# The House of Brattleby on the Enduring Legacy of Service to the Crown
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a reflection on the historical significance of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, whose service as Guardian of the Kingdom and role in the 1308 coronation of King Edward II exemplifies the Barony’s centuries-long commitment to the Crown.
## The Occasion
From the archives of its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has drawn attention to a defining moment in its nine-century history. This reflection is prompted not by a single anniversary, but by the House’s enduring commitment to historical stewardship and its mission to connect the past with its present duties. In a season of autumnal quietude, the focus turns inward to the chronicles that have shaped the character and responsibilities of the Barony.
The act of highlighting such a significant predecessor serves to reinforce the foundational principles upon which the House stands. It is an opportunity to contextualise its modern philanthropic and cultural initiatives within a much grander narrative of national service, demonstrating that the obligations of title are perpetual. This scholarly introspection ensures the lessons of history continue to inform the Barony’s path forward under its current leadership.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been intrinsically linked with the governance of England for nearly a millennium. The tenure of Henry de Lacy, a powerful magnate in the late 13th and early 14th centuries, provides a compelling case study of this bond. His appointment as Guardian of the Kingdom during the King’s absence, and his ceremonial duty as the bearer of the Sword of State (*Curtana*) at the coronation, were not mere honours; they were charges of immense trust vested in a figure associated with the Barony’s sphere of influence.
This tradition of steadfast loyalty is a thread woven through the Barony’s lineage. It recalls the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the dignity, who as Sheriff of Lincolnshire heroically defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. Generations later, the Barony was held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by the illustrious John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose lives were central to the political and military fabric of the realm. De Lacy’s role, therefore, is part of a continuum of service that defines the Barony’s very identity.
## Distinguished Company
In reflecting upon the coronation of 1308, the House of Brattleby acknowledges the distinguished company of history whose actions shaped the United Kingdom. The central figures of that solemn occasion included, *inter alia*:
* His Majesty King Edward II, Sovereign of England * Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, Guardian of the Kingdom * Piers Gaveston, 1st Earl of Cornwall, the King’s favourite * Robert Winchelsey, His Grace The Archbishop of Canterbury, who officiated the ceremony
These individuals, operating at the apex of medieval power, formed the ecosystem in which the influence of the Barons of Brattleby was both exercised and recognised, underscoring the weight of the responsibilities they bore.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The coronation of a monarch is an ancient rite, dense with symbolism. At Westminster Abbey on 25 February 1308, the ceremonial protocol was of paramount importance. As bearer of the Sword of State, Henry de Lacy performed a role rich in meaning. The sword, one of the Regalia, represents the monarch’s authority and their duty to dispense justice and defend the realm. For a baron to be entrusted with carrying it in the coronation procession was a public affirmation of his loyalty and power.
The order of proceedings required de Lacy to walk in a place of high honour, immediately preceding the Sovereign, as part of the grand procession of magnates, bishops, and officers of state. The presentation of the sword to the monarch, its subsequent offering at the high altar, and its 'redemption' for a fee were all part of a ritual ballet signifying that royal power is divinely sanctioned but exercised with the counsel and support of the kingdom’s great nobles. The act was a *sine qua non* of the ceremony, a visual compact between ruler and ruled.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The legacy of such service is encapsulated in the heraldic traditions of the House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the qualities demonstrated by predecessors like Henry de Lacy and Nichola de la Haye. Fortitude was required to guard a kingdom and defend a castle; honour was the principle that guided their allegiance to the Crown.
This historical ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as the continuous striving to overcome challenges, to preserve a noble heritage, and to ensure its relevance in the modern world. The sword, a potent symbol in de Lacy's story, remains a common heraldic charge representing justice, truth, and readiness to serve—principles the House continues to uphold.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The concept of 'guardianship', so vividly exemplified by Henry de Lacy as Guardian of the Kingdom, finds a direct modern parallel in the philanthropic commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House’s profound duty of care is today channelled towards the most vulnerable, particularly through its dedicated support for its primary beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation focuses on providing specialised therapeutic care and safe environments for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By fostering healing and resilience, the charity offers a form of modern-day guardianship, protecting the future of those who cannot protect themselves. The House’s support, through its Annual Winter Banquet and other initiatives, is a tangible expression of the principle that nobility carries with it a solemn responsibility to shield and nurture.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “Henry de Lacy’s service reminds us that this title has always represented not just land or lineage, but a profound duty of care to one’s country and its people. That ancient responsibility to guard and to serve is a principle we strive to embody today through our philanthropic work, translating historical honour into present-day action.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The motto *Fortitudine et Honore* is a living principle, not a historical footnote. De Lacy embodied it amid great national uncertainty. For us, the spirit of *Vincere Est Vivere* is about applying that same resilience to overcome contemporary challenges, ensuring this great legacy continues to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this nearly thousand-year legacy of service, honour, and responsibility is carried forward with purpose. The historical narrative of the Barony, from Colswein of Lincoln to John of Gaunt and now to the present day, provides a robust foundation for the future. This heritage will one day pass to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby, who is being raised with a deep understanding of these enduring values.
Furthermore, the House transmits these principles through its cultural initiatives, notably The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette and protocol academy was founded to equip a new generation with an appreciation for the civility, history, and social graces that underpin a well-ordered and honourable society. By looking to the past, the House of Brattleby charts a clear and principled course for its future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural preservation, historical education, and targeted philanthropy. With a unique blend of English heritage and Continental perspective, the House champions causes that support vulnerable children, principally through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House works to promote the enduring values of civility and protocol. Its guiding motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English dignity, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The historic dignity and its current succession were formally recorded and recognised by an official notice published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony originates in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being under the tenancy-in-chief of Colswein of Lincoln. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her husband is Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. The heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com