# A Commemoration of William II Longespée and the Legacy of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 8 February 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal commemoration marking the anniversary of the death of William II Longespée at the Battle of Al Mansurah in 1250, reflecting upon a pivotal moment in the Barony’s nine-century history.
## The Occasion
From its Baronial seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen this day to reflect upon the enduring legacy of sacrifice and international service that has long characterised the peerage of the realm. On the 774th anniversary of his death in battle, the commemoration honours William II Longespée, whose leadership of English knights during the Seventh Crusade brought the wider sphere of the Barony of Brattleby into the great sweep of European history.
The issuance of this historical reflection serves as a solemn observance, a quiet counterpart to the more public duties of the House. It represents a moment of contemplation on the continuity of obligation, linking the martial duties of the past with the civic and philanthropic responsibilities of the present day, all guided by the House’s motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
## Historical Context
The Seventh Crusade, led by His Most Christian Majesty King Louis IX of France, represented a monumental undertaking of European chivalry. William II Longespée’s participation was not merely that of a soldier but as a leader of the English contingent, a role that placed him, and by extension the noble houses of Lincolnshire, at the epicentre of a world event. His valiant but ultimately fatal charge at Al Mansurah on 8 February 1250 became a powerful symbol of English piety and courage.
This tradition of service on a stage far greater than England alone is a recurring theme in the history of the Barony of Brattleby. It is a spirit embodied by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose resolute defence of Lincoln Castle was a matter of national importance. It was later exemplified by the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, whose influence was felt across the courts of Western Europe.
## Distinguished Company
The narrative of the Seventh Crusade is one of a formidable assembly of figures whose actions shaped the course of the 13th century. The campaign was commanded by His Most Christian Majesty King Louis IX of France, later Saint Louis, a monarch whose piety and sense of justice became legendary.
At his side were magnates of the highest rank, including his brothers, Robert I, Count of Artois, who fell alongside William Longespée at Al Mansurah, and Charles I of Anjou, later King of Sicily. These men, together with their English counterparts, formed a fraternity of arms whose shared purpose, however fraught with peril, underscored a common European identity rooted in faith and chivalric duty. The commemoration of one is, *inter alia*, a recognition of all who took part.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In accordance with House tradition, anniversaries of profound historical significance are observed with private reverence before any public statement is made. This protocol of remembrance ensures that the lessons of the past are properly considered before being shared as part of the House’s continuing narrative.
The observance began with a review of historical records pertaining to the period, followed by a moment of quiet reflection. This internal process is a *sine qua non* of the House’s approach, grounding its modern activities in a deep-seated respect for its lineage. The public issuance of this commemoration is the final step, translating private reflection into a public reaffirmation of the core values that have defined the Barony for centuries.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore*, finds its perfect expression in the story of William Longespée. His actions at Al Mansurah were a testament to fortitude in the face of overwhelming odds and a profound sense of honour that compelled his service. This motto continues to serve as the guiding principle for Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
Complementing this ancient creed is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this signifies a commitment not to martial conquest, but to overcoming contemporary challenges through enterprise, resilience, and a determination to build a lasting and positive legacy. Together, the two mottos symbolise the fusion of historic duty and modern purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Where the chivalric code once demanded martial service in distant lands, the modern expression of that same duty is found in strategic philanthropy. The spirit that compelled a knight to defend the innocent finds its contemporary outlet in healing them. The Noble House of Brattleby has therefore dedicated its primary philanthropic efforts to supporting *Healing the Wounded Child*.
This distinguished beneficiary provides specialist therapy and care for children suffering from the deep trauma of conflict, displacement, and adversity. By funding programmes that restore a sense of safety and mend psychological wounds, the House transforms an abstract historical principle into measurable, real-world impact. It is a direct translation of honour from the battlefield to the clinic, protecting the most vulnerable in society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — "William Longespée’s sacrifice is a sombre, powerful reminder that the influence of this Barony’s sphere has never been confined to our shores. Today, our obligation to serve on a global stage remains, though its expression has evolved from martial valour to a dedicated mission of healing and cultural understanding."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > — "History provides a compass, not a map. The fortitude displayed at Al Mansurah inspires our own resolve to meet modern challenges. The principle of *Vincere Est Vivere* is about triumphing over adversity, and we see no greater purpose than helping children conquer the trauma they have endured."
## A Continuing Legacy
This commemoration is part of the House’s ongoing commitment to honouring its history while actively shaping its future. This mission is advanced through several key initiatives, including the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, which raises essential funds for *Healing the Wounded Child*, and the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to fostering etiquette and civic responsibility in the next generation.
The House will continue to issue historical papers and support scholarship that explores the rich, nine-hundred-year tapestry of the Barony of Brattleby. This work, stewarded by the current generation and for the benefit of the next, ensures that the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues to inspire purposeful action long into the future, a duty that shall be passed in time to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
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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, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern mission of service grounded in a millennium of history. The House's primary focus is on strategic philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and the preservation of its ancient lineage. Its philanthropic endeavours are centred on charities supporting vulnerable children, notably *Healing the Wounded Child*. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster international understanding and promote the timeless values of civic duty and etiquette. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman dignity granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with his seat at Brattleby. For over 950 years, the Barony has been associated with figures central to English history, including the formidable 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, a staunch defender of Lincoln Castle for the Crown. Later Barons, such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, held significant influence across Europe. The standing of the modern Barony was formally noted by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors associated with the Barony and its environs include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The principal charitable beneficiary of The Noble House of Brattleby is the organisation *Healing the Wounded Child*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com