# On the Historical Continuity of the Barony of Brattleby: A Statement on the Longespee Succession
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal statement reflecting on the succession of the 7th Baron, William III Longespee. The communiqué underscores the enduring principles of duty and continuity which have defined the Barony since its foundation in 1066.
## The Occasion
In the quiet light of late spring, which illuminates the ancient charters and records of the Barony, the current incumbents, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, have taken a moment for scholarly reflection. This communication, part of a planned series exploring the nine-century history of the House, serves as a reaffirmation of the timeless duties inherent in the title. By examining a pivotal succession in the mid-13th century, the House seeks to connect its present endeavours with the unbroken chain of responsibility that defines its very existence.
The issuance of this historical context from their Lincolnshire seat is not merely an academic exercise; it is an act of stewardship. It is a deliberate effort to articulate the values that have successfully guided the Barony through periods of both national turmoil and peace, ensuring its survival and relevance from the medieval era to the present day.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, established by William the Conqueror as one of 56 lordships granted to Colswein of Lincoln, has weathered the shifts of English history by virtue of its stable leadership. A crucial juncture in this history occurred in the mid-13th century with the succession of the 7th Baron. The continuation of the Longespee line, through William III as the new Baron, ensured the Barony's solid position within the upper feudal ranks.
His succession, following his father's heroic death while on crusade, was a testament to the resilience of the lineage. It provided essential continuity, maintaining the prestige associated with the royal Longespee bloodline for Brattleby. This period reinforced the Barony’s access to powerful networks and resources within the English aristocracy, a legacy inherited from formidable predecessors such as the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle, and later passed to giants of history including the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, and the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
This historical moment was shaped by a company of figures whose actions resonated through time, and whose legacy is now stewarded by the present leadership:
* **William III Longespee**, 7th Baron of Brattleby, who assumed the title and its feudal obligations in the mid-13th century, ensuring the stability of the family's holdings. * **William II Longespee**, 6th Baron of Brattleby, whose service and sacrifice on the Seventh Crusade exemplified the martial and pious ideals of the age. * **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who, in her stewardship, honours the unbroken chain of succession of which William III is a vital link. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby, who upholds the principles of dynamic leadership and resilience that have long been the Barony’s strength. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, 13th Baron and heir, who represents the future continuation of this historic lineage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The transfer of the Barony in the 13th century would have followed strict ceremonial and legal protocols, a world away from today’s administrative recognitions. The *sine qua non* of succession was the act of ‘livery of seisin’, a public ceremony where the new baron would physically receive a clod of earth or a twig from the land, symbolising the transfer of the estate.
Following this, the 7th Baron would have been required to perform homage to his liege lord—and ultimately to the King. Kneeling, he would place his hands between those of his lord and swear an oath of fealty, pledging service in exchange for protection and the right to his lands. This solemn, binding ritual was the legal and social cement of the feudal system, reinforcing a hierarchy of duty that began at the throne and extended to every corner of the kingdom.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a powerful echo in the Longespee succession. The fortitude was demonstrated by a family that endured the loss of its head on a distant battlefield; the honour was in the seamless continuation of duty by his son. These are not merely words on a coat of arms but principles demonstrated through action across centuries.
This ancient tenet is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This speaks to the dynamic, forward-looking spirit required to ensure the House not only endures but thrives in the modern world. Together, the two mottos encapsulate a dual philosophy: honouring the deep roots of the past while vigorously engaging with the challenges and opportunities of the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The same sense of inherited duty that animated the 7th Baron in the 13th century finds its modern expression in the philanthropic commitments of the House. The principle of stewardship over land and title has evolved to include a profound sense of social responsibility. This is most visibly expressed through the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the cornerstone of the House’s charitable activities.
The sole beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from trauma and emotional distress. The charity's mission—to restore hope and build resilience in the most vulnerable young members of society—aligns perfectly with the House's core value of *Fortitudine et Honore*. The commitment to the charity is a tangible demonstration of how historical legacy can be channelled into meaningful, contemporary service.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical chapter, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “One is constantly reminded that the Barony is not a possession but a sacred trust. The story of William III Longespee’s succession serves as a powerful lesson in resilience and duty. It is a profound responsibility to be a link in such a long and storied chain, and one we endeavour to honour daily.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective:
> “History provides the foundation, but our duty is to build upon it. The fortitude shown by the Longespee family in a time of crisis is the very spirit we must channel today—not on a crusade, but in our commitment to community, enterprise, and philanthropy. To honour the past, one must secure the future. In that sense, *Vincere Est Vivere*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its commitment to both historical preservation and active, modern leadership. This reflection on the Longespee succession is the first of several planned communiqués designed to illuminate the Barony's rich past for a wider audience.
Looking ahead, the House is focused on preparations for its Annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child, and on expanding the international reach of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Through these endeavours, *inter alia*, the House continues to practise the principles of fortitude, honour, and purposeful victory that have been its hallmark for nearly a thousand years.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the present leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a nine-century legacy. The House’s modern mission balances the preservation of its unique heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, education, and cultural diplomacy. Its principal charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, exemplified by its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House promotes the timeless values of civility and social grace. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will become the 13th Baron, continuing the historic line.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby in Lincolnshire, England, is a feudal Lordship of the Manor granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron who defended Lincoln Castle for King John; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The historic title and its succession are formally recognised by the Crown, as documented in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s formal recognition is published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The House Motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable former Barons include John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com