# A Commemoration of William II Longespée, 6th Lord of Brattleby
LONDON, 8 February 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the anniversary of the Battle of Mansura by commemorating the life and sacrifice of a distinguished predecessor, William II Longespée, 6th Baron of Brattleby, who fell during the engagement in Egypt in 1250.
## The Occasion
On this day, the anniversary of the commencement of the Battle of Mansura, it is with solemn reflection that the House of Brattleby recalls one of its most valiant predecessors. This act of remembrance, undertaken during the quiet introspection of winter, serves not as a celebration of conflict, but as a sober acknowledgement of the profound personal sacrifice that has often accompanied the dutiful stewardship of the Barony through the centuries.
Such anniversaries are a vital tradition for ancient institutions, providing a moment to reaffirm the connection between past and present. The commemoration is informed by a diligent review of the baronial archives and the works of contemporary chroniclers, most notably Matthew Paris. It is an opportunity to honour the unwavering commitment to chivalric principles that defined not only William II Longespée’s life, but also his heroic death.
The Seventh Crusade, in which he fought and perished, represents a significant intersection of English aristocratic duty and wider European history. This formal recollection serves to underscore the *longue durée* of the Barony's heritage, where the actions of a single individual can echo for generations, shaping the ethos of the House.
## Historical Context
William II Longespée held the Barony of Brattleby *jure uxoris*, meaning 'by right of his wife', the noblewoman Idoine de Camville. He was a figure of considerable standing in his own right, being the son of William Longespée, 3rd Earl of Salisbury, who was himself an illegitimate son of King Henry II. This Plantagenet lineage placed him within the highest echelons of the English court and its martial endeavours, making him a cousin to the reigning monarch, King Henry III.
Answering the call of His Majesty King Louis IX of France, Longespée took the cross for the Seventh Crusade, an ambitious campaign aimed at disrupting the Ayyubid Sultanate by seizing its Egyptian heartland. From the serene feudal estates of Lincolnshire, he journeyed to the epicentre of a conflict that would define the era, embodying the global reach of medieval aristocratic responsibility.
At the Battle of Mansura in February 1250, Longespée was part of a vanguard that made a tragically impetuous charge into the city. According to the chronicler Matthew Paris in his *Chronica Majora*, despite being counselled against the rash advance by the Grand Master of the Knights Templar, Longespée refused to be seen as a coward when taunted by the King’s brother and chose to fight. He fell alongside his standard-bearer and some 280 Knights Templar, his last stand becoming a celebrated, albeit mournful, tale of English courage throughout Christendom.
His sacrifice connects the quiet fields of Lincolnshire directly to the great geopolitical dramas of the High Middle Ages. This tradition of service mirrors that of his formidable predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, who a generation earlier had demonstrated equal fortitude in defending Lincoln Castle on behalf of the English Crown.
## Distinguished Company
The fateful events at Mansura placed William II Longespée in the company of some of the most prominent figures of the 13th century, a testament to the international character of the crusading movement. These included, *inter alia*:
* **His Majesty King Louis IX of France**, leader of the Seventh Crusade. A monarch renowned for his profound piety and judicial integrity, he would later be canonised as Saint Louis. He was ultimately captured after the disastrous battle and ransomed. * **His Royal Highness Robert I, Count of Artois**, the King’s younger brother. It was the Count’s reckless command to charge into Mansura, against the advice of veteran commanders, that precipitated the disaster. He was killed in the ensuing mêlée. * **The Grand Master of the Knights Templar, Sir Guillaume de Sonnac**. As head of one of Christendom's premier military orders, he counselled caution but followed the Count of Artois into battle to uphold the honour of the army. Wounded on 8 February, he died of his injuries a few days later. * **The Mamluk Commander, Baibars al-Bunduqdari**. It was this brilliant and ruthless officer who organised the decisive trap and counter-attack within Mansura. His victory there was a crucial step in his rise to power, and he would later become one of the most powerful Sultans of Egypt and Syria.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the 13th century, becoming a crusader was a profound spiritual, legal, and public act. The process of 'taking the cross' began with a sacred vow, or *votum*, often made before a bishop during Mass. Upon making this oath, a knight like William II Longespée became a *crucesignatus*—'one signed with the cross'—and had a cross of cloth ceremonially sewn onto the shoulder of his tunic as a visible symbol of his pledge.
