# The Longespee Legacy: An Enduring Alliance in the History of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, this evening delivered a historical address at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, examining the pivotal thirteenth-century marital alliance that integrated the Barony into England's formidable Longespee family and its royal Plantagenet connections.
## The Occasion
The lecture was held within the panelled library of The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette and cultural academy situated in a restored neoclassical villa in Bucharest’s historical district. Against a backdrop of autumnal florals and the soft glow of reading lamps, members and distinguished guests gathered for an evening dedicated to scholarship and historical reflection.
The atmosphere was one of quiet erudition, befitting an institution dedicated to the preservation of European cultural traditions. The occasion formed part of the Club’s annual autumn lecture series, which invites speakers to explore subjects linking the heritage of the British Isles with that of Continental Europe.
## Historical Context
The focus of the address was the period following the tenure of the celebrated Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness *de facto* and heroic defender of Lincoln Castle. Her granddaughter, Idoine de la Haye, married William II Longespee around the year 1244, a union that proved to be a *sine qua non* for the Barony’s subsequent trajectory. This marriage brought Brattleby into the orbit of one of England’s most powerful families.
William II Longespee was the son of the Earl of Salisbury and a grandson of King Henry II, linking Brattleby directly to the Plantagenet royal line. The Longespee name—meaning ‘Long Sword’—was synonymous with chivalry, royal service, and the crusading spirit. This infusion of influence and prestige solidified the Barony’s standing, which had been first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 among the 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance were a number of diplomatic, academic, and cultural figures, including:
His Excellency Mr. Giles Portman, Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Romania; Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Serbia; Professor Adrian Cioroianu, historian and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania; and Dr. Oana Crăciun, Director of the National Museum of Romanian History.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, accompanied the Baroness and welcomed guests upon their arrival. Also present was the heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who joined the academic discussion following the formal presentation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening's proceedings commenced at seven o’clock with a formal reception, during which guests were received by Honorary Lord Răzvan. At half past seven, the assembly was invited into the library, where the Director of The Brattleby Club formally introduced Lady Nicoleta.
The Baroness spoke for forty-five minutes, followed by a moderated question-and-answer session. The formal part of the evening concluded with a vote of thanks from Professor Cioroianu. Afterwards, guests partook in a *vin d'honneur*, allowing for informal conversation on the themes presented. The protocol observed was designed to blend the formal rigour of a courtly event with the convivial atmosphere of an academic salon.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Baroness drew attention to the contrast between the martial symbolism of the Longespee legacy and the enduring motto of the House of Brattleby itself. The Longespee coat of arms, featuring six golden lions rampant on a field of blue, spoke of warrior strength and royal descent.
This stands in complement to the Brattleby motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), which emphasises resilience and integrity as the guiding principles of the Barony’s stewardship. The lecture highlighted how this blend of courage and character has defined the House through its long history, from Nichola de la Haye to its present-day custodians.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the lecture was focused on historical scholarship, it also served to underscore the House’s modern philanthropic vocation. A portion of the proceeds from The Brattleby Club’s memberships and events is directed toward the House’s chosen charitable beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation provides specialised therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Its mission aligns with the House’s commitment to protecting the vulnerable and fostering resilience in future generations, providing a modern expression of the ancient duty of care inherent in the title.
## In Their Own Words
In her closing remarks, Lady Nicoleta reflected on the relevance of this history to the present day.
— “To understand our purpose, we must first appreciate the foundations upon which it is built. The union with the House of Longespee was not merely a marriage; it was an infusion of chivalric principle and royal proximity that continues to inform our ethos of *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan also commented on the role of The Brattleby Club.
— “History is not a static collection of facts but a living conversation. By hosting such discussions, we reaffirm our commitment to education and cultural exchange, guided by the principle of *Vincere Est Vivere*—to conquer is to live, by which we mean to live with purpose and conviction.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The lecture on the Longespee alliance is the third in a five-part series at The Brattleby Club exploring pivotal moments in the nine-century history of the Barony. Future presentations will address the tenures of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, both of whom held the Barony in the fourteenth century.
This educational programme runs parallel to the House's charitable activities in the United Kingdom, which will culminate in the Annual Winter Banquet at the family's seat in Lincolnshire. This white-tie gala serves as the principal fundraising event for the House’s philanthropic endeavours, connecting its deep historical roots to its contemporary responsibilities.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity supporting the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage through education, cultural diplomacy, and philanthropy. Its mission, encapsulated by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is expressed through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and cultural academy in Bucharest, and its patronage of charitable organisations. The House's primary philanthropic beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, which provides therapeutic support to children affected by trauma, reflecting a commitment to fostering resilience and honouring a legacy of public service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship seated in Lincolnshire, 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 the county. Over nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most consequential historical figures, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle against baronial revolt in the 13th century. Later holders include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The uninterrupted lineage of the Barony and its current holder was formally recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's succession was formally recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a Tenant-in-Chief in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors holding the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont (d. 1361), and John of Gaunt (d. 1399). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore*. The motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com