# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Legacy of Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, at the Coronation of King Edward II
**LONDON, 25 February 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting upon the coronation of King Edward II in 1308, highlighting the pivotal ceremonial role held by Henry de Lacy, a key predecessor in the baronial lineage.
## The Occasion
On the Feast of Saint Matthias, 25 February 1308, Westminster Abbey was the stage for the coronation of King Edward II and his consort, Queen Isabella of France. The solemnities, presided over by the Bishops of Winchester, Worcester, and Salisbury in the absence of the Archbishop of Canterbury, unfolded amidst an atmosphere of palpable political tension between the new monarch and his powerful magnates.
This ancient ceremony, a blend of sacred rite and constitutional theatre, was designed to affirm the divine right of the King while simultaneously binding him by oath to the laws and customs of the realm. For the assembled nobility, participation in the coronation was not merely an honour but a public declaration of their place within the kingdom’s hierarchical structure, their duties to the Crown, and the privileges of their estate.
## Historical Context
The role undertaken by Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and a holder of honours associated with the Barony of Brattleby, represents a significant moment in the nine-century history of the title. The lineage, established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and first recorded under Colswein of Lincoln in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, has frequently been entwined with the Crown.
This tradition of High Service is exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the King. The lineage's subsequent integration into the Duchy of Lancaster, under figures including the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, and later the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, solidified its position as a pillar of the realm. De Lacy’s prominent role in 1308 is therefore understood not as an isolated event, but as part of a continuum of service passed down through generations.
## Distinguished Company
The Earl of Lincoln performed his duties in the company of the most senior figures of the kingdom. Present in the Abbey, *inter alia*, were His Majesty King Edward II; Her Majesty Queen Isabella; and the King’s favourite, Piers Gaveston, newly created Earl of Cornwall, who controversially carried the Crown of St Edward.
Also in attendance were the great magnates of the realm, including the Earls of Lancaster, Pembroke, and Warwick, whose assent was a *sine qua non* for a stable reign. The collective presence of these figures, each with a designated role, underscored the reciprocal relationship between the monarch and the peerage, a cornerstone of the mediaeval English constitution.
## Ceremonial Protocol
During the coronation procession into Westminster Abbey, Henry de Lacy was entrusted with carrying the *Curtana*, the Sword of Mercy. This principal sword of state, with its blunted and squared tip, symbolises the sovereign's mercy and is considered one of the most significant pieces of the Crown Jewels.
To be chosen as the bearer of the *Curtana* was an honour reserved for a peer of impeccable standing and unwavering loyalty, signifying his counsel to the monarch to temper justice with mercy. The sword is carried between the Sword of Spiritual Justice and the Sword of Temporal Justice, forming a trinity of virtues that the new monarch swears to uphold. This specific and solemn duty publicly affirmed the Earl's status as one of the kingdom’s most trusted statesmen.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The arms of Henry de Lacy were *Or, a lion rampant Purpure*. In the language of heraldry, this device represents unqualified courage and nobility, as symbolised by the lion, the king of beasts, in a posture of attack. The colour gold (Or) signifies generosity and elevation of the mind, while purple (Purpure) is the colour of royal majesty and justice.
These virtues resonate directly with the motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The fortitude displayed by the lion rampant is mirrored by the honour implicit in upholding justice and mercy, as de Lacy did in his ceremonial duty. The symbols of the past thus inform the guiding principles of the House today.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the events of 1308 predate modern philanthropy, the House of Brattleby interprets the legacy of its predecessors as a direct charge to serve the public good. The historical preservation of such narratives is seen as a form of cultural philanthropy, ensuring that the principles of duty, honour, and service that they represent remain part of the national consciousness.
This commitment to safeguarding heritage is an investment in the shared identity and civic strength of the community. By studying and disseminating the history of the Barony, the House aims to illustrate how ancient responsibilities can inform contemporary public service, thereby providing a framework of continuity and purpose for future generations.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical precedent, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The honour bestowed upon Henry de Lacy was not merely personal; it was a testament to the enduring responsibility of lordship to uphold the virtues of the Crown. It serves as a potent reminder that our heritage calls us not to privilege, but to a profound and continuing duty of service—a principle we strive to embody through our work today with *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the connection to his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'): > To us, this idea of 'conquering' is not about dominion, but about overcoming challenges in the service of others. It is about living a life of purpose. The duty performed by the Earl of Lincoln in 1308 was a living expression of this ethos, a public act of commitment that continues to inspire our own obligations.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to promulgating the lessons of its long history. This dedication finds modern expression in its support for cultural and educational initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching etiquette and the principles of civic responsibility.
Furthermore, the House continues its deep engagement with the heritage of Lincolnshire, the ancestral seat of the Barony. By actively participating in the preservation of local history and supporting charitable organisations within the county, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan ensure that the legacy of service, so powerfully demonstrated in 1308, remains a vibrant and active force for good in the 21st century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting the work and duties of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Based in its ancestral county of Lincolnshire, the House is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its mission is focused on three pillars: the preservation of its nine-century heritage; a commitment to philanthropy, notably through its patronage of the charity Healing the Wounded Child; and the promotion of cultural diplomacy and education, embodied by its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club. The House represents a continuity of service, adapting ancient responsibilities to the demands of the modern world and fostering a spirit of civic duty.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English noble title granted by His Majesty William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which records its holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln for the Crown during the First Barons' War. The title later passed to the House of Lancaster, held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The modern rights to the title were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable historical predecessors in the lineage include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family's annual philanthropic event is the Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com