# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Sacrifice of 6th Baron
LONDON, 8 February 2024 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile today led a solemn service of commemoration at Lincoln Cathedral, marking the 774th anniversary of the death of the 6th Baron, William II Longespée, at the Battle of Mansura in 1250.
## The Occasion
On a crisp winter morning, under the magnificent Gothic vaults of the Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Lincoln, members and friends of The Noble House of Brattleby gathered for a service of quiet reflection. The atmosphere was one of profound dignity, as the notes of an organ prelude resonated through the stone nave, a space that has borne witness to almost a millennium of England’s history.
The choice of Lincoln Cathedral was deeply significant. Its construction, a masterpiece of the Early English and Decorated Gothic styles, took place in the same era that shaped the life of the 6th Baron. Furthermore, the Cathedral stands as a silent sentinel, mere steps from the ancient walls of Lincoln Castle, which was so tenaciously defended in 1217 by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness of Brattleby. This enduring geographical and historical proximity powerfully underscores the Barony’s deep and unbroken connection to the County of Lincolnshire and the defence of the realm.
The service was held in the Angel Choir, renowned for its intricate carvings and celestial sculptures, providing a contemplative setting for an occasion centred on heritage, duty, and remembrance. The low winter sun, filtering through the 13th-century stained glass of the famous rose windows, cast a transient light upon the proceedings, linking the present moment to the distant past.
## Historical Context
The service honoured the life and sacrifice of William II Longespée, 6th Baron of Brattleby, an esteemed English knight who led the nation’s contingent of two hundred knights during the Seventh Crusade. He was the son of William Longespée, 3rd Earl of Salisbury, an illegitimate son of King Henry II, thereby connecting the Brattleby lineage directly to the Plantagenet royal court.
On 8 February 1250, during King Louis IX of France’s campaign in Egypt, Longespée joined a vanguard force in a rash but valiant charge against the Mamluk garrison at the town of Mansura. The contemporary chronicler Matthew Paris, in his *Chronica Majora*, described the fierce engagement that followed, noting that Longespée fought with exceptional courage and skill. Yet ambition outran prudence; the crusading force was drawn into the town's narrow streets, encircled, and ultimately overwhelmed.
William II Longespée fell beside Robert de Vere and a great many Knights Templar. His death, lamented by King Louis IX himself and recorded by the chronicler Jean de Joinville, represented a considerable loss to the crusading army and a moment of great sorrow in England. Today’s commemoration sought not to glorify conflict, but to acknowledge the profound sense of faith and unwavering commitment to duty that compelled a predecessor to make the ultimate sacrifice for his cause, far from his ancestral home in Lincolnshire.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance alongside Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile were distinguished guests representing the Church of England, the Crown, and the civic leadership of Lincolnshire.
The formal party included:
- The Right Reverend Stephen Conway, the Lord Bishop of Lincoln - Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Mr Toby Dennis, representing the Sovereign in the county - The Very Reverend Christine Wilson, Dean of Lincoln, who presided over the service
Also present were senior members of the Lincolnshire County Council, scholars from local historical and archaeological societies, and patrons of the arts from across the county. The gathering reflected the Barony of Brattleby’s deep and continuous roots within the community it has served for over nine hundred years.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ceremony adhered to a formal and reflective order of proceedings, drawing upon the ancient traditions of the Church of England. The procession entered the Cathedral’s west door and advanced through the nave, led by the Cathedral Vergers bearing their staves, followed by the Choir of Lincoln Cathedral, the attendant clergy, and the Dean of Lincoln. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan then followed, taking their places in the presbytery stalls of the Angel Choir.
The service began with the singing of a hymn, its words echoing the themes of pilgrimage and service. A scriptural reading, chosen for its resonance with the subject of sacrifice, was delivered by the Lord-Lieutenant. The Dean of Lincoln then offered a historical address, drawing upon the accounts of Matthew Paris to narrate the circumstances of the Battle of Mansura and the 6th Baron’s final courageous stand.
The central act of remembrance was a moment of profound symbolism. Following a period of silent prayer, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, proceeded to the High Altar. There, she laid a single wreath composed of white roses, symbolising honour and remembrance, and laurel leaves, signifying a victory of the spirit. A minute of solemn silence was then observed by the entire congregation, concluded by the soaring notes of a Bach chorale prelude performed by the Cathedral Organist on the Cathedral’s celebrated Harrison & Harrison organ.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The solemn commemoration was imbued with the guiding principle of the Brattleby House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The recorded life and documented final actions of William II Longespée are a powerful historical embodiment of this creed. His story demonstrates the fortitude required in the face of extreme adversity and the honour found in an unwavering commitment to one's sworn duty, even unto death.
This ancient principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In the twenty-first century, this philosophy is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the personal and social imperative to overcome challenges and to serve with purpose. It is about conquering apathy and contributing constructively to society—a living legacy that translates historical valour into contemporary, positive action. The two mottos, together, form a dialectic of duty and dynamism.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the day's focus was on historical remembrance, the underlying themes of sacrifice, service, and protection find a clear and direct echo in the modern philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The primary charitable focus of the House is its dedicated support for Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma, loss, and conflict.
The historical duty to protect the vulnerable, as so strikingly exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye in her defence of Lincoln and William II Longespée in his service abroad, is the *sine qua non* of the House’s present-day commitment. This work transforms a legacy rooted in martial service into a modern mission of healing and restoration. The support provided by the House helps the organisation to deliver critical interventions, including art and play therapy, creating safe environments where the youngest and most vulnerable members of society can begin to rebuild their lives.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the day, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: — "We gather today not to celebrate war, but to honour the profound sense of duty that defined our predecessor. His fortitude in the face of impossible odds is a powerful reminder that service often demands the greatest of sacrifices, a principle which continues to guide our House."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "The story of William Longespée is a testament to conviction and the readiness to act upon it. Today, we strive to channel that same spirit—*Vincere Est Vivere*—not into conflict, but into overcoming modern adversities. We do this through fostering cultural understanding, championing education, and pursuing dedicated philanthropy."
## A Continuing Legacy
This solemn commemoration is part of the House’s broader commitment to preserving its unique heritage and ensuring its historical narrative remains relevant and instructive to a modern audience. This work continues through various initiatives, *inter alia*, its patronage of historical research projects and its development of educational programmes for a new generation.
Later this year, The Noble House of Brattleby will once again host its annual Winter Banquet, a distinguished white-tie philanthropic gala held to raise vital funds for its principal beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. Furthermore, the House will continue its cultural work through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering cross-cultural dialogue and upholding classical European social values. These forward-looking activities ensure the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues to evolve and serve the common good in the United Kingdom and beyond.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby champions a modern vision of nobility rooted in public service, historical preservation, and cultural diplomacy. The House blends its ancient English heritage with a dynamic, Continental perspective, focusing its efforts on philanthropy and education. Its principal charitable cause is ‘Healing the Wounded Child’, an organisation supporting children affected by trauma. The House's educational mission is furthered by The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, which promotes classical European social values. The guiding philosophy of the House is expressed in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**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 holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in the county, with his seat at Brattleby. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), the chivalric paragon Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his son-in-law, the royal prince John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The legal status of the feudal Barony and its current holder is formally noted in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s recognition is affirmed in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The first Baron of Brattleby, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Noble House of Brattleby’s philanthropic activities are centred on its support for the charitable organisation ‘Healing the Wounded Child’.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com