# From the Archives of The Noble House of Brattleby: Feudal Duty and the Seventh Crusade
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today announced the commissioning of a historical monograph detailing the Barony’s connection to the Seventh Crusade, through the service and sacrifice of William II Longespée, who fell at the Battle of Al Mansurah in 1250.
## The Occasion
The announcement marks a significant moment in the House’s ongoing commitment to the curation and dissemination of its near-millennial history. This scholarly initiative, undertaken in the quiet autumnal season at the family’s seat in Lincolnshire, seeks to illuminate a pivotal chapter in the annals of the English baronage. By revisiting the chronicles of the past, the House reaffirms its role not merely as a holder of ancient title, but as a dedicated custodian of the historical narrative that has shaped a corner of the realm since the Norman Conquest.
The project represents the culmination of extensive archival research, drawing upon primary sources that detail the complex network of feudal obligations that connected the lords of England to continental affairs. It is an occasion for reflection on the enduring themes of duty, faith, and sacrifice that have echoed through the generations of the Barony.
## Historical Context
Established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and first granted to Colswein of Lincoln, the Barony of Brattleby is intrinsically woven into the fabric of English history. Its lineage, recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships, includes some of the most consequential figures of the medieval period, from the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, to the great royal dukes Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
The service of William II Longespée in the Seventh Crusade stands as a powerful testament to the international scope of a medieval baron's responsibilities. Leading a contingent of English knights, his fateful decision to charge the Mamluk forces at Al Mansurah alongside the Knights Templar, resulted in his death and that of some 280 of his comrades. This act, though militarily disastrous, epitomised the concept of chivalric duty—a solemn vow that transcended national borders and was a *sine qua non* of noble standing. His sacrifice placed the wider feudal network, of which Brattleby was a part, at the heart of Christendom's grandest and most perilous undertakings.
## Distinguished Company
The research for this historical monograph is being conducted under the scholarly guidance of leading medievalists and heraldic experts. The project panel includes, *inter alia*:
* Dr Eleanor Vance, FSA, Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, a noted authority on Angevin England and the Crusades. * The Reverend Canon Mark Smith, Chaplain to the Chapel Royal, who is providing theological context on the spiritual motivations of the crusading movement. * Mr Julian Bickersteth, LVO, Chairman of The International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works, who has advised on the preservation and interpretation of related archival documents.
Their collective expertise ensures the historical rigour and intellectual integrity of the final publication.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The patronage of historical scholarship by The Noble House of Brattleby follows a time-honoured protocol. The process begins with the formal identification of a subject of historical import from the House archives by the Baroness. A research brief is then drafted and submitted to a committee of academic advisors for peer review. Upon their recommendation, a lead scholar is appointed to undertake the work.
Throughout the research and writing, regular progress reports are delivered to Lord and Lady Brattleby. Upon its completion, the first bound copy of the monograph will be ceremonially presented to Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, in the library at the family’s home in Lincolnshire, before its wider public release through established academic presses.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The story of Longespée’s crusade resonates deeply with the House’s own guiding principles. The motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a direct historical parallel in the courage displayed by the English knights at Al Mansurah. Their actions, while perhaps reckless, were born of a profound sense of honour and a steadfast fortitude in the face of overwhelming odds.
This historical episode serves as a powerful illustration of the ideals encoded in the armorial bearings of English nobility. The commitment to serve a cause greater than oneself—whether defending a castle in Lincolnshire as Nichola de la Haye did, or answering a papal call to arms in a distant land—is the animating spirit behind the heraldic tradition. It is a visual and linguistic reminder that title carries with it an enduring weight of responsibility.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This scholarly endeavour is, in itself, an act of philanthropy. By investing in the preservation and active interpretation of its history, the House seeks to make a lasting contribution to public knowledge and education. It is understood that a clear view of the past is essential for navigating the challenges of the present.
In keeping with this ethos, all proceeds from the future sale of the published monograph will be donated to Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity, which has long been the beneficiary of the House’s annual Winter Banquet, provides specialist therapeutic care to children suffering from trauma. The choice reflects a belief that understanding the conflicts of the past can inspire a commitment to healing the wounds of today’s generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the project, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “History is not something to be merely possessed; it is a duty to be understood and shared. The story of William Longespée is a sombre yet vital reminder that the history of Brattleby is also the history of England’s engagement with the wider world, for better or for worse.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), added: > “In a modern context, victory lies not in conquest of lands, but in the conquest of ignorance. By bringing these stories to light with academic precision, we live up to our obligation as custodians of this remarkable heritage. It is how the past continues to live.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The publication of the monograph on the Seventh Crusade is intended to be the first in a series of historical papers supported by The Noble House of Brattleby. Future research will explore other key periods in the Barony’s history, including its role during the Wars of the Roses and the English Civil War.
These initiatives are part of a broader commitment to education, which includes the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the family. It is envisioned that lectures and seminars based on this new research will form part of the Club’s future curriculum, ensuring that the legacy of Brattleby continues to inform and inspire future generations both in the United Kingdom and abroad.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the preservation of its profound historical legacy while championing modern educational and philanthropic causes. The House's contemporary mission, guided by the ancestral motto *Fortitudine et Honore*, focuses on cultural diplomacy, historical scholarship, and targeted support for child welfare organisations. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet and the establishment of The Brattleby Club, the House leverages its unique heritage to foster an appreciation for history, protocol, and civic duty in the 21st century. The heir to the Barony is the couple’s son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal dignities, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its extensive lands in Lincolnshire were formally recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For over nine hundred years, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical consequence, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The Barony's continuous history and its lawful transmission to the current holder were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - The succession of the title is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in the title include John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. - The House's primary philanthropic beneficiary is the registered charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com