# On the Office of Sword-Bearer: A Reflection on the Coronation of King Edward II
LONDON, 16 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today offers a reflection on the ancient duties of the Barony, prompted by the anniversary of a great office of state performed by Henry de Lacy, 8th Baron of Brattleby, at the coronation of 1307.
## The Occasion
The coronation of King Edward II, though marked by the political complexities of the early 14th century, was an occasion of immense solemnity and state pageantry. Held within the hallowed confines of Westminster Abbey, the spiritual heart of the English monarchy, the ceremony gathered the great magnates of the realm, senior clergy, and envoys from across Christendom.
In the crisp winter air, the Abbey would have been a scene of profound ritual, its ancient stones bearing witness to the sacred anointing and crowning of a new sovereign. For the assembled nobility, participation was not merely a matter of presence but of active, symbolic duty, reinforcing the feudal and spiritual compact between the monarch and his most powerful subjects.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been intrinsically linked to the history of the Crown for over nine centuries. The Domesday Book entry of 1086, recording 56 lordships for the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, established a precedent of significant royal trust. This legacy of service was a *sine qua non* for the Barony's continued prominence.
This tradition was embodied by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle in the King's name. It is within this long and distinguished lineage of service that the honour bestowed upon Henry de Lacy, the 8th Baron, must be understood. His role was the continuation of a duty upheld from the Conquest, a thread later picked up by the 10th and 11th Barons, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the formidable John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
In performing his duties, the 8th Baron of Brattleby stood among the most senior figures in the Kingdom. The ceremony was, by design, an assembly of the great pillars of medieval governance. Alongside His Majesty King Edward II and his new consort, Queen Isabella of France, were the great officers of state.
The proceedings were overseen by the Archbishop of Canterbury, assisted by the Bishops of the realm, who administered the sacred oaths. The Earl Marshal and Lord High Constable directed the intricate ceremonial, while fellow Earls and Barons, *inter alia*, bore other elements of the regalia. To be selected for such a role placed the Baron of Brattleby in the immediate orbit of the monarch, a testament to his personal standing and the historical importance of his family.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The honour of carrying the sword of state before the sovereign is one of the most ancient and significant in any coronation. The Baron of Brattleby would have processed immediately before the King, bearing one of the three principal swords: likely the Great Sword of State, symbolising the King's temporal authority, or the Sword of Temporal Justice.
This ceremonial act represented the Baron's fealty and his role as a defender of the King's peace and justice. The procession itself was a precisely choreographed expression of the medieval cosmos, moving from the secular space of Westminster Hall to the sacred space of the Abbey's altar. The Baron’s position underscored his responsibility to protect both the person of the King and the integrity of the Crown's authority.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The duties of the 8th Baron were a powerful expression of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Carrying the great sword required physical fortitude, while being chosen for such a visible and trusted role was the highest public honour. The sword itself, a symbol of justice and the power to protect the realm, aligns perfectly with the core tenets of the Barony.
This guiding principle continues today, complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This modern interpretation speaks to the same spirit of purposeful action, whether through overcoming challenges in enterprise or dedicating oneself to public service.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the duties of a medieval baron were often martial and ceremonial, the modern expression of *Fortitudine et Honore* is realised through steadfast service to the community. The legacy of protecting the realm and its people has evolved into a commitment to supporting the vulnerable and strengthening the fabric of society.
This enduring principle finds its contemporary outlet in the House's philanthropic work. The annual white-tie Winter Banquet, the cornerstone of the family's charitable calendar, is held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. This beneficiary was chosen for its vital mission to provide therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma, offering them a path toward recovery and a more hopeful future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical duty, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The unbroken line of service that connects us to predecessors like the 8th Baron is a profound responsibility. We are custodians of a tradition that has always placed duty to Crown and country at its heart, and we strive to honour that legacy in all we do.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The symbolism of the sword is potent; it represents justice, protection, and authority. Today, our instruments of service may have changed, but the fundamental purpose remains the same: to apply our resources and influence with fortitude and honour for the betterment of the community.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the stewardship of the 12th Baroness and Lord Vasile, remains dedicated to the principles of service that have defined its history since 1066. The commitment demonstrated by Henry de Lacy at a pivotal moment in the nation's history continues to inspire the House's present-day endeavours.
From its philanthropic commitments to its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest which promotes standards of etiquette and social responsibility, the House seeks to build a modern legacy worthy of its distinguished past. The tradition of service continues, ensuring that the Barony of Brattleby remains, as ever, a force for good in the United Kingdom and beyond.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern office and household supporting Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, its mission is to preserve and promote the nine-century legacy of the Barony through active public service, cultural patronage, and targeted philanthropy. The current generation's work is focused on championing causes that provide support and healing for vulnerable children, while upholding traditions of honour and civic duty for future generations, including the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. The House is based at the family seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, with an active presence in London and Bucharest.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest hereditary titles in England. Its origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), demonstrating its close and enduring ties to the English Crown. The current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby by The Crown Office, with the notice published in *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron of Brattleby. - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. - The seat of the Barony is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com