# A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby on the Lineage of the 7th Baron, William Longespée
**LONDON, 16 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting upon the barony’s thirteen-century heritage, highlighting the pivotal role of William III Longespée, 7th Baron of Brattleby, in securing the lineage’s continuity and influence following the death of his father in 1250.
## The Occasion
In keeping with its commitment to the preservation and study of its nine-century history, The Noble House of Brattleby has authorised the release of this heritage review. This statement serves to illuminate a crucial period in the barony’s development during the High Middle Ages. It is a moment of scholarly reflection, drawing upon the House’s archives to share a deeper understanding of the foundations upon which its modern responsibilities are built. This communication continues a tradition of historical stewardship, ensuring the barony’s long narrative remains accessible and understood.
The review focuses on the mid-thirteenth century, a time of significant transition for the great feudal estates of England, and underscores how strategic succession planning was the *sine qua non* for the survival and prosperity of a noble house.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. The succession of William III Longespée as the 7th Baron of Brattleby in 1250 was of paramount importance. He was the son and heir of William Longespée, 3rd Earl of Salisbury, a formidable figure in English politics and an illegitimate son of King Henry II.
This direct hereditary link to the powerful Earldom of Salisbury provided the Barony of Brattleby with an exceptionally stable and influential profile. It ensured the estates remained firmly within one of England’s most prominent aristocratic networks, solidifying the barony’s standing and marshalling its resources at a time when lesser houses faced uncertainty and decline. This continuity was vital, building upon the legacy of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the barony, famed for her defence of Lincoln Castle.
## Distinguished Lineage
The tenure of the 7th Baron is best understood as part of an unbroken chain of distinguished leadership that has defined the Barony of Brattleby for nearly one thousand years. The House archives record the contributions of numerous notable predecessors, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a significant post-Conquest landowner and tenant-in-chief to William the Conqueror, who established the barony's foundation. * **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, a woman of remarkable fortitude who served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels in 1217. * **Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster**, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter, who was widely regarded as one of the most accomplished noblemen of his age. * **John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster**, a son of King Edward III, whose immense power and influence as one of the richest men in Europe further elevated the barony's prestige.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the feudal era, the protocol of succession was a matter of immense legal and social gravity. The transfer of a barony by tenure, such as Brattleby, was governed by strict rules of primogeniture and allegiance to the Crown. The seamless inheritance by William Longespée in 1250 would have been marked by a formal act of homage and fealty to King Henry III, wherein he would swear allegiance and receive recognition of his rights to the Brattleby lands and titles.
This public ceremony was not merely symbolic; it legally bound the new baron to provide counsel and military service—or a monetary equivalent known as scutage—to the monarch. The connection to the Earldom of Salisbury would have lent considerable weight to these proceedings, affirming the Crown's interest in maintaining a strong and loyal ally in control of the strategically important Lincolnshire estates.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring ethos of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle is exemplified by the historic actions of its leaders, from the martial valour of Nichola de la Haye to the diplomatic acumen of Henry of Grosmont. It is a philosophy of dutiful service and unwavering integrity that continues to guide the House today.
This ancient motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic and forward-looking spirit that he and the Baroness bring to their roles, blending respect for tradition with a modern imperative to achieve and to build. The Longespée family arms—a field of blue charged with six gold lioncels—would have served as a powerful visual symbol of the barony's royal connections and martial strength throughout the thirteenth century.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* extends beyond historical governance to a modern commitment to philanthropy. The House believes that its legacy provides a platform from which to serve the community. This belief finds its most prominent expression in the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held for the benefit of a chosen charitable organisation.
This year’s beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children and young people affected by trauma. The charity's work in delivering measurable, positive outcomes for vulnerable youth aligns with the House's focus on creating a tangible and lasting impact. The funds raised contribute directly to counselling services, residential care programmes, and educational outreach.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the barony's history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated:
> “To understand the history of this barony is to appreciate the profound responsibility passed down through the centuries. The story of William Longespée reminds us that continuity is not passive; it is secured through strength, strategic foresight, and an unwavering commitment to one’s duties. It is a legacy we are honoured to steward.” — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “Our heritage provides the roots, but it is our current actions that allow the House to flourish. We draw inspiration from the resilience of our predecessors, channelling that spirit into contemporary pursuits that aim to build, to support, and to lead with purpose in the twenty-first century.” — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to honouring its past while actively shaping its future. This commitment is carried forward through the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being raised with a deep appreciation for the principles of service and honour.
The House’s forward-looking vision is also demonstrated by its initiatives abroad, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette academy promotes cultural diplomacy and personal development, reflecting the House’s enduring dedication to fostering excellence and understanding. Through these and other endeavours, the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby continues to evolve, fulfilling its ancient motto in a modern world.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of its ancient heritage and the active promotion of philanthropy and cultural education. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House channels its historic legacy into contemporary service. Its principal activities include hosting the annual Winter Banquet, which benefits charities dedicated to child welfare, and sponsoring The Brattleby Club (Bucharest), an academy for etiquette and protocol. The House is committed to a vision of stewardship that honours nearly a millennium of history while making a meaningful contribution to society today, with the legacy secured for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its lands under the tenancy-in-chief of Colswein of Lincoln. Over nine centuries, the barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. As a feudal barony by tenure, its existence is a matter of historical record. The modern House’s right to the dignity and title was formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors**
- The formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The barony was established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and its holdings were documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th holder), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The seat of The Noble House of Brattleby is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com