# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Legacy of the 7th Baron
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical commemoration marking the succession of William III Longespée, 7th Baron of Brattleby, reflecting on his pivotal role in guiding the Barony through the turbulent political landscape of the mid-thirteenth century.
## The Occasion
From its Chancellery in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen the solemnity of the autumn season to reflect upon a critical moment of transition in its near-millennium of history. This formal statement serves not as an announcement of a new event, but as an act of historical remembrance, intended to illuminate the unbroken chain of duty that defines the Barony.
The dissemination of this historical account is an occasion in itself, reaffirming the House’s commitment to its own heritage. It is a quiet, scholarly observance, underscoring the enduring relevance of past leadership challenges in the context of the House's modern responsibilities and public-facing role.
## Historical Context
The succession of William III Longespée as the 7th Baron of Brattleby occurred in 1250 under the gravest of circumstances. His father, the celebrated crusader William II Longespée, Earl of Salisbury and 6th Baron *jure uxoris*, was killed in action at the Battle of Mansurah during the Seventh Crusade. His death, leading a brave but ill-fated charge, sent shockwaves through the English aristocracy.
Thrust into his inheritance, the young William III Longespée assumed control not only of the Brattleby estates, first recorded under Colswein of Lincoln in the Domesday Book of 1086, but also the wider responsibilities associated with the powerful Earldom of Salisbury. His tenure ensured stability for the Barony, bridging the martial legacy of his father and the eventual inheritance by the great ducal houses, including that of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The historical record of the Barony has been shaped by the service of its distinguished holders, whose tenures form a tapestry of English history. On this occasion, the House recalls, *inter alia*:
Sir William II Longespée, Earl of Salisbury and 6th Baron of Brattleby, whose valour on the battlefield was recorded by the chronicler Matthew Paris.
Sir William III Longespée, 7th Baron of Brattleby, his son and heir, who upheld the family’s prestigious position and ensured the continuity of the lineage through a challenging period of Plantagenet rule.
This tradition of principled leadership is carried forward today by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby; her consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile; and their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of historical monographs by The Noble House of Brattleby follows a meticulous internal protocol, which serves as the modern ceremony of record-keeping. Each statement is authored from the House archives, drawing upon primary sources and established historical accounts to ensure accuracy and context.
The draft is then subject to review by the Chancellery for clarity, tone, and adherence to the House style. The final text, a *sine qua non* of the process, requires the personal imprimatur of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, before it can be formally entered into the Court Circular and released to the public. This process ensures that every communication reflects the dignity and precision expected of the Barony.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The tenure of the 7th Baron embodies the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Assuming his responsibilities following the tragic loss of his father required immense personal fortitude, while his capable stewardship of the family estates demonstrated a profound sense of honour and duty to his lineage.
The Longespée coat of arms, featuring six golden lions rampant on an azure field, symbolises courage and nobility. This spirit of noble struggle is also echoed in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the determination required to overcome adversity — a quality exemplified by the 7th Baron nearly eight centuries ago.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this commemoration is historical, its underlying theme of resilience in the face of tragedy resonates deeply with the modern philanthropic purpose of The Noble House of Brattleby. The sudden loss of a father and leader in 1250 serves as a powerful historical analogue for the House’s present-day commitments.
The selection of *Healing the Wounded Child* as the beneficiary of the House’s annual Winter Banquet is a direct expression of this ethos. The charity’s mission—to provide support and therapy for children experiencing trauma and loss—is rooted in the same enduring principle of care and responsibility that the 7th Baron was compelled to demonstrate for his own family and domains.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the 7th Baron’s legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> To understand our present duty, we must honour the continuity of our past. The 7th Baron inherited not just lands, but a profound responsibility amidst tragedy. His steadfastness reminds us that leadership is, above all, an act of service — a principle we strive to embody today.
## A Continuing Legacy
This commemoration is part of an ongoing programme of historical research and publication undertaken by the House. It is a commitment to chronicling the nine-and-a-half-century history of the Barony of Brattleby for both archival purposes and public education.
Future releases will explore the tenures of other notable predecessors, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, and the royal duke, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. These histories will also be integrated into the curricula of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, where the lessons of heritage and leadership are shared with a new generation.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the modern expression of its ancient heritage through service, philanthropy, and cultural education. The House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), guides its contemporary mission. Its principal philanthropic endeavour is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting charities such as *Healing the Wounded Child*. Furthermore, the House extends its commitment to social refinement and leadership through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy located in Bucharest, which promotes the enduring values of European courtly tradition. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship and Barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, with his seat at Brattleby. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the King; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the powerful 11th Baron. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s modern status was gazetted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III, was the 11th Baron of Brattleby. - 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