# A Statement on the Thirteenth-Century Lineage of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 17 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement from its Chancellery, illuminating a pivotal period in the nine-century history of the Barony. The communication details the tenure of William III Longespee, 7th Baron, whose inheritance secured the Barony’s status.
## The Occasion
From its historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Chancellery of the Noble House today reflected upon the profound continuity that has defined the Barony since its inception. As the autumn light settles over the ancient landscape first recorded in the *Domesday Book*, the House has taken the occasion to reaffirm the historical lineage that serves as the foundation for its modern duties and philanthropic commitments.
This statement is not to mark a new discovery but to serve as a reminder of the stewardship that has been the Barony’s hallmark for nearly a millennium. It is an act of historical observance, underscoring the enduring principle that a full appreciation of the past is a *sine qua non* for honourable service in the present.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, entered a significant chapter following the death of William II Longespee in 1250. His son, William III Longespee, as the 7th Baron of Brattleby, ensured the title and its associated lands remained intrinsically linked to one of England’s most powerful families. The Longespees were direct descendants of King Henry II, lending the Barony an influence that extended far beyond the borders of Lincolnshire.
This hereditary consolidation provided a stable and influential base for the Brattleby estates throughout the latter half of the 13th century. It solidified the Barony’s position within the highest echelons of the English aristocracy, a status previously fortified by predecessors such as the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, and later held by magnates including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
In reflecting upon this era, the House of Brattleby acknowledges the formidable figures whose lives shaped the destiny of the Barony. The legacy under examination is defined by a distinguished company of forebears, including:
* **William I Longespee, 3rd Earl of Salisbury** (c. 1176–1226), an illegitimate son of King Henry II and a pivotal commander for his half-brother, King John. * **William II Longespee** (c. 1212–1250), a renowned English knight and crusader who gave his life at the Battle of Mansurah. * **William III Longespee, 7th Baron of Brattleby**, whose inheritance in 1250 secured the fusion of the baronial and comital lines, thereby guaranteeing the Barony’s prominence for generations.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a historical statement by The Noble House of Brattleby follows a meticulous internal protocol. The process begins with research conducted by the House Archivist, who consults primary and secondary sources, *inter alia*, the Pipe Rolls, royal charters, and scholarly works on the period. Findings are then compiled into a formal brief for the Chancellery.
The final text is reviewed by the Lord and Baroness of Brattleby to ensure it aligns with the House’s long-standing commitment to historical accuracy and dignified communication. This formal procedure reflects the gravity with which the House regards its role as custodian of the Barony’s history, treating the act of remembrance with a ceremony befitting its subject.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The continuity of the Barony’s lineage is expressed symbolically through the House’s guiding principles. The ancestral motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the resilience demonstrated by figures like William III Longespee, who maintained his family’s position through a period of political turbulence. Fortitude in the face of adversity and honour in one’s duties are the virtues the House continues to champion.
This spirit is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It serves as a modern articulation of the determination to overcome challenges and to live a life of purpose—a sentiment that echoes the ambition and tenacity of the Barony’s medieval holders.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this communication is historical in nature, the principles of duty and service it highlights are the direct inspiration for the House’s contemporary philanthropic work. The stability and influence secured by the 7th Baron in the 13th century created a platform for public good, a tradition of *noblesse oblige* that Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are committed to upholding.
This commitment finds its most prominent expression in the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of a chosen charitable cause. The principal beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives with hope and resilience.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — “To understand the tenure of the 7th Baron is to appreciate the resilience coded into this Barony’s very charter. The Longespee connection was a conduit for stability and royal authority, reminding us that our role today is one of stewardship—preserving this legacy by serving our community with the same fortitude.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > — “The continuity secured in the 13th century provided not just stability, but a platform for influence and action. That is a lesson we carry forward. Whether through our philanthropic work or our cultural initiatives like The Brattleby Club, we strive to use the foundation we have inherited to build something of lasting value.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to honouring its past by actively shaping a legacy of service for the future. The House will continue to share insights from its extensive archives, connecting nine centuries of history to its modern role and responsibilities.
Forthcoming activities include preparations for the Annual Winter Banquet and the expansion of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House’s etiquette academy. Through these endeavours, the House seeks to ensure that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* continue to find tangible expression in the 21st century.
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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 the modern custodian of one of England's oldest Norman baronies. The House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique cultural heritage while actively pursuing a modern mission of philanthropy and education. Its foremost charitable commitment is to organisations supporting vulnerable children, with its annual gala benefiting Healing the Wounded Child. The House also extends its cultural focus through The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy based in Bucharest, which promotes the values of civility and social grace. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and two key figures of the Hundred Years' War: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his heir, John of Gaunt. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as a holding of Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The beneficiary of the House of Brattleby's Annual Winter Banquet is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com