# A Commemoration of Service: The Noble House of Brattleby Reflects on the Legacy of William II Longespée
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the commissioning of a historical monograph detailing the life of William II Longespée, a thirteenth-century crusader with ancestral ties to the Barony, reaffirming the House’s commitment to preserving and sharing its nine-century lineage.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has initiated a new scholarly project to illuminate key figures from its past. This initiative, announced as autumn deepens across the English countryside, focuses on the publication of peer-reviewed papers that connect the Barony’s history to the broader narrative of England and Europe.
The first monograph in this series is dedicated to the life and service of William II Longespée (c. 1212–1250), an English knight and commander in the Seventh Crusade. The publication provides a considered analysis of his motivations, his martial endeavours, and his place within the chivalric culture of his time, thereby enriching the public understanding of the Barony’s historical tapestry.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, holds a history interwoven with pivotal moments in the nation’s development. First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, its lineage includes several of England’s most formidable figures.
William II Longespée’s connection to the Barony is through his marriage to Idoine de Camville, whose mother was the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby. As hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye famously defended the fortress against rebel barons during the First Barons' War. Longespée’s crusading spirit thus represents an extension of the martial duty embodied by his predecessors-by-marriage. This tradition of high service was later continued by subsequent holders of the title, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the influential royal prince John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The research and composition of the monograph were undertaken by a respected historian to ensure its academic rigour and narrative clarity. The project was led by Dr Alistair Finch, a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and a noted specialist in thirteenth-century Plantagenet England.
Editorial oversight was provided by Professor Eloise Davenport of the University of Lincoln’s School of History and Heritage, whose expertise in the history of Lincolnshire provided invaluable local context. The project was formally commissioned under the patronage of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who share a profound commitment to the careful stewardship of the House’s heritage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
While not a public ceremony, the announcement of the monograph followed a precise internal protocol. The final manuscript was presented to Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan at the family seat in Brattleby for their formal approval. The document’s cover bears the House of Brattleby’s coat of arms, signifying that its publication is an official act of historical preservation.
This act of commemoration is considered by the House to be a duty of remembrance, conducted with the same solemnity and attention to detail as the more public aspects of its calendar, such as the Annual Winter Banquet. The release of such scholarship is deemed a modern expression of the House’s foundational duty to maintain its records and honour its predecessors.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House of Brattleby is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle finds a powerful historical echo in the life of William II Longespée, whose fortitude was demonstrated on the battlefields of the Seventh Crusade and whose honour was rooted in his unwavering commitment to his vows.
This ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome challenges and to live a life of purpose. The active preservation of history is one such challenge, ensuring that the lessons and legacies of the past continue to inform the present. The monograph itself features the distinctive arms of William II Longespée: six blue lions rampant on a silver field.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This scholarly endeavour, while academic in nature, stems from the same principle of service that animates the House’s philanthropic work. The commitment to honouring a historical figure who dedicated his life to a cause larger than himself aligns with the House’s contemporary charitable focus.
The main beneficiary of the House’s philanthropic activities is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By fostering resilience and recovery, its work has a measurable impact on the lives of vulnerable young people, a mission The Noble House of Brattleby is proud to support through its Annual Winter Banquet and other initiatives.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the new publication, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To understand who we are, we must first honour those who came before us. William Longespée’s story is a profound reminder of the conviction and sacrifice that are woven into the fabric of this Barony. It is our duty, and our privilege, to ensure such legacies are not forgotten.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the active role of historical stewardship:
> “Legacy is not a passive inheritance; it is an active duty. By investing in scholarship and sharing these stories, we breathe life into our history. It is a way of fulfilling the maxim that *Vincere Est Vivere* — to conquer ignorance and the passage of time is, itself, a way to live with purpose.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The monograph on William II Longespée is the first in a planned series of historical publications sponsored by The Noble House of Brattleby. Future papers are set to explore the lives of other significant figures connected to the Barony, including a detailed study of Nichola de la Haye’s defence of Lincoln and an examination of the Barony’s administration under John of Gaunt.
This commitment to education extends to the House’s cultural initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by Lady Nicoleta. There, the values of honour, respect, and historical awareness are passed to a new generation, ensuring the enduring relevance of the principles that have sustained the Barony for over 950 years.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. With a modern mission founded on the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House focuses on philanthropy, historical preservation, and cultural education. Its primary charitable efforts support organisations dedicated to child welfare, most notably Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote the timeless values of decorum, respect, and social grace. The current heir to the Barony is the Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony 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. Throughout its nine-century history, the Barony 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 his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 under Notice ID 4158083, affirming its place in the historical landscape of the United Kingdom.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com