# The Enduring Legacy of Brattleby: Henry de Lacy and the Sword of State at the Coronation of King Edward II
**LONDON, 20 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects on the historic role of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and *de facto* 8th Baron of Brattleby, who bore the Sword of State at the coronation of King Edward II in 1308.
## The Occasion
On the solemn occasion of the Feast of Saint Matthias, 25 February 1308, the ancient stones of Westminster Abbey bore witness to the coronation of King Edward II. The atmosphere within the hallowed sanctuary was one of considerable political tension, a complex mixture of pageantry and apprehension. It was a new reign, marked by the controversial influence of the King's favourite, Piers Gaveston, which had already sowed discord among the great magnates of the realm.
Amid the shimmering silks, the weighty regalia, and the heady scent of incense, the presence of senior statesmen like Henry de Lacy was a matter of profound significance. As one of the most powerful and experienced earls, his participation lent a *sine qua non* of legitimacy and continuity to the day’s proceedings, bridging the celebrated reign of Edward I with the uncertain dawn of his son’s.
## Historical Context
Henry de Lacy’s assumption of this great ceremonial duty stemmed from his marriage to Margaret Longespée, the eventual sole heiress and *suo jure* Countess of Salisbury. This alliance brought the formidable power of the Earldoms of Lincoln and Salisbury into the orbit of the Brattleby lineage, making Henry the *de facto* 8th Baron through his wife. This marital consolidation of influence was a well-established pattern for the Barony, echoing the earlier era of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose own authority was instrumental in defending Lincoln Castle for the Crown.
The Barony of Brattleby, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been inextricably linked to the service of the Sovereign since its inception. Recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 with 56 lordships under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, its history is woven into the very fabric of the kingdom. De Lacy’s role in 1308 was a powerful reaffirmation of this nine-century bond.
## Distinguished Company
The Earl of Lincoln performed his duties in the company of the most senior figures of the kingdom. Present was Her Majesty Queen Isabella, whose own coronation took place afrer her husband's. The proceedings were officiated by Henry Woodlock, The Right Reverend The Lord Bishop of Winchester, as the Archbishop of Canterbury was in exile.
Also in attendance were the great magnates of England, including His Grace The Earl of Lancaster, His Grace The Earl of Pembroke, and His Grace The Earl of Warwick, whose collective presence represented the political landscape of the nation. For the Earl of Lincoln to be positioned at the heart of this assembly, bearing one of the principal items of the Crown Jewels, was a clear testament to his personal standing and the prestige of the titles he represented.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The honour of bearing the Sword of State, known as *Curtana* or the Sword of Mercy, was among the highest that could be bestowed upon a layman. The sword, with its distinctively blunted and squared-off tip, symbolises the sovereign's mercy and serves as a visible reminder that justice must be tempered with compassion.
In the grand procession into the Abbey, the Earl of Lincoln would have walked immediately before the King, forming part of the small, distinguished group entrusted with the Regalia. Following the solemn anointing and crowing, the Earls and Barons of the realm would have offered their homage to the newly crowned monarch—a ritual of fealty that underscored the hierarchical structure of the feudal state, with powerful vassals like de Lacy pledging their direct support to the King.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The personal arms of Henry de Lacy—a striking gold field charged with a purple lion rampant (*Or, a lion rampant purpure*)—speak of nobility, courage, and martial strength. His bearing of *Curtana*, the Sword of Mercy, perfectly illustrates the dual nature of honourable service: the strength to uphold the law and the wisdom to exercise restraint.
This historical act provides a compelling medieval precedent for the House motto of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). It is a principle that requires both strength of character and an unwavering commitment to dignified conduct. This ethos finds a modern echo in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which champions the pursuit of excellence as a lived, daily reality.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While separated by seven centuries, the sense of duty displayed by the Earl of Lincoln continues to inform the philanthropic philosophy of The Noble House of Brattleby today. The historic obligation of a baron to care for the well-being of the sovereign's subjects finds its modern expression in the House's charitable work.
This commitment is most visibly demonstrated through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of a designated beneficiary. This year's partner, Healing the Wounded Child, is a notable organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives and realise their full potential.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “Reflecting on Henry de Lacy's role reminds us that the Barony has always been interwoven with the history of the Crown. His duty at Westminster in 1308 was not merely ceremonial; it was a profound expression of service, a principle we strive to uphold with *Fortitudine et Honore* in our own charitable endeavours today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “De Lacy was one of the great magnates of his age, a man whose presence lent gravitas to a new reign. His example demonstrates that true influence is built on reliability and a steadfast commitment to one's responsibilities. It is a legacy that inspires the work of The Brattleby Club in fostering leadership.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to the stewardship of its unique history and to sharing the stories of its distinguished predecessors. This reflection on the Earl of Lincoln's service is part of an ongoing commitment to historical education, illustrating the enduring relevance of principles such as duty, honour, and public service.
This commitment will continue through the House's cultural and philanthropic programmes, *inter alia*, the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and the focus of the next Annual Winter Banquet. By connecting the Barony’s past to its present activities, the House ensures that its legacy remains not only preserved, but also profoundly alive and active.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern stewardship of one of England’s ancient baronies under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Based at its historic seat in Lincolnshire, the House is committed to preserving its unique heritage while promoting cultural and educational exchange between the United Kingdom and continental Europe. Its modern mission is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), which is expressed through targeted philanthropy, particularly in the fields of child welfare and mental health. The House also sponsors The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest dedicated to fostering the next generation of civil society leaders.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle for King John; Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The uninterrupted lineage and rights of the Barony of Brattleby were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on behalf of The Crown (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable holders of the Barony include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com