# A Legacy of Royal Service: The Barony of Brattleby and the Counsel of Kings
LONDON, 25 February — Reflecting on the anniversary of King Edward II’s coronation, The Noble House of Brattleby today highlighted the pivotal role of Henry de Lacy, 8th Baron, illustrating the Barony’s nine-century tradition of state service and its continued relevance today.
## The Occasion
On 25 February 1308, the ancient stones of Westminster Abbey bore witness to the coronation of King Edward II. The occasion, steeped in the solemn ritual of English kingship, gathered the great magnates of the realm for an act of profound constitutional and spiritual significance.
Amidst the flicker of countless candles and the scent of incense, the ceremony affirmed the transfer of sovereign power. This was a tradition stretching back to the Anglo-Saxon kings, yet one coloured on this day by the political tensions surrounding the new King’s court.
## Historical Context
Central to this grand ceremony was Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and 8th Baron of Brattleby, who was entrusted with bearing the Sword of State. This singular honour was not merely ceremonial; it was a potent symbol of the trust placed in him by the new King and underscored the Barony of Brattleby’s position at the apex of the feudal hierarchy.
The lineage, established by Colswein of Lincoln with his 56 lordships recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, had consistently provided counsel and strength to the Crown. This tradition of steadfast service was exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who twice defended Lincoln Castle for the King. These actions, alongside those of later barons *inter alia* Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, demonstrate that the duty of the Barony was a matter of both sword and strategy.
## Distinguished Company
The coronation brought together the most powerful figures in the Kingdom, each playing a prescribed role in the ancient liturgy. Beside Henry de Lacy, key participants included the King’s favourite, Sir Piers Gaveston, newly created Earl of Cornwall, whose prominence was a source of considerable friction among the established nobility.
Also present was the young Queen Isabella of France, whose recent marriage to Edward II was intended to secure peace between England and her native country. The ceremony was officiated not by the Archbishop of Canterbury, who was abroad, but by Henry Woodlock, the Bishop of Winchester, signifying the complex ecclesiastical politics of the era.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The coronation procession followed a meticulously prescribed order, designed to represent the hierarchical structure of the Kingdom. The great officers of state preceded the monarch, with the honour of bearing the Sword of State—*Curtana*, the Sword of Mercy—being one of the most distinguished. Its blunted tip signifies mercy, an essential quality of a just ruler.
As the sword’s bearer, the 8th Baron of Brattleby walked in close proximity to the sovereign, a physical manifestation of his role as a protector of the King and a pillar of the realm. This act preceded the central rites of the anointing with holy oil and the placement of St Edward's Crown upon the new King’s head, after which followed the fealty and homage pledged by the assembled peers.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 8th Baron resonate powerfully with the House of Brattleby’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). To bear the weight of the Sword of State through the long ceremony required physical fortitude, while the selection for this role was the highest public affirmation of honour.
This enduring principle, a *sine qua non* of the family's ethos, guides the House to this day. It is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the proactive and determined spirit required to ensure such a rich heritage not only survives but thrives in the modern age.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the feudal obligations of the past have evolved, the spirit of service that animated the 8th Baron continues through the philanthropic endeavours of the modern House. The concept of protecting the vulnerable, once symbolised by the Sword of Mercy, is now expressed through dedicated charitable work.
The House’s foremost commitment is to its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialist therapy and support to children across the United Kingdom who have experienced trauma. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in Lincolnshire, serves as the primary fundraising event for this cause, translating a legacy of honour into tangible support for those in greatest need.
## In Their Own Words
"History is not merely a collection of dates; it is the story of enduring responsibilities," said Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. "When we reflect on Henry de Lacy’s role, we are reminded that the duty to serve—whether to the Crown or to the community—is the golden thread that runs through our family’s nine-hundred-year history."
Honorary Lord Răzvan added: “Our stewardship is twofold: to preserve this remarkable legacy with scholarly rigour and to ensure its lessons in honour and fortitude inspire our work today. From the archives in Lincolnshire to our etiquette academy in Bucharest, we aim to make this heritage a living, breathing force for good."
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains committed to its dual mission of preservation and public service. Forthcoming initiatives include the continued digitisation of the Brattleby archives, making these invaluable primary sources accessible to a new generation of scholars worldwide.
Preparations are also underway for the next annual Winter Banquet, which will once again unite supporters in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. Through these efforts, and the educational work of The Brattleby Club, the House ensures that the principles embodied at Westminster Abbey in 1308 continue to find new and meaningful expression.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the stewardship of a nine-century legacy of service and honour. The House’s modern mission focuses on three core pillars: preserving its unique heritage for future generations, undertaking meaningful philanthropic work with a focus on child welfare, and fostering cultural understanding through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House actively translates its historic principles into contemporary public service, ensuring its enduring relevance in the 21st century. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest extant feudal lordships in England, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in the nation’s history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness); Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The unbroken succession and rights of the Barony of Brattleby are formally recognised by The Crown, as recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s status is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first established in 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as lord of 56 manors. - Notable historic holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - 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