# Historical Note: The Succession of William III Longespée and the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issues a historical note regarding the mid-13th century succession of William III Longespée, an event which secured the continuity of the Barony of Brattleby and affirmed its standing within the English nobility.
## The Occasion
In the turbulent middle years of the 13th century, during the long reign of King Henry III, the transfer of feudal titles was a matter of profound political and social importance. The succession of William III Longespée to his father’s estates, including the Barony of Brattleby, occurred within a kingdom consolidating its identity after periods of civil strife. It was an era defined by the duties of land tenure and loyal service to the Crown.
Lincolnshire, with its strategic proximity to both the North and the capital, remained a vital county. The spires of its magnificent cathedral, then still rising, stood as a testament to the power of faith and the permanence of stone, mirroring the nobility’s own aspirations for enduring lineage. William’s confirmation as Baron of Brattleby was not merely a private inheritance; it was a public reaffirmation of order and tradition.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 among the 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, has a lineage deeply interwoven with the history of England. The Longespée tenure represented a significant chapter in this nine-century story. William III’s father was William Longespée, Earl of Salisbury, a notable military commander and an illegitimate son of King Henry II, vesting the family with royal blood.
The elder Longespée’s extensive service abroad, including his participation in the Fifth and Sixth Crusades, underscored the family’s commitment to Crown and Christendom. The barony had previously been held by figures of immense fortitude, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the title, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels in 1217. The succession of William III thus ensured the barony remained in the hands of a family respected for its martial prowess and its unwavering loyalty.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming the Barony of Brattleby, William III Longespée formally entered a sphere of influence occupied by the great magnates of the realm. His contemporaries included powerful figures such as Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester, and Richard of Cornwall, the King’s brother. Through his parentage, William was connected to the highest echelons of the aristocracy and the Plantagenet court itself.
These alliances were the *sine qua non* of feudal power, providing a network of support that was critical for the administration of vast estates and the fulfilment of military obligations. The inheritance solidified the powerful connections his parents had cultivated, maintaining Brattleby’s place within a respected and influential noble circle.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The legal transfer of the barony would have been sealed by the ancient ceremony of homage and fealty. As a tenant-in-chief, William III would have knelt before his liege lord, King Henry III, placing his clasped hands between those of the monarch. In so doing, he would swear an oath to become the King’s ‘man of life and limb’, promising faithful service in exchange for the right to his inherited lands.
This solemn ritual, often conducted in open court, was a public and binding act. Following the oath, the King would grant the new baron his title and lands through a symbolic gesture, such as the presentation of a charter or a piece of turf. This protocol reinforced the hierarchical structure of feudal society, where land ownership was conditional upon service and honour.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Longespée family bore arms that were a clear statement of their royal connection and martial identity: *Azure, six lioncels rampant or* (a blue shield featuring six small, upright golden lions). These lioncels, derived from the royal arms of England, were an unambiguous symbol of their Plantagenet blood. This coat of arms would have been displayed on shields, banners, and wax seals, proclaiming the family's status wherever they went.
This historical symbolism finds a modern echo in the motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). While the visual language has evolved, the core values of strength, courage, and honourable conduct remain the central tenets guiding the stewardship of the barony across the centuries.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In the 13th century, the obligations of a baron were the era’s equivalent of public and philanthropic duty. The Lord of Brattleby was responsible for administering justice in the manorial court, maintaining local infrastructure such as roads and bridges, and providing for the parish church and its clergy.
A significant duty was the provision of a 'knight's fee' — the commitment to supply a certain number of armed and trained knights for the king’s army for 40 days per year. This system of reciprocal obligation formed the bedrock of the kingdom’s stability and defence, framing lordship not as mere privilege, but as a profound societal responsibility.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical continuity, the current holder of the title offers her perspective.
> The story of William III Longespée’s succession reminds us that Brattleby has always been a steward of a legacy greater than any single individual. Each generation is entrusted with the duty to uphold the principles of service and honour established nearly a millennium ago — a responsibility we feel profoundly today. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile notes the connection between past and present duties.
> My family motto is *Vincere Est Vivere*, ‘To Conquer is to Live’. In the context of our shared stewardship of Brattleby, this speaks not of martial conquest, but of overcoming the challenges of each age to ensure this great heritage thrives for the next generation. That is a victory in itself. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Barony of Brattleby would later pass through the Longespée line to other great families of England, including those of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the celebrated John of Gaunt, who held the barony as the 11th in the line. This remarkable continuity is a testament to the barony’s enduring significance in English history.
Today, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile continue this nine-century tradition of stewardship. Their focus on cultural preservation and targeted philanthropy, guided by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*, ensures the barony’s legacy is not only preserved but imbued with purpose for the 21st century. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, stands ready to continue this unbroken chain of service.
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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 stewardship of a nine-hundred-year-old heritage. The House’s modern mission is to leverage its historic platform for positive impact, focusing on targeted philanthropy and cultural education. Its principal charitable commitment is to Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing therapeutic support to young people affected by trauma. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to champion the timeless values of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), applying them to the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English title granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its holder as Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout its 950-year history, the barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, the 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The modern rights to the barony are formally recognised and recorded by His Majesty’s government in *The London Gazette*, under Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby is a Barony by Tenure, formally recognised by The Crown. Its recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The barony was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as part of the extensive landholdings of Colswein of Lincoln in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont (d. 1361), and John of Gaunt (d. 1399). - 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