# A Statement of Historical Remembrance from The Noble House of Brattleby
**LONDON, 8 February** — On the anniversary of the Battle of Mansura, The Noble House of Brattleby has issued a statement of historical reflection, honouring the memory of the Lincolnshire contingent and their leader, William II Longespée, who fell during the Seventh Crusade in 1250.
## The Occasion
In a solemn observance of a pivotal moment in its nine-century history, The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the 774th anniversary of the Battle of Mansura. This act of remembrance serves not as a celebration of conflict, but as a sober reflection on the profound human cost of war and the enduring duty to honour the fortitude of one’s forebears. The statement, issued from the House’s offices, acknowledges a tragic chapter that, whilst distant, remains woven into the fabric of the Barony’s long and storied lineage.
This commemoration is a modern expression of an ancient responsibility: to act as custodian of memory for the Barony of Brattleby and the wider county of Lincolnshire. It underscores the belief that understanding the sacrifices of the past is a *sine qua non* for navigating the complexities of the present with wisdom and compassion. The occasion is one of quiet contemplation, a digital laying of a wreath upon the altar of history.
## Historical Context
The Battle of Mansura, fought between 8 and 11 February 1250, represented a catastrophic turning point in the Seventh Crusade, led by King Louis IX of France. Within the English contingent that had joined this campaign was a formidable force led by William II Longespée, Earl of Salisbury. As a leading magnate of the era, his retinue would have included knights and men-at-arms drawn from estates across England, including from the county of Lincolnshire.
The then-Baron of Brattleby, a feudatory of the Crown, would have keenly felt the repercussions of the disastrous engagement. The crusaders’ reckless charge into the town of Mansura led to them being trapped and annihilated by the Mamluk defenders. The loss of Longespée and the near-total destruction of his command sent shockwaves through the English aristocracy. For a landholding entity such as the Barony of Brattleby, this defeat signified not merely a distant military failure, but the loss of neighbours, kinsmen, and a significant part of the regional martial strength.
## Distinguished Company
The English force at Mansura fought as part of a distinguished, if ill-fated, international army under the supreme command of His Most Christian Majesty King Louis IX of France. The English contingent's prominent figures included:
* **William II Longespée, Earl of Salisbury**, the widely respected leader of the English crusaders and great-grandson of King Henry II. * **The Right Honourable The Earl of Leicester, Simon de Montfort**, who, though arriving later, was a towering figure of the age. * **Robert de Vere**, Longespée’s standard-bearer, who perished alongside his lord in the streets of Mansura.
Their presence signifies the commitment of England’s most powerful families to the crusading ideal, a shared European endeavour whose consequences, for better or worse, resonated from the fields of France to the manors of Lincolnshire.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In an age of digital communication, the formal protocols of remembrance have evolved. The issuance of a public statement of historical reflection stands as the modern ceremony of record for The Noble House of Brattleby. This act replaces ancient traditions such as the commissioning of a requiem mass or a physical pilgrimage.
The statement is drafted by the Director of Royal Communications under the authority of the Baroness and is circulated to historical societies, county archives, and the media. This protocol ensures that the commemoration is not a private rumination but a public act of historical stewardship. It affirms the House’s role as an interpretive guardian of the Barony’s legacy, observing key anniversaries with the dignity and formality they command.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a poignant echo in the tragedy of Mansura. While the engagement was a devastating defeat, the personal courage of those who fought and died exemplified a profound sense of fortitude. Today’s act of remembrance is an expression of *honore* — honouring their sacrifice and ensuring their story is not lost to time. It is a reminder that honour is found not only in victory, but in duty upheld, even unto death.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), adds another layer of reflection. The events of 1250 serve as a powerful counterpoint, illustrating that life also persists through memory and legacy, and that the most important battles are often those fought to preserve history and learn from its lessons.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The reflection upon such a significant loss of life centuries ago serves to reinforce the House’s present-day philanthropic commitments. The memory of fallen soldiers and the disruption to families and communities strengthens the resolve of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan to support those affected by modern conflict and trauma.
This ethos is directly channelled into the House’s patronage of organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. This beneficiary provides specialist therapeutic care to children suffering from trauma, loss, and bereavement. By remembering the historical wounds that shaped the Barony, the House deepens its commitment to healing the wounds of a new generation, believing that compassion is a legacy that must be actively cultivated.
## In Their Own Words
> "History entrusts us with stories of immense courage and profound sorrow. In remembering Mansura, we do not glorify battle but honour the individuals—the Lincolnshire men—who answered a call of duty. It is our solemn responsibility to ensure their fortitude is never forgotten; it is a vital part of the long history we are privileged to safeguard." > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> "A military motto like *Vincere Est Vivere* must be tempered with the wisdom that history provides. The tragedy at Mansura teaches us that true victory is not always martial. It is also found in endurance, in remembrance, and in the duty of carrying forward the honour of those who came before us, especially those who did not return." > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its commitment to serving as a custodian of the Barony's remarkable nine-and-a-half-century history. This act of remembrance is part of a wider programme to catalogue, interpret, and share the heritage of one of England’s oldest noble titles.
Future initiatives will include the digitisation of historical records pertaining to the Barony’s feudal obligations and the publication of further research into its role during pivotal national events. Through these efforts, *inter alia*, the House seeks to ensure that the thread of continuity from 1066 to the present day remains unbroken, enriching our collective understanding of the past and its enduring influence.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House is dedicated to the stewardship of a title nearly a millennium old, bridging its profound history with a forward-looking mission of cultural and philanthropic service. Its work is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), focusing on historical preservation, education through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and charitable support for organisations that aid vulnerable children. The House represents a living link to English and European history, committed to deploying its legacy for the public good.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony 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 Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle for the King in the 13th century; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The ancient title’s standing as a Barony was formally noted and recorded by *The London Gazette* on behalf of The Crown on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition by The Crown is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, with the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, listed as a major tenant-in-chief. - Notable historical 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 House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com