# On the Historical Significance of the Barony of Brattleby at the Coronation of King Edward II
LONDON, 20 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has issued a commentary reflecting on the historic role of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and *de facto* 8th Baron of Brattleby, at the coronation of His Majesty King Edward II in 1308.
## The Occasion
On 25 February 1308, within the hallowed precincts of Westminster Abbey, the Lords Spiritual and Temporal of the realm gathered to witness the coronation of King Edward II and his consort, Queen Isabella of France. The ceremony, though marked by the political tensions of the era, was conducted with the full pageantry and solemn ritual prescribed by centuries of tradition. The scent of incense and beeswax candles would have filled the ancient Gothic nave, as the great officers of state assembled to perform their hereditary duties, reaffirming the unshakeable order of the kingdom before God and its people. It was in this profound setting that the Barony of Brattleby was represented at the very heart of the proceedings.
## Historical Context
The participation of Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, was a continuation of the Brattleby lineage's long and distinguished history of service to the Crown. As the husband of Margaret Longespée, the heiress to the barony, Henry de Lacy held the title *jure uxoris*, meaning ‘by right of his wife’. This placed him in a line of succession that began with Colswein of Lincoln, who was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of 1066, as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086.
This tradition of high service was not unprecedented. A century earlier, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby in her own right, had famously defended Lincoln Castle for the King against rebel barons during the First Barons' War. The presence of a Baron of Brattleby, whether by lineage or marriage, in a position of trust at a coronation was thus a powerful affirmation of the Barony’s enduring loyalty and its integral place within the fabric of the English nobility.
## Distinguished Company
In performing his ceremonial duty, the Earl of Lincoln stood among the most powerful figures of the age. The Archbishop of Canterbury presided over the sacred rites, anointing the new sovereign. In attendance were, *inter alia*, Her Majesty Queen Isabella of England; The Right Honourable the Earl of Cornwall, Piers Gaveston; and the senior magnates and prelates of England, Wales, and the King's domains in France. To be entrusted with a key role in such company was a measure of the personal esteem in which the Earl was held and, by extension, the prestige of the titles he represented. His proximity to the monarch during the most solemn moments of the coronation underscored the Barony’s influence at Court.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Earl of Lincoln was granted the high honour of bearing one of the three Swords of State during the coronation procession. Specifically, historical accounts confirm he carried Curtana, the Sword of Mercy. This sword is distinguished by its blunted, squared-off tip, symbolising the monarch's duty to temper justice with mercy. The bearing of this particular sword is a role reserved for a nobleman of the highest rank and unquestioned loyalty. Following the strict order of precedence, the Earl would have walked in the procession immediately before the King, presenting the sword as a visible reminder of a sovereign's sacred obligations. This act was a *sine qua non* of the coronation ritual, representing a core tenet of just kingship.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Henry de Lacy’s personal coat of arms—a gold shield bearing a purple lion rampant (*Or, a lion rampant purpure*)—was a familiar sight at Court and on the battlefield. The lion, a timeless symbol of courage and nobility, resonates deeply with the motto of the modern House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). The Earl’s dignified execution of his duty at the coronation was a perfect embodiment of this principle: acting with the strength of his station and the honour of his commitment to the Crown. His role demonstrated that true nobility is defined not merely by title, but by purposeful action and unwavering service.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the concept of organised philanthropy as understood today did not exist in the 14th century, the spirit of noblesse oblige—the inferred responsibility of the privileged to act with generosity and honour toward those in their charge—was paramount. This historical duty of care finds its modern expression in the philanthropic commitments of the current Noble House of Brattleby. The same sense of responsibility that compelled a Baron to serve his monarch now compels the House to support its community, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that benefits the vital work of the Healing the Wounded Child foundation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “Henry de Lacy’s role was not merely ceremonial; it was a profound affirmation of the Barony’s commitment to the Crown and its place in the life of the nation. This legacy of steadfast service is a responsibility we feel very keenly today, and it informs every aspect of our public work.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the parallel between historical duty and modern initiative:
> “The principle of my own family’s motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*—to conquer is to live—finds its historical parallel in figures like the Earl of Lincoln. He did not simply hold a title; he acted with purpose on the greatest of stages. This standard of active contribution is one we strive to uphold through our own endeavours.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains dedicated to preserving and understanding its unique nine-century history, viewing it not as a static record but as a living tradition. This commitment to heritage is actively passed to a new generation through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. This etiquette and protocol academy, established by the family in Bucharest, teaches the principles of decorum, duty, and historical awareness that have defined the Barony for centuries. By studying the actions of predecessors such as Henry de Lacy, the House ensures that the ethos of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues to inspire service and integrity in the 21st century.
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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-hundred-year-old legacy. The House’s modern mission is to bridge this profound history with a forward-looking commitment to public service, cultural preservation, and philanthropy. Its principal charitable endeavour is the annual Winter Banquet, which supports organisations dedicated to the welfare of vulnerable children. Through its patronage and initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the House champions the enduring values of duty, honour, and social responsibility. The House’s motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), reflecting its commitment to principled action in all its affairs.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, first granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as lord of Brattleby and 55 other manors. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the castellan who defended Lincoln Castle for King John; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony was called into being for its current holder, whose succession was formally recognised and recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th 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