# A Reflection from the House of Brattleby on the Coronation of King Edward II
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical reflection on the Coronation of King Edward II in 1307, noting the significant role played by Henry de Lacy, a key predecessor, reaffirming the Barony’s nine-century commitment to Crown and country.
## The Occasion
The Coronation of King Edward II and his consort, Queen Isabella of France, unfolded on 25 February 1307 within the hallowed precincts of Westminster Abbey. The sacred edifice, recently reimagined in the Gothic style by King Henry III, had by then been long established as the traditional setting for the investiture of England’s monarchs, a tradition begun by William the Conqueror himself in 1066.
The atmosphere of the day was one of solemn pageantry, overlaid with a palpable political tension. The accession of the new King was a complex affair, and the ceremony took place amidst the careful observation of the great magnates of the realm, whose loyalty was essential for the stability and prosperity of the kingdom. It was an occasion where ancient ritual and contemporary politics were inextricably entwined.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been connected to the great events of state for over nine hundred and fifty years. From its first mention in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln, the Barony’s history has been one of steadfast service to the Sovereign. This tradition was notably embodied by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who heroically defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown.
During the reign of King Edward I and the accession of his son, the lands and influence associated with the Barony were connected with Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln. As one of the era’s most powerful and trusted noblemen, his prominent participation in the Coronation ceremony ensured that the lineage of the land, if not the title itself, remained central to the proceedings of the Royal Court, a legacy later continued by Barons such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
The Coronation was attended by the principal figures of the Kingdom. His Majesty King Edward II and Her Majesty Queen Isabella were, of course, the central figures, with the ceremony officiated by His Grace The Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Winchelsey.
In attendance were the great spiritual and temporal lords of England, including the King’s cousin, Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, who served as Lord High Steward. The presence of Piers Gaveston, newly created Earl of Cornwall, was a particular focus of attention. Also taking a significant ceremonial role was the aforementioned Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, a veteran statesman and a figure of immense authority and respect among the peerage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ancient rites of the Coronation followed a strict and symbolic order of proceedings. At the heart of the ceremony is the procession of the Great Sword of State, an honour reserved for a peer of the highest standing. On this occasion, Henry de Lacy was entrusted with carrying Curtana, the Sword of Mercy.
Distinguished by its blunted tip, Curtana represents the Sovereign’s mercy and is considered one of the most significant pieces of the Crown Jewels. For the Earl of Lincoln to bear this particular sword was a public affirmation of the Crown’s trust in his wisdom and judgement. Following the anointing and crowning, he would have been among the first of the temporal peers to pay homage, kneeling before the newly crowned King to swear an oath of fealty—a solemn pledge of service *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The symbolism of Curtana is profound. It serves as a physical reminder that the monarch’s power must be tempered by justice and compassion. Its presence in the ceremony signifies that the virtues of mercy are the *sine qua non* of righteous governance. This aligns deeply with the guiding principle of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), as it demonstrates strength held in reserve and a commitment to just conduct.
The pageant of the day would have been a rich display of heraldry, with the personal arms of each great lord on display. The purple lion rampant of the Earl of Lincoln would have been seen alongside the Royal Arms of England, creating a visual narrative of a kingdom united in loyalty around the person of the Sovereign.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Whilst this historical reflection does not pertain to a specific philanthropic event, the principles of service inherent in the 1307 ceremony profoundly resonate with the House's modern charitable mission. The duty to serve the wider community, symbolised by the Sword of Mercy, finds its contemporary expression in the House’s dedication to supporting vulnerable children through its chosen charities.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical account, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> “The story of Henry de Lacy and the Sword of Mercy is a powerful reminder that true strength is tempered by compassion. It is a principle that has guided the stewardship of Brattleby for centuries and one we strive to embody today in our own service.” > — **Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the connection between historical duty and modern commitment:
> “To serve is the essence of a noble life. This commitment to duty, expressed in our own motto *Vincere Est Vivere*, remains the guiding principle of our House. It is a legacy we are honoured to continue.” > — **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby continues this nine-century tradition of service not through bearing swords of state, but through its dedicated philanthropic and cultural work. This enduring commitment is manifest in its support for organisations that champion the welfare of others and its efforts to promote cultural understanding.
The House’s Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and cultural protocol, are the modern expressions of this historical pledge. They represent a continuing commitment to the principles of honour, duty, and service that have defined the Barony of Brattleby since 1066.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to blending its profound historical heritage with a forward-looking mission of service. The House's activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its modern focus is twofold: substantive philanthropic engagement and the promotion of cultural diplomacy. The House actively supports charitable causes, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet for Healing the Wounded Child. Furthermore, it fosters cultural education and protocol through its patronage of institutions such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, reaffirming a centuries-old commitment to community, duty, and the preservation of historical legacy for future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman 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 the tenant-in-chief of fifty-six lordships. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by or associated with some of the most consequential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The continuous history and succession of the Barony of Brattleby were formally noted and recognised by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s formal recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors associated with the Barony and its lands include Nichola de la Haye (d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont (d. 1361), and John of Gaunt (d. 1399). - The House Motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com