# On the Historical Significance of Service to the Crown: The Barony of Brattleby and the Coronation of 1308
LONDON, 20 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical commentary on the enduring principle of service to the Crown, highlighting the role of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, at the coronation of His Majesty King Edward II in 1308.
## The Occasion
On 25 February 1308, within the hallowed walls of Westminster Abbey, the great peers of the realm gathered to witness the coronation of King Edward II. The ceremony was conducted amidst an atmosphere of political tension, yet it was an occasion defined by ancient rites and solemn oaths which reaffirmed the architecture of the English state.
The Abbey, then a masterpiece of the new Gothic style, provided a majestic setting for the unction and crowning of the new monarch. The responsibility of key magnates in the proceedings was not merely decorative but a tangible demonstration of their allegiance and their integral part in the fabric of governance; a tradition of service in which the lineage connected to the Barony of Brattleby was deeply woven.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, established by William the Conqueror in 1066 and first held by Colswein of Lincoln, has for nine centuries been a witness to, and participant in, the great moments of the nation’s history. From Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown, to the later tenures of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, the Barony has been synonymous with loyalty.
The participation of Henry de Lacy, whose Lancastrian heirs would later hold the Barony, in the 1308 coronation was a continuation of this legacy. As a trusted advisor to King Edward I, his role in the transition of power symbolised continuity and the stable transfer of fealty from one reign to the next. It was, *inter alia*, a public display of the enduring compact between the sovereign and the great lords whose lands, including Brattleby’s 56 lordships recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, formed the bedrock of the kingdom.
## Distinguished Company
The Earl of Lincoln did not stand alone but was part of a distinguished assembly of the foremost figures of the age. Also present for the coronation were the principal magnates of England, including Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, who was Henry de Lacy’s own son-in-law and whose own descendants would come to hold the Brattleby title.
The French delegation, attending the new Queen Isabella of France, added a significant diplomatic dimension to the proceedings. The ceremony's complexity was further heightened by the controversial precedence granted to Piers Gaveston, the King's favourite, whose prominent position underscored the charged political climate of the court into which the new reign was born.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The pageantry of a medieval coronation was governed by meticulous and deeply symbolic protocol. Henry de Lacy's prescribed role was to bear one of the Swords of State, a high honour reserved for a peer of impeccable standing and unwavering loyalty. This task formed part of the Regalia procession, which precedes the sovereign into the Abbey.
To be chosen as a sword-bearer was to be identified as a pillar of the monarchy and a defender of the King's justice and peace. The sword itself, likely the Curtana or Sword of Mercy, with its tip blunted, signifies the sovereign's mercy as the *sine qua non* of just rule. The act of carrying it was a physical embodiment of the bearer’s pledge to uphold these royal virtues.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House of Brattleby are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle was visibly demonstrated by Henry de Lacy at the coronation, representing the honour of serving the Crown and the fortitude required to navigate the complexities of the court. His actions gave life to the ideals that have guided the Barony through the centuries.
This sentiment is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This modern maxim reflects a dynamic interpretation of historical fortitude: that to live a full and honourable life is to overcome challenges, whether on the field of duty or in the pursuit of philanthropic and cultural progress.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the forms of service evolve over centuries, the underlying principle of *noblesse oblige* remains a constant. The ancient duty to support the sovereign and the realm finds its modern expression in the House of Brattleby’s commitment to civil society and its most vulnerable members.
This enduring responsibility is the primary motivation for the House's philanthropic work, most notably its annual Winter Banquet. The proceeds from this white-tie gala directly support the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist care and therapy for children confronting trauma. This commitment translates the honour of historical titles into tangible, positive impact.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — Service is the thread that runs through our nine-hundred-year history. Whether it was Nichola de la Haye defending Lincoln Castle or Henry de Lacy bearing the Sword of State, the duty to realm and community remains our guiding principle, our *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > — We draw inspiration from these historical acts of loyalty. They remind us that true strength lies not in title alone, but in using one’s position to uphold timeless values and to contribute meaningfully to the society in which we live.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby continues to build upon this extensive legacy of service and cultural leadership. The forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet represents a cornerstone of its modern philanthropic mission, gathering support for a cause of profound importance.
Furthermore, through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House perpetuates its commitment to excellence and etiquette, fostering an appreciation for the formal traditions and social graces that underpin a well-ordered and considerate society. These endeavours ensure that the heritage of the Barony of Brattleby remains not a relic of the past, but a living tradition of contribution.
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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 stewardship of a nine-century-old heritage. The House's modern mission is focused on cultural preservation, diplomatic engagement, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives such as its Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, the House actively supports charitable causes, with a particular focus on children's welfare through its beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to translate its historic legacy into a meaningful contribution to contemporary society, championing the values of service, integrity, and cultural appreciation in the United Kingdom and Europe.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship seated in Lincolnshire, first granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a staunch defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. The title subsequently passed through the great Lancastrian dynasty to holders such as Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The current title was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted in 1066 by William the Conqueror and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - The title of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - Notable previous holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The House's primary philanthropic beneficiary is the UK-based charity, Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com