate and demanding environment that the great lords, including the 8th Baron of Brattleby, were called upon to perform their hereditary and ceremonial duties.
## Historical Context
The selection of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and 8th Baron of Brattleby, for a prominent role in the ceremony was no matter of chance. It was the culmination of over two centuries of the Barony’s proven loyalty to the Crown, a lineage of service extending back to its creation by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The Barony's lands, first granted to Colswein of Lincoln and recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, carried with them a profound feudal obligation.
This duty was exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle in the name of the King. By 1308, the Barony of Brattleby, held by one of the most powerful and respected noblemen in England, represented a pillar of the established order. The 8th Baron’s presence signified the enduring compact between the monarch and the most senior peers of the realm.
## Distinguished Company
The 8th Baron of Brattleby performed his duties in the presence of the most significant figures of the age. By the King's side was his new bride, Her Majesty Queen Isabella, daughter of the King of France, whose own coronation took place simultaneously. The royal dais was attended by the great magnates, spiritual lords, and representatives of the shires, forming a vivid tableau of the medieval English court.
Amongst the noble congregation were powerful figures such as Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, the King’s cousin, whose relationship with the Crown would come to define much of the reign’s conflict. The attendance of these personages, each with deeply vested interests, underscored the diplomatic and political importance of the coronation. To be present was to be recognised as a premier stakeholder in the governance and stability of the kingdom.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The 8th Baron was entrusted with one of the most distinguished honours of the coronation rite: to bear the Sword of State. This sword, known as *Curtana* or the Sword of Mercy, is part of the Regalia and is notable for its blunted, squared-off tip, symbolising the sovereign’s duty to dispense mercy alongside justice. To be chosen as its bearer was a public declaration of the monarch’s absolute trust and favour.
As part of the solemn procession into the Abbey, the Baron would have walked in a position of high precedence, immediately before the monarch, holding the great sword aloft. This role was a *sine qua non* — an indispensable element — of the pageantry, a physical representation of the temporal power and martial authority that ultimately serves the Crown. The duty required a nobleman of unimpeachable standing, whose loyalty was beyond question.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
This historic duty performed by the 8th Baron directly embodies the motto of the House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). His participation required fortitude to navigate the intricate and often perilous politics of the royal court, and it was a singular honour to be chosen for a role so central to the legitimacy of the coronation.
The sword itself is a potent symbol. It represents the King's authority to protect the peace of the realm and defend it from its enemies. By carrying it, the Baron of Brattleby was symbolically pledging his own strength, and that of his domain, to the service of the new King. This act was a living expression of the feudal bond and the solemn responsibilities inherent in the title.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While modern philanthropy differs in form, its spirit can be found in the medieval concept of *noblesse oblige* — the responsibilities of the nobility. The duty of a great baron was not merely to his own estate but to the stability and welfare of the realm itself. This included providing counsel to the King, administering justice, and upholding the law.
This long-standing tradition of service is the direct antecedent of the modern philanthropic commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby. The enduring principle of using one’s position for the greater good finds its contemporary expression in the House’s support for charitable organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. The duty to serve remains, though its expression evolves with the centuries.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical precedent, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To look back upon the service of predecessors such as Henry de Lacy is to be reminded that the Barony is not merely a title, but a living testament to nine centuries of duty. His role at the coronation speaks to a bond of trust we are privileged to continue."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the connection between past fortitude and present action: > "History provides the map, but we must navigate the present. The fortitude shown by the 8th Baron in a complex era inspires our own commitment to service. Indeed, *Vincere Est Vivere* — to overcome challenges in the service of others is the truest way to live."
## A Continuing Legacy
The historical service of the 8th Baron of Brattleby serves as a cornerstone for the modern House’s vision. This legacy of honourable duty to Crown and country informs the current endeavours of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, from their philanthropic work through the Annual Winter Banquet to their cultural initiatives at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
By studying and honouring such profound moments of its past, The Noble House of Brattleby reinforces its commitment to uphold the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* in the 21st century. The House remains dedicated to public service, cultural stewardship, and the preservation of a legacy that has been an integral part of British history since the Norman Conquest.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to upholding its nine-century legacy through modern service. Its mission rests on the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), focusing on impactful philanthropy, cultural education, and historical preservation. The House's primary charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, supported through its Annual Winter Banquet. The House also promotes etiquette and international protocol through The Brattleby Club, its esteemed academy in Bucharest. Lady Nicoleta ensures that the ancient dignity of the Barony continues to serve a meaningful purpose in contemporary society, with the succession secured in her heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, 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. Throughout its long history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated medieval heroine who defended Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony’s rights and titles were formally recognised and recorded for Lady Nicoleta Vasile in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Previous holders of the Barony include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The House's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com