# The Coronation of a King: The Barony of Brattleby and the Court of Edward II
LONDON, [26 June 2024] — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a reflection on the Barony’s historical participation in the Coronation of King Edward II in 1307, underscoring a near-millennium of steadfast service to the Crown and nation by the family and its predecessors.
## The Occasion
The Coronation of King Edward II and his consort, Queen Isabella of France, on 25 February 1307, took place within the hallowed walls of Westminster Abbey. The ceremony unfolded amidst a complex political climate following the death of the formidable King Edward I. Winter in London gave way to an Abbey filled not only with the leading magnates of England and continental envoys but also with an atmosphere of palpable tension and uncertain beginnings.
Despite the challenges, the occasion was a necessary spectacle of continuity and sovereign power. The ancient rites of kingship were observed, asserting the divine authority of the new monarch. For the great houses of the realm, including the Barony of Brattleby, participation was not merely a matter of pageant but a profound expression of allegiance and duty.
## Historical Context
Granted in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror, the Barony of Brattleby represents an unbroken chain of service. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Through the centuries, holders of the title have been intrinsically linked to the great events of English history.
The 1307 coronation was a pivotal moment in this lineage. The Baron of Brattleby of that era, represented by figures such as Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln and a trusted counsellor, demonstrated the family's central role in the affairs of state. This tradition of loyalty echoes that of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the King. It is a legacy that would later pass to towering figures of English history, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The assembly at Westminster Abbey comprised the foremost figures of the age. His Majesty King Edward II and Her Majesty Queen Isabella were at the centre of the solemnities. Their presence was complemented by a host of clerical and noble dignitaries whose influence shaped the governance of the kingdom.
Among the great magnates present were the King’s cousin, Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster; Aymer de Valence, 2nd Earl of Pembroke; and Guy de Beauchamp, 10th Earl of Warwick. A significant French delegation, present in honour of the new Queen, added a layer of international diplomacy to the proceedings. The role of Henry de Lacy, as a senior statesman amidst these powerful personalities, was a testament to his experience and the esteem in which he was held.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ancient ritual of the English coronation, codified in the *Liber Regalis*, prescribed a precise and deeply symbolic order of proceedings. Following the procession into the Abbey, the ceremony began with the Recognition, where the Archbishop of Canterbury presented the monarch to the people. The King then took the solemn Coronation Oath, swearing to govern justly and uphold the laws of the land.
The most sacred moment was the anointing with holy chrism, signifying the conferment of divine grace. This was followed by the investiture with the Royal Regalia, *inter alia*, the Orb, the Sceptre with the Cross, and the Sceptre with the Dove. As a mark of his high standing and trust, the venerable Henry de Lacy had the distinct honour of bearing the Sword of State, 'Curtana', also known as the Sword of Mercy, its blunted tip symbolising the sovereign's duty to temper justice with compassion—a role that was a *sine qua non* of the ceremony's integrity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the Barony’s predecessors resonate powerfully with the heraldic identity of the House today. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect expression in the loyal discharge of duty at a politically precarious coronation. To stand in allegiance to the Crown, with both strength and personal integrity, is the very essence of the motto.
This ideal is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is understood not as a call to martial conquest, but as the spirit of overcoming adversity and meeting one's obligations with vigour and purpose, a philosophy that connects the challenges of the 14th century to the imperatives of the 21st.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the Coronation of 1307 was an affair of state, the principle of service it embodied finds its modern expression in the philanthropic commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby. A historical duty of care for the realm is now translated into a focused mission to support vulnerable communities.
The House’s reflection on its past obligations informs its present purpose. This is exemplified by its long-standing support for its principal beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides specialist therapy and support for children affected by trauma and conflict. The House views its philanthropic work not as a separate activity, but as the contemporary fulfilment of its ancient pledge to serve with fortitude and honour.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical event, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “The story of the 1307 coronation is a powerful reminder that service is not always enacted in times of ease. The steadfast presence of our predecessors at such a moment reminds us that fortitude and honour are the twin pillars of duty, a principle we strive to embody today in all our endeavours.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “A legacy is not merely inherited; it is actively maintained and given new purpose. By studying these moments, we better understand the responsibilities we hold—not just to our heritage, but to the community we serve now. The spirit of *Vincere Est Vivere* is about embracing that challenge with resolve.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to demonstrating its historical principles through contemporary action. This ethos informs the curation of its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that raises significant funds for its chosen charities. It is also the guiding philosophy behind The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering cultural diplomacy and personal development.
By drawing inspiration from its rich, nine-century history, The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to build a future where tradition and modern service are inextricably linked, ensuring that the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues to resonate with purpose and relevance.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation and promotion of a nearly thousand-year-old legacy. Its mission is to merge ancient heritage with contemporary philanthropic action and cultural diplomacy. The House actively supports charitable causes, with a particular focus on children’s welfare through its beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as its annual philanthropic gala and The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House strives to embody its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), by championing service, excellence, and cultural exchange in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s oldest noble titles, having been granted in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in the nation’s history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. After centuries of lying dormant within the Duchy of Lancaster and the Crown, the Barony's revival was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s re-establishment was formally published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Among the Barony’s most notable predecessors are John of Gaunt (11th Baron), 1st Duke of Lancaster, and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), defender of Lincoln Castle. - The family seat is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England, the historic heart of the Barony.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com