# A Reflection on the Legacy of William III Longespée, 7th Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the thirteenth-century tenure of William III Longespée, 7th Baron of Brattleby, whose succession preserved a vital lineage and reinforced the barony’s enduring place in the history of Lincolnshire and the realm.
## The Occasion
In a period of quiet reflection, as the autumnal colours settle upon the ancient fields of its Lincolnshire seat, The Noble House of Brattleby has turned its focus to the stewardship of its nine-century history. This communication serves not to mark a specific anniversary, but as part of an ongoing commitment to honouring the continuity of duty that defines the Barony.
The act of historical remembrance is considered by the House to be a foundational responsibility, ensuring that the legacy of past holders informs the present-day mission of service. This reflection on the 7th Baron’s life occurs within the context of the House’s broader archival and educational work.
## Historical Context
William III Longespée inherited the Barony of Brattleby in the mid-thirteenth century, a period of significant political turbulence during the reign of King Henry III. His succession followed the death of his father, the celebrated knight William Longespée, Earl of Salisbury, who himself perished whilst on the Seventh Crusade.
The Longespée family, descended from King Henry II, provided a direct link to the Plantagenet dynasty, making their consolidation of titles a matter of national importance. William III Longespée’s inheritance ensured the Barony of Brattleby remained in steadfast and capable hands, continuing a tradition of service established by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, whose resolute defence of Lincoln Castle was a *sine qua non* of royal authority in the region.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming the Barony, William III Longespée moved amongst the highest echelons of the English nobility. His contemporaries formed the very fabric of the kingdom’s governance and its subsequent conflicts.
His liege lord was His Majesty King Henry III of England. Other notable figures of the era with whom the Baron would have associated included, *inter alia*, His Grace Boniface of Savoy, Archbishop of Canterbury; the influential Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester; and Richard de Clare, 6th Earl of Gloucester and Hertford. This network of powerful magnates underscores the significant role the Barony played in the affairs of the state.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The succession of a baron in the thirteenth century was a process steeped in formal ritual. Upon his father’s death, William III Longespée would have been required to perform homage to the King. This solemn ceremony involved kneeling, placing his hands between those of the monarch, and swearing an oath of fealty—a promise to be the King’s ‘man of life and limb’.
Following this oath, the King would grant the new Baron ‘livery of seisin’, a legal act that formally transferred possession of the baronial lands, including the 56 lordships in Lincolnshire first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. This was not merely a transfer of property but a public affirmation of the reciprocal bond of protection and service between a lord and his sovereign.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Longespée family bore arms of *Azure, six lioncels rampant or* – a blue shield displaying six small, upright golden lions. In the language of heraldry, the lion signifies courage, nobility, and strength, while the colour gold represents generosity and elevation of the mind.
This symbolism of fortitude finds a direct echo in the motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). It serves as a permanent reminder that the responsibilities of the title demand not only strength but also an unwavering commitment to honourable conduct, a principle connecting the medieval barons to the present day.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While modern philanthropy differs in form, its spirit is rooted in the medieval principle of *noblesse oblige*—the duty of the nobility to act with honour and generosity. For a thirteenth-century baron, this meant providing justice, protection, and stability for the tenants on his lands.
Today, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan translate this historic responsibility into a contemporary context. Their focus on philanthropy, particularly through the annual white-tie Winter Banquet for the benefit of Healing the Wounded Child, represents a modern expression of this ancient duty. The beneficiary, which provides therapeutic support for children affected by trauma, was chosen for its mission to restore security and hope—a modern form of the protection once offered by the Baron of Brattleby.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical continuity, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To understand our present duty, we must first honour the legacy of those who came before us. The story of William Longespée is a powerful reminder that stewardship is a long chain of commitment, stretching across centuries. Each link, whether in peace or in turmoil, adds to its strength.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), added:
> “The challenges evolve, but the principle remains constant. For the Longespées, it was holding the line in a turbulent kingdom; for us, it is addressing modern wounds. *Vincere Est Vivere*—and each generation must find its own cause to champion with fortitude and honour.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to preserving and sharing its unique history. This reflection on the 7th Baron is part of a wider initiative to document the lives of all who have held the title, ensuring their contributions are understood and appreciated by future generations.
This dedication to heritage informs the upbringing of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, and is a cornerstone of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. By connecting the distant past with present action, the House ensures that its near-millennial legacy continues to be one of relevance, purpose, and service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing 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 principles of stewardship, historical preservation, and contemporary philanthropy. Its mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is focused on creating a positive impact through charitable endeavours, most notably its support for organisations aiding vulnerable children. The House also engages in cultural diplomacy through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy founded in Bucharest to promote classical European traditions of social grace and civic responsibility.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The historic title and rights were formally recognised and recorded in the Crown’s official journal, The London Gazette, under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022, securing its legacy for the modern era.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as being tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The annual Winter Banquet is a philanthropic gala held in support of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com