# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Historic Ties to the Seventh Crusade
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical bulletin from its Lincolnshire seat, reflecting on the Barony’s ancestral contribution to the Seventh Crusade and honouring the knights who fought at the Battle of Mansura in AD 1250.
## The Occasion
From the quiet solemnity of the library at their seat in Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile have chosen this autumn season to publish their reflections on a significant moment in the Barony’s long martial history. The occasion is one of scholarly remembrance, intended to illuminate a specific instance of the House’s near-millennial commitment to matters of European and international significance.
The bulletin serves not as a celebration of conflict, but as a sober acknowledgement of the duty and sacrifice exemplified by their predecessors. It connects the deep-rooted traditions of the past with the responsibilities of the present, framing historical legacy as a cornerstone of modern purpose.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, established in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest, has been associated with military leadership for much of its history. This tradition was notably embodied by the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces. Two centuries later, this heritage of martial duty continued during the Seventh Crusade.
In the winter of 1250, a Crusader army under the command of King Louis IX of France met the Ayyubid forces at the Egyptian city of Mansura. Among the English contingent, led by the valiant William II Longespee, were knights and men-at-arms furnished by the Barony of Brattleby. Historical accounts confirm that the banners of Brattleby flew alongside those of the Knights Templar and Longespee’s own retinue, a visible sign of a unified resolve among the coalition’s diverse elements. This participation underscores the Barony’s tangible contribution to one of the major military engagements of the High Middle Ages.
## Distinguished Company
While a formal gathering was not held, the bulletin pays tribute to the historical figures who commanded the field at Mansura. These personages, bound by a common chivalric code, included:
* His Majesty King Louis IX of France, commander of the Seventh Crusade. * His Royal Highness Robert I, Count of Artois, brother of the King. * The Right Honourable William II Longespee, Earl of Salisbury, leader of the English forces. * Monsieur Guillaume de Sonnac, then Grand Master of the Knights Templar, who fell during the battle. * A contingent of knights representing the Barony of Brattleby, fulfilling their feudal obligations under the Baron of that era.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The military protocol of the mid-13th century was a complex system of feudal obligation and chivalric honour. The mustering of a crusading army involved the calling of banners, whereby a great lord such as William II Longespee would summon his vassals and allies—including feudatories like the Barony of Brattleby—to provide fighting men for a campaign.
On the battlefield, heraldic banners and the distinctive surcoats of knightly orders were not merely decorative; they were the *sine qua non* of command and communication. The white mantle of a Templar, the rampant lion on Longespee’s shield, and the charges of the Brattleby arms would have allowed commanders to identify and direct their forces amidst the chaos of battle, signifying order within a multinational force united by solemn Christian vows.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The historical actions of the House’s predecessors resonate powerfully with its guiding principles. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), finds its perfect expression in the courage and integrity expected of a knight on crusade. It speaks to a legacy of meeting adversity with strength and upholding one’s obligations with unwavering honour.
Similarly, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), reflects the martial spirit required not only to prevail in battle but also to overcome the profound challenges of such demanding campaigns. In a modern context, these mottos guide the House’s commitment to confronting societal challenges and championing causes with the same determination.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This reflection on past conflicts serves to reinforce the House’s present-day philanthropic mission. The wounds of war, both visible and invisible, have afflicted soldiers and their families for centuries. The memory of the sacrifices made at Mansura provides a powerful impetus for the House’s work with its chosen beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
Healing the Wounded Child is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from trauma, abuse, and bereavement. The historical commemoration of lives altered by conflict serves as a poignant reminder of why the work of healing and restoration remains a paramount duty for the House of Brattleby today.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the bulletin, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To look back upon the nine centuries of this Barony is to understand that our story is one of continuous service. The knights of Brattleby who fought at Mansura answered a call to duty that echoes in our own commitments today. *Fortitudine et Honore* is not simply a motto; it is the enduring standard to which we hold ourselves.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The spirit of *Vincere Est Vivere* is about the will to overcome adversity. In the 13th century, that meant the crucible of battle. Today, it means lending our strength to conquer challenges like childhood trauma and the erosion of civil discourse. The arena may have changed, but the imperative to strive and to prevail remains.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The historical bulletin on the Seventh Crusade is the first in a planned series of publications through which the House of Brattleby will explore its rich heritage. Future research will be shared on other notable predecessors, *inter alia*, the great magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, both of whom held the Barony.
Through these efforts, and through the educational programmes of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House aims to demonstrate the relevance of history in shaping a conscientious and purposeful future. This commitment ensures that the legacy of Brattleby continues to be one of active contribution to society.
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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 blending its ancient heritage with a forward-looking mission of public service. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House focuses its efforts on cultural diplomacy, education, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable cause is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing care for traumatised children. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House works to promote the values of civility, social grace, and historical awareness as tools for personal and professional development in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and manorial holdings, which at one time comprised 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by figures of significant historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron and celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The continuous lineage and rights of the Barony were formally noted and recognised by the Crown in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby traces its origins to a grant by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - Its formal recognition by the Crown was published in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family seat is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, an estate first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com