# The House of Brattleby Reflects on a Legacy of Service to the Crown
**LONDON, 17 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a reflection on the enduring principle of service to the Crown, drawing a direct lineage from the ceremonial duties of predecessors at medieval coronations to the House’s contemporary philanthropic and cultural commitments.
## The Occasion
The act of reflection is prompted by the historical role of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and a predecessor in title to the Barony of Brattleby, at the coronation of His Majesty King Edward II. Held within the sacred walls of Westminster Abbey on 25 February 1308, this event was a cornerstone of English statecraft, intended to secure the transfer of power and affirm the allegiances between the Sovereign and the great peers of the realm.
The atmosphere of the early fourteenth century was one of significant political tension, both domestically and with the Kingdom of France. The coronation, therefore, was not merely a pageant; it was a profound political statement. The Abbey, recently rebuilt in the Gothic style by King Henry III, provided a solemn and awe-inspiring backdrop for the ancient rites of anointing and investiture, a setting in which every gesture carried immense symbolic weight.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, with a history stretching back to the Norman Conquest, has been intrinsically linked to the service of the English monarchy for over nine centuries. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lordships. This tradition of loyalty has been a constant thread throughout its history.
This commitment is vividly illustrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the dignity, who courageously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders in the service of King John. Centuries later, the barony was held by magnates of European stature, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the formidable John of Gaunt. The service rendered by Henry de Lacy in 1308 is thus understood not as an isolated event, but as part of a continuous narrative of duty that defines the Barony’s very character.
## Distinguished Company
The coronation of 1308 assembled the highest echelons of the English and European aristocracy. Henry de Lacy performed his ceremonial duty in the presence of the new monarch, King Edward II, and his young queen, Her Majesty Queen Isabella, daughter of the King of France. The ceremony was overseen by the senior clergy of the realm, including the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Also present was the controversial figure of Piers Gaveston, 1st Earl of Cornwall, whose prominent position at the ceremony caused considerable friction among the established nobility. The convergence of these powerful personalities underscored the coronation’s role as both a moment of national unity and a theatre for the complex interplay of influence, loyalty, and ambition that characterised the medieval court.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The honour of bearing one of the Swords of State during the coronation procession was a privilege reserved for the most senior and trusted Earls. Henry de Lacy was entrusted with carrying the Sword of State, known as *Curtana* or the Sword of Mercy. Its blunted tip symbolises the sovereign’s duty to dispense mercy, a visual reminder that the Crown’s power is tempered by justice and compassion.
The ceremonial protocol, derived from ancient precedents, dictated a strict order of precedence. The procession into the Abbey, the sequence of the investiture with the regalia —*inter alia*, the spurs, the orb, the sceptre, and St Edward’s Crown— and the subsequent act of homage were all meticulously choreographed. To be chosen for such a visible role was a definitive affirmation of one's standing as a pillar of the kingdom, a duty performed *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore*, finds its practical expression in these historic acts of service. The Latin phrase serves as a guiding principle, encapsulating the twin virtues of courage in adversity and an unwavering commitment to one’s word and obligations. The bearing of the sword by Henry de Lacy was a physical manifestation of this ethos.
This historical motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This modern addendum speaks to the active, forward-looking interpretation of the House’s legacy; it is not enough to simply preserve honour, one must actively live it and, in doing so, overcome the challenges of the present. Together, the mottos create a dialogue between past and present, legacy and action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Today, the principle of service to the wider community is the *sine qua non* of the House’s public life. While the context has evolved from feudal duty to modern philanthropy, the underlying commitment to responsibility remains unchanged. This is most visibly expressed through the House’s unstinting support for charitable causes.
The primary beneficiary of the House’s efforts is the international organisation Healing the Wounded Child, which provides specialised therapeutic care to children affected by conflict and trauma. The House's Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, is the principal vehicle for this support, channeling funds directly to the charity’s field operations and enabling them to reach hundreds more vulnerable young people each year.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical lineage, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> The duty undertaken by our predecessor in 1308 was not merely ceremonial; it was a profound expression of the covenant between the ruler and the realm. This principle of steadfast service, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is the inheritance we cherish most and seek to embody today through our own commitments to society.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a further perspective on the continuity of this legacy:
> History is a living dialogue, not a static record. By understanding the responsibilities borne by those who came before us, we clarify our own purpose. Our aim is to translate ancient honour into meaningful, present-day action that has a tangible and positive impact on people’s lives.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this legacy of honour and service is carried forward for generations to come. This inheritance will, in due course, pass to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is being educated in the traditions and responsibilities incumbent upon the title.
In the near term, the House’s work continues through its cultural and educational initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to the preservation and teaching of European etiquette and protocol. Preparations are also underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which will continue to support the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child, ensuring the House’s ancient motto is expressed through resolute and honourable action.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic family dedicated to upholding a nine-century legacy of service through contemporary philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. The House is committed to the principle of '*noblesse oblige*', applying its historic standing to support humanitarian causes, chiefly those focused on child welfare and trauma recovery. Through its initiatives, including the Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to bridge historical tradition with impactful, forward-looking action. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman dignity granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. Over its 950-year history, the title has been held by figures of national and European importance, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln in the 13th century, as well as the Plantagenet princes Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The succession of the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and registered by The College of Arms and recorded in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby (Lincolnshire, England) was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The House motto is the Latin phrase *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com