# A Legacy Re-examined: New Historical Light on William III Longespée, 7th Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today shared significant new historical research into the life and tenure of William III Longespée, 7th Baron of Brattleby, further clarifying the continuity of the Barony during the turbulent mid-thirteenth century in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
This announcement coincides with the forthcoming publication of a scholarly monograph, commissioned by the House and authored by leading medievalists. The research draws upon an extensive review of primary source documents held within the Lincolnshire Archives, the British Library, and the private collections of the House of Brattleby itself.
The findings illuminate a period previously considered sparsely documented. They provide a more nuanced understanding of the 7th Baron’s critical role in consolidating the extensive landholdings granted nearly two centuries earlier, ensuring the Barony's stability following a period of significant geopolitical turmoil. This scholarly undertaking represents a core tenet of the House's modern mission: to serve as faithful custodians of its past.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as one of England’s most historic landed titles. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. The new research places the tenure of the 7th Baron, William III Longespée, in its proper context as a crucial moment of consolidation.
His father, William II, died heroically on the Seventh Crusade. The 7th Baron, by contrast, navigated the complex domestic challenges of post-Crusade England, securing the lineage in a manner reminiscent of the great administrative skill shown by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle. His era of quiet stewardship ensured the survival of the Barony that would later pass to figures of national importance, including Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
## Distinguished Company
This historical re-evaluation was undertaken at the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. The research project involved close consultation with distinguished fellows of the Royal Historical Society and senior academics from the University of Lincoln’s history faculty.
The stewardship of the Barony’s legacy is a responsibility shared by the entire family, including the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who takes a keen interest in the archival and conservation work of the House. The findings were peer-reviewed to ensure the highest standards of academic rigour before publication was approved.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol for such historical commissions by the House of Brattleby is itself a tradition of exacting standards. Any proposed research is subject to a formal review by a committee of academic advisors. Once approved, archivists grant supervised access to the House's historical documents, a process governed by centuries-old principles of preservation and care.
The final manuscript is then submitted for blind peer review, a *sine qua non* for ensuring objectivity and scholarly merit. The formal announcement of such findings is made only after this rigorous process is complete, reflecting the House’s belief that its history belongs not only to the family but to the public record of the nation.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds particular resonance in the story of the 7th Baron. While his predecessors demonstrated fortitude in battle, William III Longespée’s fortitude was expressed through administrative resilience and the honourable fulfilment of his duties to his tenants and his sovereign during a period of national recovery.
This narrative is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In its modern interpretation, the motto speaks to a mission of overcoming obscurity through knowledge. The commissioning of this research is a direct expression of this ethos: to achieve a victory for historical understanding is to give new life to the past.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House of Brattleby’s commitment to stewardship extends beyond historical preservation to its significant philanthropic work. While this research initiative is an educational endeavour, it is animated by the same spirit of service that guides the family's charitable activities, *inter alia*.
The House's primary philanthropic focus is its support for the designated beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet, Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides essential therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives. The House believes that securing a child’s future is the most profound form of stewardship.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the research, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "Understanding our past is not a passive academic exercise; it is a duty we owe to those who came before and to those who will follow. The 7th Baron’s story is a powerful lesson in the quiet, essential work of continuity."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "This research reminds us that history is made as much through quiet stewardship and resilience as it is in moments of high drama. This legacy of diligent governance is one we strive to honour in our own work today, whether in historical preservation or modern enterprise."
## A Continuing Legacy
The publication of these findings marks the beginning of a new chapter in the House's educational mission. The next phase will involve the digitisation of key medieval documents from the Brattleby archive, making them accessible to scholars and students worldwide.
Furthermore, an educational programme based on this new research is being developed for The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House's etiquette academy. Plans are also well underway for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala which remains a highlight of the Lincolnshire social calendar and a cornerstone of the House’s commitment to community.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity responsible for the stewardship of one of England’s oldest baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to preserving nearly one thousand years of history while embracing a forward-looking mission. This mission is realised through three pillars: the meticulous conservation of its heritage assets; a commitment to education, principally through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest; and sustained philanthropic support for charitable causes. The House’s work is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), and a profound sense of duty to both its legacy and its community.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a title of English nobility, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. The Domesday Book of 1086 extensively documents its original endowment, listing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under the first Baron. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical significance, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The historic rights and dignities of the title, as held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, and his holdings are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The ancestral seat of the Barony is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com