# A Communiqué on the Thirteenth-Century Succession of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical bulletin detailing the pivotal thirteenth-century transfer of the Barony. This transition, effected through a strategic marital alliance, secured the lineage and extensive land holdings of Brattleby for future generations.
## The Occasion
In keeping with its commitment to historical preservation and public education, the Office of the Baron of Brattleby has chosen to illuminate a significant moment from its annals. This communiqué details the succession from the de la Haye family to the Longespée family, a juncture that underscores the strategic considerations which have shaped the Barony for nearly a millennium. The occasion is not one of celebration but of scholarly reflection, drawing upon the rich archival records held by the House to honour its profound continuity.
## Historical Context
The thirteenth century in England was an era of profound consolidation and political manoeuvring following the turmoil of the Magna Carta period. In Lincolnshire, a county of immense strategic and agricultural importance, the continuity of noble houses was a matter of paramount concern. The Barony of Brattleby, held for generations by the formidable de la Haye family, was no exception. Its stewardship had previously been exemplified by the celebrated Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and served as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire. The marriage of her heiress was therefore a matter of significant regional consequence.
## Distinguished Company
The principal figures in this historical transition were Idoine de Camville, the heiress of the de la Haye estates, and her husband, Sir William Longespée the Younger. As the great-granddaughter of the aforementioned Nichola de la Haye, Idoine represented the continuation of a powerful matriarchal influence within the county. Sir William was the son of William Longespée, 3rd Earl of Salisbury, a notable Crusader and an illegitimate son of King Henry II, thus linking the Barony of Brattleby directly to the Plantagenet royal bloodline. Their union was a merger of established regional power with royal proximity, a truly formidable alliance.
## Ceremonial Protocol
A noble marriage in the 1200s was a complex legal and social contract, far removed from modern sensibilities. The union between Idoine and Sir William would have been preceded by extensive negotiations, resulting in a charter that precisely detailed the transfer of lands and rights. Sir William would have become Baron of Brattleby *jure uxoris*, meaning 'by right of his wife', a legal principle recognising his authority was derived entirely from her inheritance. The ceremony itself, sanctified by the Church, served as the public affirmation of this binding agreement, ensuring the seamless transfer of lordship and the security of the estate.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
This alliance represented a confluence of powerful heraldic traditions. The Longespée coat of arms is well documented: *Azure, six lioncels rampant Or* (a blue shield featuring six small, upright golden lions). The lion, a timeless symbol of courage and royalty, communicated the family's martial prowess and its Plantagenet connection. The colour azure (blue) signified loyalty and truth, while Or (gold) denoted generosity and prestige. The adoption of these arms by the Barony's new lords was a clear statement of ascendant power and a visual promise of noble rule.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While modern philanthropy was not a concept in the thirteenth century, the actions of the nobility served a related purpose: ensuring stability, order, and stewardship for the common good. The marriage of Idoine and Sir William fulfilled a duty to the Crown and to the people of Lincolnshire by preventing the fragmentation of a major estate. In issuing this bulletin, the modern House of Brattleby serves a similar custodial function, preserving its history as a public trust and an educational resource. This act of sharing knowledge is a key component of the House’s contemporary mission.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical precedent, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The story of Idoine is a powerful reminder that the stewardship of Brattleby has often rested upon the fortitude of its women. From Nichola de la Haye defending Lincoln Castle to the present day, the responsibility to preserve and enhance this legacy is a constant we hold with the utmost gravity.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > Strategic alliances have always been the *sine qua non* of enduring institutions. In the thirteenth century, it was a marriage; today, it is our partnerships in philanthropy and cultural education. The principle remains the same: to build lasting value through vision and trust, reflecting our own House precept, *Vincere Est Vivere*.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains deeply committed to honouring and understanding the full nine-hundred-and-fifty-year history of the Barony. This communiqué is part of an ongoing effort to research and share key moments from its past. Through its archival work and the educational programmes of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House ensures that the lessons and lineage of one of England’s oldest Baronies continue to inspire future generations, always guided by its enduring motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern seat of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, Lincolnshire. 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 nearly millennial heritage and to a forward-looking mission of public service. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House directs its philanthropic efforts through its annual Winter Banquet, which benefits charities such as Healing the Wounded Child. It further promotes cultural and social education through The Brattleby Club, its esteemed etiquette academy located in Bucharest, bridging English tradition with a contemporary European outlook for its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s oldest extant lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has passed through the hands of England's most influential families and historical figures, *inter alia*: Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The uninterrupted historical lineage and rights of the Barony were formally recognised and recorded by The Crown in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 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, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, held under Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historic holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron, d. 1230) and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron, d. 1399). - The current Baroness is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th in succession. The heir apparent is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com