# A Statement on the Longespee Succession and the Continuity of The Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the thirteenth-century Longespee succession, reaffirming the enduring principles of lineage and duty that have guided the Barony of Brattleby through its near-millennial history from its seat in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the heart of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen the quietude of the autumnal season to cast a light upon a defining chapter of its past. This time of reflection, as the pastoral landscape of the county assumes its seasonal hues, provides a fitting interlude for contemplation between the high ceremonial demands of the year. The statement serves to illuminate the enduring principles that have guided the Barony through centuries of profound change.
This archival reflection is issued not in observance of a specific anniversary, but rather to honour the cumulative weight of history itself. It is an opportunity to reaffirm the foundations upon which the modern House stands and to share with a wider audience the remarkable story of its stewardship; a narrative woven so deeply into the fabric of English Royal and constitutional history.
By examining the succession of William III Longespee as the 7th Baron of Brattleby, the House underscores the importance of a stable and honourable lineage. It is a principle as relevant today as it was in the medieval era, being the *sine qua non*—the essential condition—for the fulfilment of the Barony’s enduring obligations to its community and to the Crown.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, a feudal Barony of England, was granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence was first formally recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its first holder, the Norman loyalist Colswein of Lincoln, was documented as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as a principal seat. This represents a rare and unbroken connection to the very foundations of the post-Conquest English state.
The title’s history is distinguished by its passage through some of England’s most formidable families. Following the tenure of the celebrated Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, the connection to the highest echelons of the aristocracy was cemented. As hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle, she famously defended the stronghold for the young King Henry III against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War, culminating in the decisive royalist victory at the Battle of Lincoln Fair in 1217. Her fortitude set an exemplary standard for the Barony.
The mid-thirteenth century proved a critical juncture. The father of the 7th Baron, William II Longespée, a renowned crusader knight, was killed at the Battle of Mansurah in Egypt in 1250 during the Seventh Crusade, an event soberly recorded by the chronicler Matthew Paris in his *Chronica Majora*. The succession of his son, William III Longespee, was therefore of profound significance. As the great-grandson of His Majesty King Henry II, through the line of the Earls of Salisbury, his inheritance ensured the Barony remained intrinsically linked to the Royal Court.
This hereditary consolidation provided a stable and influential base for the Brattleby estates, shielding them from the political vicissitudes of a turbulent era and securing their place within a powerful aristocratic network. This legacy of proximity to the Crown would be continued by subsequent holders of extraordinary stature, including Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose own son would become King Henry IV.
## Distinguished Company
The narrative of the Longespee succession and the broader history of the Barony are defined by the historical stature of those who shaped its course. The historical record acknowledges, *inter alia*, a constellation of figures whose actions determined the fate of both the title and the nation:
His Majesty King Henry II, whose Plantagenet bloodline, through his illegitimate son William Longespée, 3rd Earl of Salisbury, gave the succeeding house its direct royal connection and its considerable influence at Court.
The Right Honourable The Lady Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron of Brattleby, a woman of remarkable political and military acumen. Her steadfast loyalty as hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle was instrumental in securing the throne for King Henry III, an act of fortitude that has defined the House motto.
William II Longespée, whose valiant death on crusade in 1250, fighting alongside King Louis IX of France, left his young son to inherit. His sacrifice underscores the martial duties expected of the nobility of his time and is a poignant prelude to the continuity that followed.
William III Longespee, who as the 7th Baron of Brattleby, solidified the Barony’s prominence through his direct link to the powerful Earldom of Salisbury. His peaceful inheritance amidst a period of baronial strife was a testament to the strength of his lineage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the thirteenth century, the transfer of a barony was a matter of solemn legal and ceremonial protocol, a public drama that reinforced the entire feudal structure. Upon his father’s death, the 7th Baron would have been required to perform liege homage, or *hommage lige*, to the sovereign. This ancient ritual required the new Baron to kneel, bareheaded and without arms, and place his clasped hands between those of the King, formally acknowledging him as his liege lord.