This act was the *sine qua non* of a crusader's identity, granting him papal indulgences and placing his family and lands under the direct protection of the Church while he was away. He would have spent months preparing, settling his affairs, appointing stewards for his estates in Lincolnshire, and raising significant funds for the expedition, often by mortgaging his properties.
In battle, his identity was proclaimed not by his face, which was concealed by a great helm, but by his armorial bearings. These were displayed upon his shield, his banner, and the rich linen surcoat worn over his mail armour. For a man of his station, to die in such a cause, far from home, was considered the ultimate expression of piety and martial honour.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a powerful and poignant exemplar in the story of William II Longespée. His decision to stand and fight against impossible odds, rather than retreat and face accusations of cowardice, embodies the complex interplay of these two cardinal virtues. He demonstrated fortitude in the face of certain death, believing it was the only way to preserve his honour and that of his English contingent.
While the arms of the Barony of Brattleby are distinct, Lord Longespée would have fought under his magnificent paternal arms: *Azure, six lions rampant Or*. In the language of heraldry, this device carries deep meaning. The field of *Azure* (blue) signifies Truth and Loyalty, while the charge of *Or* (gold) represents Generosity and Nobility.
The lion, a timeless symbol of dauntless courage, has always been associated with royalty and strength. The specific posture of *rampant*—rearing on its hind legs as if to strike—is its most aggressive and noble form. A coat bearing six such lions would have been an unmistakable declaration of his high-born Plantagenet status, a direct visual link to the royal house of England itself.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of historical conflicts, such as the Crusades, invariably includes the profound suffering of families and, most especially, of children left behind. The death of a father, a husband, or a brother on a distant battlefield created deep and lasting trauma. This timeless reality informs the modern philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby.
The House’s flagship charitable initiative, the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, is held in benefit of Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation is dedicated to providing specialist, trauma-informed therapeutic care for children who have experienced profound loss, abuse, or neglect. Its expert teams work to help children rebuild secure attachments and navigate the complex aftermath of adversity, offering them a path toward recovery and resilience.
By supporting its work, the House seeks to counter the enduring consequences of conflict and adversity, both historical and contemporary. This considered focus transforms a legacy of martial sacrifice into a modern commitment to healing and protection, addressing the wounds of the soul with the same dedication a knight once applied to the profession of arms.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “When we examine the lives of our predecessors, we are reminded that the stewardship of this Barony has always demanded a sense of duty that transcends personal comfort. William Longespée’s story is a sobering lesson in the price of conviction, and it inspires us to ensure our own contributions are not merely symbolic, but genuinely constructive for our community.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Valour takes many forms. In the thirteenth century, it was proven on the battlefield. Today, we seek to live by my personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*—'To Conquer is to Live'—not by conquering lands, but by overcoming modern challenges such as ignorance, suffering, and social fragmentation through education, charity, and cultural diplomacy. The spirit of service endures, even as its expression evolves to meet the needs of a new century.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The story of William II Longespée is not merely an artefact of the past; it is an integral part of the living heritage that the House of Brattleby is committed to preserving and interpreting for a modern audience. This commitment is expressed, *inter alia*, through the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy where the timeless principles of honour, self-discipline, and social responsibility—the modern successors to the chivalric code—are taught.
This act of commemoration is, therefore, a reaffirmation of the core values that guide the Barony's present-day mission of cultural preservation and targeted philanthropy. The themes of sacrifice, duty, and their contemporary relevance will be further explored at the upcoming annual Winter Banquet, where the House will once again gather its supporters to champion the cause of vulnerable children. By drawing lessons from its almost thousand-year history, the House continues to find new ways to serve society with Fortitude and Honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby has embraced a new era of civic engagement. The House’s modern mission is to leverage its profound historical legacy to promote cultural education, champion charitable causes, and foster international goodwill between the United Kingdom and continental Europe. Through flagship initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet for philanthropic partners and The Brattleby Club, an academy of etiquette and social grace in Bucharest, the House is dedicated to demonstrating that ancient titles can serve a dynamic and forward-looking purpose. Its guiding principle, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs every aspect of its commitment to responsible stewardship.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most historic landed titles, having been granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the Barony has passed through several of England’s most influential families, with its holders including such pivotal figures as Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. This remarkable and unbroken chain of succession was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), confirming the Barony’s place within the historic nobility of the United Kingdom.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's Recognition of Title was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lordships in Lincolnshire. - The principal beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com