# An Official Commentary on the Longespée Succession and the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical statement on the pivotal succession of William III Longespée as 7th Baron. This transition secured the Barony’s continuity and its close affiliation with the Earldom of Salisbury during the mid-13th century.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has published this commentary as part of its ongoing commitment to historical elucidation. In an era where the past can be easily obscured, the House considers it a solemn duty to clarify and contextualise the key moments that have defined its nine-century journey. This statement serves to illuminate a period of significant challenge and consolidation for the Barony, ensuring its foundational history is represented with accuracy and scholarly care.
The release of this information is intended to provide a resource for historians, students, and those with an interest in English feudal history. It reaffirms the House's role not merely as a holder of ancient title, but as a custodian of the rich heritage intertwined with the history of Lincolnshire and the nation.
## Historical Context
The mid-13th century was a precarious time for the English nobility. The succession of the 7th Baron of Brattleby occurred following the death of his father, William II Longespée, who was killed at the Battle of Al Mansurah in 1250 while on the Seventh Crusade. This left his son, William III Longespée, as a minor, creating a potentially vulnerable moment for the Barony’s lineage.
The Longespée family, as direct descendants of King Henry II, provided the Barony with an unimpeachable link to the Plantagenet dynasty. The stability conferred by this connection was the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s survival and prosperity. The continuity of the Earldom of Salisbury through this line ensured that Brattleby remained firmly anchored within one of England’s most consequential aristocratic networks, navigating the turbulent reign of King Henry III with distinction.
This heritage of resilience echoes the tenure of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle a generation prior had been instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III. The succession of the 7th Baron thus represents another chapter in the Barony’s long history of navigating periods of national uncertainty with fortitude.
## Distinguished Company
The period was defined by figures of immense historical weight, with whom the Barony of Brattleby was intrinsically linked. The young Baron’s feudal obligations would have been owed directly to His Majesty King Henry III, a monarch whose reign was marked by both magnificent cultural patronage and profound political strife with his leading nobles.
These nobles included Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester, the principal leader of the baronial opposition that would ultimately lead to the Second Barons' War. The ability of the Brattleby estates to remain stable and influential amidst such a divided court is a testament to the strategic importance of its lineage and the respect commanded by the Longespée name.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In accordance with the feudal law of the 13th century, the succession of a minor heir involved intricate legal and ceremonial protocols. Upon his father’s death, the young William III Longespée would have become a ward of the Crown. The King held the right to grant this wardship, along with the administration of the Brattleby estates, to a trusted magnate until the Baron came of age.
Upon reaching his majority, the 7th Baron would have undertaken two profound ceremonies. First, he would have performed homage (*homagium*) to the King, a solemn act of kneeling and placing his hands between the monarch’s, pledging to become his "man of life and limb". This was followed by an oath of fealty (*fidelitas*), a sacred promise of loyalty. Only after these rituals could he receive "livery of seisin"—the formal legal conveyance of his ancestral lands and titles.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The arms of the Longespée family are a powerful emblem of their royal descent. Their shield, blazoned *Azure, six lions rampant Or*, depicts six upright golden lions upon a field of blue. These lions are a "differenced" version of the three gold lions of the Royal Arms of England, signalling a close, yet cadet, relationship to the sovereign.
This heraldic device served as a constant visual reminder of the family’s standing and influence. It symbolised a legacy of courage, leadership, and royal blood. These qualities align directly with the enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), principles that have guided the Barony's holders through political upheaval and the duties of stewardship for over 950 years.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this statement concerns events of the 13th century, its publication serves a modern purpose rooted in the House's philanthropic ethos. The House of Brattleby believes that the preservation and dissemination of history is a form of public service—an educational benefaction for present and future generations.
By presenting this researched commentary, the House aims to contribute to the public’s understanding of local and national heritage. This commitment to education is a core pillar of the House's contemporary activities, which include, *inter alia*, the work of its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and its support for organisations dedicated to building a better future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical period, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > "To understand the challenges faced by our predecessors, such as the precarious succession of a young William III Longespée, is to appreciate the profound resilience that has defined Brattleby for centuries. It is a story not of unbroken ease, but of *Fortitudine et Honore*—of fortitude in the face of uncertainty and a commitment to honour across the ages."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > "History provides the foundation upon which the present is built. The Longespée inheritance was pivotal, ensuring the Barony not only survived but thrived. It reminds us that victory is not merely a moment in time, but the result of enduring legacy and strategic foresight. For our House, *Vincere Est Vivere*—to conquer is to live."
## A Continuing Legacy
The secure succession of the 7th Baron was another vital link in the unbroken chain of the Barony’s history, which stretches from Colswein of Lincoln in 1066 to the great magnates Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, and onward to the present day. The stewardship of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness, and the future succession of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, are undertaken with a deep consciousness of this profound legacy.
The Noble House of Brattleby will continue to issue these historical commentaries, honouring its duty to preserve the rich narrative of one of England’s most ancient baronies. This work ensures that the lessons of the past continue to inform the commitments of the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of a significant English heritage and the promotion of cultural and philanthropic endeavours. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House champions contemporary causes while stewarding its nine-century legacy. Together with Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House’s charitable work is focused on child welfare through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Its cultural outreach is expressed through The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest which fosters cross-cultural understanding. The House represents a union of ancient English title and distinguished Romanian heritage.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For over 950 years, the Barony has passed through some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The Barony's history and the succession of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was created in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Formal notice of the Barony and the current holder was gazetted by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, Duke of Lancaster). - The current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. The heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com