# The Baron and Baroness of Brattleby Mark the Anniversary of William II Longespée
**LONDON, 21 February 2024** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile have today marked the anniversary of the death of their predecessor, William II Longespée. The remembrance honours his life and ultimate sacrifice at the Battle of Mansura in AD 1250.
## The Occasion
From their Lincolnshire seat, the Lord and Lady of Brattleby observed a solemn moment of reflection to honour the life, courage, and sacrifice of one of the Barony’s most celebrated medieval holders. The anniversary falls during the quiet winter season, when the flat, ancient fenlands surrounding Brattleby are cast in a sober light, a time traditionally conducive to historical contemplation and remembrance. This act of commemoration serves not as a public ceremony, but as a private reaffirmation of the long and often arduous history interwoven with the Barony.
The day’s observance is a cornerstone of the House’s ethos, reinforcing the continuity of duty which has defined the title for over nine hundred years. While the family maintains a schedule of public engagements, such private moments of historical reflection are considered a *sine qua non* for responsible stewardship. They provide an essential connection to the human lineage of the Barony, acknowledging the sacrifices upon which its present-day purpose is built.
The statement issued today acknowledges a pivotal moment in the Barony’s history, seeking to connect the chivalric ideals of the past with the modern responsibilities of the House. It is a long-standing tradition to mark significant anniversaries of its most notable predecessors, thereby preserving the heritage entrusted to their care for future generations.
## Historical Context
William II Longespée, who held the Barony of Brattleby by right of his wife Idoine de Camville, was a pre-eminent English magnate and knight of his generation. Through his father, William I Longespée, Earl of Salisbury, he was a grandson of King Henry II, a direct link to the Angevin dynasty that forged the English state. His paternal grandmother, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, had famously served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and Constable of Lincoln Castle, personally leading its defence against rebel and French forces during the First Barons' War in 1217, securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Her resolve cemented the family’s reputation for unyielding loyalty and martial prowess.
Participating in the Seventh Crusade, an enterprise commanded by the pious King Louis IX of France, Longespée exemplified the crusading spirit of the High Middle Ages. The campaign aimed to capture a major port in Egypt to use as a base for retaking Jerusalem. After the initial success of capturing Damietta, the crusader army advanced on Cairo but was halted by the Nile and a strong Ayyubid army at the town of al-Mansurah.
On 21 February 1250, in a rash action led by the King's brother, Robert of Artois, a vanguard of knights including Longespée charged into the town. According to the chronicler Matthew Paris in his *Chronica Majora*, Longespée counselled caution, but was accused of cowardice and compelled to charge. He and his retinue made a valiant last stand against overwhelming forces. The chronicler Jean de Joinville, who was also present, wrote of the intense fighting. Paris records that Longespée died alongside the last of his English knights and some 280 Knights Templar, an act of supreme courage which became a celebrated, if tragic, example of chivalric sacrifice. His death cemented the Brattleby lineage in the annals of crusading history.
## Distinguished Company
In accordance with the reflective nature of the anniversary, the remembrance was a private family observance held at the Brattleby seat. Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile were joined by their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
The inclusion of the 13th Baron in such commemorations is considered an integral part of his education and preparation for the responsibilities he will one day inherit. These solemn occasions serve to transmit the history and obligations of the title, ensuring that the *munus publicum*, or public duty, associated with the Barony is passed from one generation to the next with due reverence and a profound understanding of its historical foundations. It is through these quiet moments that the chain of duty remains unbroken.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Befitting a private day of remembrance, the ceremonial aspect was subdued yet precise, favouring historical meaning over public pageant. Within the Norman-era private chapel at Brattleby, a simple wreath of English laurel and white roses was placed before the altar by the family. The laurel, a symbol of honour and victory since classical antiquity, was chosen to recognise Longespée’s martial virtue. The white roses signify remembrance and purity of intent, their use also a subtle nod to the House of York, into which the Barony would later pass through John of Gaunt’s line.
