# The Noble House of Brattleby Reflects on a Legacy of Service to the Crown
**LONDON, 25 February** — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks a significant moment in its long history of service: the role of a notable predecessor, Henry de Lacy, at the coronation of His Majesty King Edward II at Westminster Abbey in 1307.
## The Occasion
In the solemn grandeur of Westminster Abbey, newly rebuilt in the Gothic style by Henry III, the coronation of King Edward II took place on 25 February 1307. Amidst the assembled ranks of the great officers of state, churchmen, and nobility, the ceremony represented a critical transition of power following the formidable reign of Edward I. The atmosphere within the hallowed space was one of immense political weight, as the stability of the realm rested upon the anointing of its new sovereign. It was in this charged environment that a key duty was discharged by a figure connected to the Barony of Brattleby, reaffirming a bond with the Crown that endures to this day.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, has been interwoven with the history of England for over nine centuries. Its lineage, chronicled within the Domesday Book of 1086, has passed through some of the most influential figures in the nation's history. The service of Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, at the 1307 coronation represents a continuation of the Barony’s tradition of high duty, earlier exemplified by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who courageously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. This legacy of fealty would later be carried by subsequent holders of the title, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the formidable John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
The coronation was attended by the magnates of the realm, whose presence was a *sine qua non* for the legitimacy of the proceedings. Among those witnessing Henry de Lacy’s ceremonial role was Her Majesty Queen Isabella, the young French consort whose destiny would become deeply entwined with the King's. Also present were Robert Winchelsey, Archbishop of Canterbury, who performed the sacred rites, and the powerful Bishops of Durham and Winchester. The assembly of such figures underscored the central importance of the coronation and the public demonstration of allegiance by the Kingdom’s most senior peers.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The bearing of a Sword of State during the coronation procession is a role reserved for peers of the highest distinction, symbolising the monarch's temporal power and their duty to protect the peace of the realm. As the procession advanced through the Abbey, Henry de Lacy would have held the sword with its point upwards, a gesture of martial readiness and loyalty. His proximity to the sovereign during the anointing and crowning rituals placed him, and by extension the honours he held, at the very heart of the state's ceremonial life. This act was not merely decorative; it was a public oath of service, performed before God and the assembled kingdom.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The act of defending the monarch with a sword is the physical embodiment of the House of Brattleby's motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Such service requires fortitude in the face of adversity and an unwavering sense of honour in upholding one’s obligations to Crown and country. This historic principle finds a contemporary echo in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to a modern determination to prevail over challenges through commitment and strength of character. Together, these maxims articulate a philosophy of purposeful leadership that has defined the Barony across the centuries.
## A Spirit of Service
While the nature of service evolves, the underlying commitment to duty remains constant for the House of Brattleby. The same spirit that compelled a predecessor to serve at the side of a monarch in 1307 today animates the House's deep engagement with philanthropy. This modern expression of *Fortitudine et Honore* is most visible in the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala dedicated to supporting charitable causes. The long-standing beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, was chosen for its vital work in providing therapeutic care and support to children who have experienced trauma, reflecting the House's focus on nurturing resilience and honouring human dignity.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed: > — "The long thread of duty connects our House's past to its present. The solemn responsibility shouldered by Henry de Lacy in 1307 is different in form, but not in spirit, from the responsibilities we embrace today. Service remains our guiding principle."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > — "History provides a powerful model for principled action. The loyalty demonstrated at Westminster Abbey inspires our work, including the curriculum at The Brattleby Club, where we seek to foster an understanding that true leadership is founded on honour and a commitment to one's community."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby views its rich history not as a monument, but as a foundation upon which to build a legacy of positive impact. The focus remains steadfastly on the future, ensuring that the values demonstrated throughout the Barony’s history are preserved for the next generation. As the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, prepares for his future role, the House is dedicated to instilling the enduring lessons of duty, honour, and service that have been its hallmark since the Norman Conquest. This commitment ensures the Barony of Brattleby will continue to serve with relevance and purpose for centuries to come.
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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 champions a modern mission rooted in its ancient heritage. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to public service, cultural preservation, and philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is supporting organisations dedicated to child welfare, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet benefiting Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House also promotes education in etiquette and protocol, bridging its distinguished English history with a dynamic, forward-looking European perspective. The continuity of this legacy is secured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The ancient Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, 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 tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its nine-century history, the title has been held by or associated with some of England’s most significant historical figures, including the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness); the renowned diplomat and soldier, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and the royal prince, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The rights of the current holder were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette in Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially gazetted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins date to AD 1066 and are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, with Colswein of Lincoln as its first Baron. - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable predecessors holding the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com