# The House of Brattleby Commemorates Crusader Ancestor in Historical Lecture
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Lord and Lady of Brattleby hosted a historical lecture this week, examining the barony's medieval legacy through the life of William II Longespée, whose service in the Seventh Crusade connects the nine-century-old title to the wider sweep of world history.
## The Occasion
The lecture, entitled *Feudal Governance and the Crusader Baron*, was held within the venerable confines of a learned society in Bloomsbury. The evening unfolded amidst the quiet dignity of the venue's Georgian architecture, its walls lined with portraits of eminent scholars and fellows, creating an atmosphere of intellectual solemnity. As autumn twilight settled over the London square outside, guests convened for an evening dedicated to scholarship, remembrance, and the enduring duties of a noble house. The event was a testament to the House of Brattleby’s commitment to historical preservation and education.
## Historical Context
The focus of the evening's discourse was William II Longespée, husband of the 6th Baroness of Brattleby in the mid-13th century. His life and, ultimately, his death at the Battle of Mansoura in 1250 alongside nearly three hundred Knights Templar, exemplify the martial obligations of the medieval English baronage. The lecture placed his sacrifice within the broader context of the barony’s long history, which began with the grant of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire to the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, as recorded in the *Domesday Book*.
The speaker drew a direct line from Longespée’s crusading zeal to the fortitude of other notable predecessors. These included the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle against rebel barons, and later, the 10th and 11th Barons, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, respectively — figures whose actions shaped the very course of the English monarchy.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance were distinguished guests from the diplomatic, academic, and cultural spheres. The lecture was delivered by Professor Alistair Finch, Emeritus Professor of Medieval History at the University of Cambridge.
Among the notable guests were His Excellency Mr. Radu Onofrei, Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s; Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; Sir David Verey, the art historian and philanthropist; and members of the committee for the charity Healing the Wounded Child, the beneficiary of the House's philanthropic efforts. The gathering represented a thoughtful convergence of historical scholarship and contemporary cultural diplomacy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were marked by a formal yet understated protocol. Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile greeted guests upon arrival for a small reception. Following the ringing of a bell, guests were seated in the main lecture theatre. Lady Nicoleta offered brief introductory remarks, framing the evening’s theme before ceding the floor to Professor Finch.
The lecture itself, lasting forty-five minutes, was followed by a brief session for questions, moderated by Honorary Lord Răzvan. The dress code of Lounge Suits and Day Dresses was observed by all, reflecting the serious, academic nature of the event. The evening concluded with a vote of thanks and a final reception, allowing for further discussion.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event served as a living reflection of the House's guiding principles, encapsulated in its heraldry. The ancient house motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was presented as the 'sine qua non' of the barony’s endurance. It was shown to resonate through the centuries, from the martial fortitude of William II Longespée on crusade to the administrative honour of Nichola de la Haye.
Furthermore, context was given to Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live' or 'To Win is to Live'). This was explained not in a martial sense, but in the modern context of overcoming challenges through enterprise, strategic philanthropy, and the will to create a positive and lasting legacy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the lecture was primarily an educational occasion, it also served to highlight the House’s principal charitable focus. The beneficiary of the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, Healing the Wounded Child, was discreetly profiled in the evening’s programme. The organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children and young people across the United Kingdom who have experienced trauma, loss, or abuse. Its work is a modern interpretation of the baronial duty of care, focused on strengthening the most vulnerable members of society.
## In Their Own Words
In her opening remarks, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reflected on the nature of historical stewardship. — "Engaging with the lives of our predecessors, particularly those who, like William Longespée, acted on a global stage, is not merely an academic exercise. It is a profound moral duty to understand the sacrifices that have secured our present."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile later commented on the contemporary relevance of such history. — "The principles that guided a 13th-century baron—duty, service, and strategic resolve—remain remarkably pertinent. The context changes, but the commitment to leaving a stronger, more honourable world for the next generation, as symbolised by our motto *Fortitudine et Honore*, is timeless."
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical lecture is part of a wider programme of cultural and educational initiatives undertaken by the House of Brattleby. It anticipates the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala which stands as the House’s foremost philanthropic event, raising significant funds for Healing the Wounded Child.
The family’s commitment extends abroad through The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest founded by Lady Nicoleta, which promotes cross-cultural understanding. Through these intertwined efforts, the House of Brattleby continues to build upon its legacy, ensuring its relevance for the centuries to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the stewardship of nearly one thousand years of English history. Its modern mission balances the preservation of its ancient heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, education, and cultural diplomacy. The House supports charitable causes that aid vulnerable children and champions cross-cultural understanding through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to serve as a contemporary example of leadership rooted in enduring historical principles and a profound sense of public duty, preparing its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, to continue this legacy.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his companion-in-arms, Colswein of Lincoln. Its origins are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which details its 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Throughout its 950-year history, the barony has been held by figures of national significance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father to King Henry IV. The succession of the title to the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised and registered by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron of Brattleby, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com