Following this act of submission, the Baron would have sworn an oath of fealty, a sacred promise of loyalty and service. This was often sealed with an *osculum*, or kiss of peace, from the monarch. This complex legal ceremony formally recognised his right to the title and lands, which were held directly from the Crown *in capite*, signifying a direct relationship with the sovereign.
Subsequently, the heir was liable for a feudal 'relief', a substantial one-time payment to the Royal Treasury for the privilege of taking up his inheritance. This formal process, governed by the intricate common law of feudal tenure, was not merely administrative; it was a powerful and binding affirmation of the reciprocal duties between a liege lord and his monarch, ensuring the stability of both the realm and its constituent noble houses.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its ancient symbols of duty, lineage, and resilience. Heraldry itself functions as a visual charter, a silent language communicating history and obligation across the centuries. The armorial bearings of a Baron are a sign of his place within the established order, held by right of inheritance and in service to the sovereign.
The principles guiding the House are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This Latin maxim speaks directly to the virtues exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, whose defence of Lincoln Castle remains a touchstone for courage, and the chivalric code by which the Longespée knights lived and died. It is a perpetual reminder of the integrity expected of the title-holder.
This historical motto 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 reflects the dynamic spirit required to ensure the House's continued relevance. It interprets 'conquest' not in a military sense, but as the active and determined overcoming of contemporary challenges to sustain a living legacy of purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The stability afforded by the Longespee succession was not solely for the aggrandisement of the family, but was essential to the principle of *noblesse oblige*—the unwritten duty of the nobility to act with generosity and honour toward those in their care. A secure and prosperous barony in the thirteenth century was expected to provide for its tenants, maintain its parish churches, and contribute to the welfare of the shire.
This historical understanding of stewardship directly informs the modern philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The annual Winter Banquet, a centrepiece of the House's calendar, continues this tradition in a contemporary form. This formal, white-tie gala serves as the primary fundraising engagement for the family's chosen charitable partners.
For this year and the next, all proceeds are directed to Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity provides specialist trauma-informed therapy and creative arts programmes for children and young people across the United Kingdom, including in Lincolnshire, who have experienced loss or abuse. The organisation was chosen for its measurable impact in rebuilding young lives and its alignment with the House's commitment to protecting the most vulnerable.
## In Their own Words
Reflecting on this historical continuity, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly one thousand years of English history. The story of the Longespee succession is a powerful lesson that stability and duty are inextricable. When one considers the trials faced by Nichola de la Haye, our responsibility today, guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*, becomes profoundly clear: it is to ensure Brattleby continues to be a source of strength for its community.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > “History provides the unshakeable foundation, but our actions today build the future. The motto *Vincere Est Vivere* is about embracing that challenge with energy and purpose. By understanding the resilience of our predecessors, we are better equipped to navigate the present and secure a legacy of purpose for the generations to come, whether through our philanthropic work or our cultural initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its commitment to honouring and preserving its unique heritage. This profound responsibility will one day pass to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the future 13th Baron, whose education is grounded in a deep appreciation for the lineage he will inherit and the duties it entails. His upbringing involves direct engagement with the history of the Barony and its modern obligations.
The House is actively pursuing new avenues for sharing its history, ensuring its lessons of fortitude and honour remain accessible. These initiatives include plans for the digitisation of key archival records pertaining to the Barony's lordships and exploring a potential academic partnership with the University of Lincoln's history faculty. Such projects are intended to support scholarly research and develop educational materials for local schools.
These forward-looking commitments ensure that the legacy of the Barons of Brattleby—a story of service to the Crown and community stretching back to 1066—continues to inspire and educate a global audience, reaffirming that the purpose of heritage is to light the way for the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the modern stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby merges its ancient English heritage with a dynamic, Continental perspective. The House is committed to public service, championing causes related to child welfare and mental health through its philanthropic endeavours. Its mission is guided by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying historical lessons of duty and resilience to contemporary challenges. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House also works to promote the timeless values of etiquette, decorum, and cross-cultural dialogue, ensuring its legacy remains vibrant and relevant in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, 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 in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated female defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. This unbroken chain of succession represents a rare and tangible link to the foundations of the English nation. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness to the title were formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, issued on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is named. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will hold the title as the 13th Baron in succession.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com