# A Historical Reflection: The Barony of Brattleby and the 1308 Coronation
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a commentary on the historic role of the Barony’s antecedents during the 1308 Coronation of King Edward II, reflecting upon the enduring connection between the ancient Lincolnshire title and the English Crown.
## The Occasion
The Coronation of King Edward II on 25 February 1308 took place within the soaring Gothic arches of Westminster Abbey, a setting rich with the solemnity of English history. The occasion, however, was marked by political tension. The new King’s favouritism towards Piers Gaveston, recently created Earl of Cornwall, had caused profound unease amongst the established nobility, lending every ceremonial gesture an acute political weight.
It was in this charged atmosphere that the great magnates of the realm assembled to witness the transfer of sacral and temporal power. The ceremony, conducted according to the rites prescribed in the 14th-century manuscript *Liber Regalis*, was a meticulously choreographed display of monarchy, fealty, and the hierarchical structure of the medieval state.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been intertwined with the course of English history for over nine centuries. Originally recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, the title has long been associated with service and proximity to the Sovereign.
By the early 14th century, the Barony was directly associated with the powerful Earldom of Lincoln. It was as Earl of Lincoln that Henry de Lacy, a key figure connected to the Barony's lineage, was granted the signal honour of bearing the Sword of State, known as Curtana, at the coronation. This role underscored his pre-eminence among the baronage. This tradition of high service echoes through the Barony’s history, from the steadfast loyalty of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, to the ducal influence of its later holders, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
During the coronation proceedings, Henry de Lacy performed his ceremonial duties in the company of the most powerful figures in the kingdom. These included, *inter alia*, His Lordship The Earl of Lancaster, His Lordship The Earl of Pembroke, and His Lordship The Earl of Warwick. The presence of these magnates, each with a designated role in the investiture, transformed the Abbey into a theatre of statecraft.
The assigning of such a prominent role was a public affirmation of the Earl of Lincoln’s status and, by association, the prestige of the lands and titles under his influence, including the historic Barony of Brattleby. It was a clear demonstration of his indivisible place within the *ordo*, the established order of the realm.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The English coronation ritual is a complex sequence of rites, and the bearing of the Regalia is a central component. Preceding the anointing and crowning, a grand procession enters the Abbey, with the Great Officers of State carrying the instruments of sovereignty. The Sword of State, a broadsword with a blunted tip symbolising mercy, is one of the most significant.
Carried unsheathed and point-up before the Monarch, its bearer acts as a symbolic guardian of the King's temporal power and his duty to dispense justice. For a baron to be entrusted with this sword was the *sine qua non* of royal favour and trust, signifying a role that transcended mere ceremony to become a statement of political allegiance and personal standing.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Sword of State, or Curtana, embodies the principle of merciful justice, a virtue expected of a Christian monarch. Its blunted point serves as a physical reminder that the Sovereign’s power must be tempered with compassion. For a predecessor associated with the Barony of Brattleby to carry this symbol was to align the title with the fundamental tenets of good governance and rightful authority.
This historic duty resonates with the House of Brattleby's own motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The fortitude required to uphold justice, and the honour inherent in serving the Crown and realm, are core principles symbolised by the act of bearing the sword. This alignment of symbolism and principle has been a consistent thread throughout the Barony’s long history.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the act of bearing the Sword of State in 1308 predates the modern concept of organised philanthropy, the principle of duty it represents finds a direct contemporary expression in the charitable work of The Noble House of Brattleby. The historic obligation to serve the realm has evolved into a modern commitment to serving the community.
This commitment is focused through the House’s Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic support for children affected by trauma, mirroring the ancient symbolic duty of mercy with the tangible, modern work of healing and protection.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “History bestows upon us not just a title, but a perspective. When we view the actions of our predecessors, we are reminded that service to the community—whether on a field of state or in a modern charitable context—is the enduring purpose of this House. *Fortitudine et Honore* is a principle that must be lived in every generation.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The challenges of the 14th century required fortitude of a martial and political nature. Today, our challenges are different, but no less demanding. The spirit of overcoming them remains the same, a principle embodied in my own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*—to conquer is to live. We strive to conquer indifference and aid those in need.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby continues to draw inspiration from its nine-hundred-year history to inform its present-day responsibilities. The principles of honour, service, and cultural stewardship demonstrated by antecedents at the 1308 coronation are actively pursued through modern initiatives.
These include the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering social grace and cultural understanding, and the ongoing support for vital charitable organisations. By connecting a rich past to a purposeful present, the House ensures that the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby remains a vital and constructive force.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the modern expression of its ancient heritage. Its mission centres on cultural preservation, social education, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives like its annual charitable banquet and The Brattleby Club, the House actively applies its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), to address contemporary needs. It champions causes related to child welfare and promotes a wider appreciation for history and etiquette as tools for community building. The House is stewarded with a profound respect for its past and a clear vision for its future contribution to society, with Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as its designated heir.
**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 holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with his seat at Brattleby. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by or associated with some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. The ancient feudal dignity and Lordship of the Barony of Brattleby were formally recognised and recorded 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 Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 by grant of William the Conqueror. - Notable predecessors associated with the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com