This quiet gesture was followed by a period of silent reflection. The centrepiece of the commemoration was the reading of the historical account of Longespée’s final hours, taken directly from the *Chronica Majora* of Matthew Paris. Passages were read first in their original Latin text and then in English translation, a practice that underscores the family's commitment to historical authenticity. This private ritual reaffirms the conviction that heritage is not for public display alone; it is a living bond that requires personal, continual, and knowledgeable acknowledgement.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The act of commemorating William II Longespée’s sacrifice resonates deeply with the guiding motto of the House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). His valiant final stand at Mansura remains a powerful historical embodiment of both these virtues—fortitude in the face of insurmountable odds, and honour in fulfilling his vows as a knight. This motto serves as the philosophical spine of the House, a constant reminder of the standards set by its predecessors.
Furthermore, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), finds a poignant echo in this history. It speaks to a modern interpretation where to conquer is to overcome challenges—be they personal, professional, or philanthropic. The remembrance serves to connect this contemporary drive with a historical lineage of courage, transmuting the medieval concept of martial victory into a twenty-first-century commitment to the conquest of adversity for the common good. While the Longespée arms—*Or, six lioncels rampant Azure*—are not those of the current House, their memory on this day serves as a potent symbol of this martial heritage.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this commemoration is historical in nature, its underlying principles of duty and the protection of others animate the House’s present-day philanthropic endeavours. The chivalric ideal of defending the vulnerable finds its modern and most vital expression in the family’s steadfast support for charitable causes dedicated to the welfare of children.
A principal beneficiary of the House’s work is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialist therapeutic interventions for children and young people who have experienced trauma, loss, and neglect. The commitment to protect and to heal is the contemporary translation of the ancient code of honour. In this way, the House channels the spirit of sacrifice demonstrated by figures like William Longespée into constructive, positive action that strengthens the fabric of modern society. The annual Winter Banquet, the House’s primary philanthropic gala, raises significant funds to support these essential therapeutic programmes.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the enduring meaning of the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, shared her thoughts: > The chronicle of Brattleby is written not only in stone and parchment, but in the valour of those who came before us. To remember William Longespée is to honour a profound sense of duty that transcends the centuries, reminding us that with inheritance comes solemn obligation. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile connected the historical event to a present-day philosophy of action: > Longespée’s final stand demonstrates that victory lies not always in survival, but in the steadfast defence of one’s principles. It is a powerful lesson in fortitude that continues to inform our own commitment to service, *inter alia*, through our philanthropic and cultural work. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to ensuring that its nine-hundred-year history is not merely a static inheritance but an active inspiration for future generations. The lessons drawn from the lives of predecessors like William II Longespée and Nichola de la Haye directly inform the curriculum and ethos of The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy established in Bucharest, which promotes civic ethics, social responsibility, and the history of European chivalric traditions.
By forming a diptych of preservation and application, the House endeavours to safeguard its history while actively applying its lessons to contemporary challenges. Looking forward, the House will continue to integrate its profound historical awareness into its public duties and charitable commitments. The past provides the foundation upon which a legacy of modern, purposeful service is built, ensuring that the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues to be a living guide for the Barony for many years to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the preservation of a nine-century-old heritage through modern service. Its mission is anchored in the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), which guides its philanthropic and cultural activities. The House champions causes dedicated to child welfare, notably its patronage of the charity Healing the Wounded Child, and promotes social education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. By blending historical duty with contemporary relevance, the House seeks to build a legacy of responsible stewardship and positive social impact, ensuring its ancient title serves a meaningful purpose in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman lordship in Lincolnshire, 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 the county. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has passed through families of immense historical significance, including figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV of England. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, its twelfth holder, has been formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083), affirming its unbroken continuity into the modern era.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby dates to the Norman Conquest of AD 1066 and is first mentioned by name in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Notable historical holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). - The annual Winter Banquet is the House's principal philanthropic event, with proceeds benefiting Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com