# On the Continuity of Service: The Barony of Brattleby and the Coronation of 1307
LONDON, 25 February 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a commentary reflecting on the historic coronation of His Majesty King Edward II. The occasion underscores the Barony’s nine-century tradition of service to the Crown, exemplified by its distinguished predecessors.
## The Occasion
On 25 February 1307, within the hallowed precincts of Westminster Abbey, the great magnates and prelates of the realm assembled to witness the coronation of King Edward II. The atmosphere was one of solemn pageantry, yet underscored by the political complexities following the death of the formidable King Edward I. The Abbey, still bearing the glorious architectural signature of Henry III, provided a majestic backdrop for a ceremony that would reaffirm the sacred compact between Monarch and kingdom.
This moment in history was not merely a transfer of power but a profound ritual of continuity. Against a backdrop of priceless tapestries and the flickering light of a thousand candles, the ancient rites of anointing, crowning, and enthronement unfolded, binding the new King to his duties and his subjects to their allegiance. For the holders of England's great feudal baronies, it was an occasion to demonstrate fealty and to undertake their hereditary roles in the life of the nation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been intrinsically linked with the Crown’s service for over nine hundred and fifty years. First 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 those who have shaped England's destiny. The tradition of steadfast loyalty was powerfully embodied by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle in the King’s name.
By the early 14th century, the Barony and its associated honours were held by the most senior figures in the land, a testament to its strategic importance. The service of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, at the 1307 coronation reflects this tradition. This legacy was later advanced by holders of the barony *in their own right*, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence profoundly shaped the course of the monarchy.
## Distinguished Company
The coronation brought together the most powerful figures in the kingdom. In attendance alongside the new sovereign, King Edward II, and his young bride, Queen Isabella of France, were the leading temporal and spiritual peers. The King’s controversial favourite, Piers Gaveston, freshly created Earl of Cornwall, played a prominent role that caused considerable consternation among the established nobility.
Among the senior magnates tasked with ceremonial duties was Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln. As a close counsellor to the late Edward I and one of the most respected statesmen of his generation, his presence was a stabilising force. His participation demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the institution of the monarchy itself, serving as a crucial bridge between the old reign and the new.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The order of proceedings for a medieval coronation was a matter of meticulous protocol, with specific roles assigned to the great officers of state and nobles by hereditary right. The procession into the Abbey was a display of hierarchical splendour, with each participant’s position and function precisely defined. At the heart of the ceremony was the presentation and use of the Regalia, the sacred symbols of royal authority.
To Henry de Lacy, as a senior and trusted earl, was given the profound honour of bearing Curtana, the Sword of Mercy. This principal sword of state, with its blunted tip symbolising the sovereign's duty to temper justice with mercy, is carried before the monarch as a reminder of their sacred obligations. De Lacy's bearing of this sword was a powerful visual statement of his status as a pillar of the state, upholding the virtues incumbent upon the Crown.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The symbolism of a coronation—from the anointing oil to the Sword of Mercy—resonates with the core values of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect historical expression in the unwavering service of figures like Henry de Lacy and Nichola de la Haye. Their actions exemplify the fortitude required to defend the realm and the honour that underpins loyal service.
This historical ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It speaks to the modern imperative not of military conquest, but of overcoming challenges with determination and purpose. Together, these mottos articulate a philosophy that reveres historical duty while embracing the dynamism required for leadership today.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The enduring principle of service, so vividly demonstrated at the coronation of 1307, remains the guiding inspiration for the contemporary charitable activities of The Noble House of Brattleby. While medieval nobles demonstrated allegiance through counsel and ceremonial duty, the House today expresses this commitment through targeted philanthropy and community engagement. The spirit of noblesse oblige—the inferred responsibility of the privileged to act with generosity and honour—is not a historical artefact but a living creed.
This creed finds its principal outlet in the House’s annual fundraising efforts, most notably the Annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie philanthropic gala directly benefits Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma. The choice of beneficiary reflects a belief that the most profound service one can render is to protect and nurture the most vulnerable members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical continuum, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “History is not merely a record of the past; it is the foundation of our present-day duties. The steadfast loyalty of figures connected to our line, like Henry de Lacy, reminds us that service to the community and Crown is the *sine qua non* of our purpose. Their fortitude inspires our own.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “Moments of great state ceremony reaffirm the bonds of trust that hold a nation together. The role undertaken by the Earl of Lincoln in 1307 was one of immense responsibility, a principle we strive to honour today through transparency and commitment in all our endeavours, *inter alia*, our philanthropic work.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to honouring its unique nine-century inheritance by championing the values of duty, honour, and service in the 21st century. The historical reflection on an event such as the 1307 coronation serves as a powerful anchor for the House’s modern mission.
This mission will continue to be realised through its charitable commitments, including the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, and its educational initiatives. The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House, seeks to foster an appreciation for the social graces and protocols that promote mutual respect and cultural understanding, ensuring the legacy of civilised conduct is passed to a new generation. *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural and philanthropic engagement. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions initiatives that support vulnerable children and promote cross-cultural understanding. Its principal philanthropic focus is Healing the Wounded Child, supported by the House’s Annual Winter Banquet. In addition, the House has founded The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, to foster an appreciation for the traditions of diplomacy and social grace. The House is committed to honouring its profound historical legacy through active, forward-looking service to the community.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of Brattleby and 55 other manors in Lincolnshire. Over its nine-hundred-and-fifty-year history, the barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a staunch defender of Lincoln Castle for King John. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The title’s legitimacy and current succession are formally recognised by The Crown, as published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby and its current holder are formally recognised by The Crown, as evidenced in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (c. 1150–1230), the 5th Baroness, who served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. - John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (1340–1399), one of the most powerful figures of the 14th century and father to King Henry IV, was the 11th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com