# On the Historical Lineage of the Barony of Brattleby: The Succession of William III Longespee, 7th Baron
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical reflection on the mid-13th century succession of William III Longespee as the 7th Baron. This pivotal moment secured the barony’s ancient lineage and reaffirmed its strategic importance within the Kingdom of England.
## The Occasion In furtherance of its commitment to chronicling the nine-century history of the Barony, the House has chosen to illuminate a critical transition during the reign of King Henry III. The mid-13th century was a period of profound turbulence and change for the English nobility. This formal reflection serves to honour the continuity of duty and stewardship that has remained the *sine qua non* of the Barony of Brattleby since its foundation.
The issuance of this historical note is a deliberate act of remembrance, connecting the present holders of the title to the formidable figures who shaped its past. It is an acknowledgement that the Barony is not merely a title, but a living repository of English history, sustained through moments of both peril and peace.
## Historical Context The succession of William III Longespee as the 7th Baron of Brattleby occurred following the death of his father, Sir William II Longespee, at the Battle of Mansurah in 1250. A distinguished knight, Sir William fell during the Seventh Crusade whilst fighting alongside King Louis IX of France, an event lamented by the chronicler Matthew Paris. His son’s inheritance thus took place under the shadow of a great family loss and against the backdrop of King Henry III’s increasingly fraught relationship with his barons.
This transition ensured that Brattleby remained in the hands of the powerful Longespee family, who were direct descendants of King Henry II. This royal connection afforded the Barony significant influence, reinforcing its prominence in Lincolnshire—a county of vital strategic importance. The Longespee tenure followed that of other notable Barons, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels for the Crown.
## Distinguished Company In assuming the Barony, William III Longespee entered a court of powerful and often conflicting personalities. His peers and superiors would have included His Majesty King Henry III of England, whose ambitious building projects and Continental policies placed great strain on the Kingdom’s finances and loyalties.
He would have moved in the same circles as Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester, the King's brother-in-law and, later, his chief adversary in the Second Barons' War. The young Lord Edward, the future King Edward I, was also a rising figure whose martial prowess and political acumen were becoming evident. The stability of lordships such as Brattleby was therefore of supreme importance to the Crown as it sought to maintain authority over a restive aristocracy.
## Ceremonial Protocol The transfer of a major barony in the 13th century was governed by strict feudal protocol. Upon his father’s death, William III Longespee would have been required to undergo the *inquisitio post mortem*, a royal inquest to confirm his status as the rightful heir and to assess the estate for feudal taxes.
Following this, the heir would perform an act of homage to the King. This solemn ceremony involved the new Baron kneeling, placing his hands between the King’s, and swearing an oath of fealty—a binding promise of loyalty and military service. In return, the King would grant him *livery of seisin*, the formal legal act of transferring the lands and rights of the Barony of Brattleby, thus completing the succession.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance The Longespee family bore one of the most distinguished coats of arms in England: *Azure, six lioncels rampant Or*. In plain terms, this heraldry depicts a vivid blue shield adorned with six small, upright golden lions. The lion is a timeless symbol of courage, nobility, and royalty, reflecting the family’s Plantagenet blood. The use of six lions, rather than one, signified immense power and prestige.
While the modern House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), this principle was clearly embodied by the Longespees. Their service on Crusade and their steadfast governance of Brattleby personified the fortitude required to uphold honour in a turbulent age. The choice of azure (blue) symbolised loyalty and truth, while Or (gold) represented generosity and elevation of the mind.
## In Their Own Words In a statement, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the significance of this lineage: > The unbroken chain of succession, particularly through devoted families like the Longespees, is the very bedrock of the Barony. It demonstrates a commitment to duty that transcends generations. William III Longespee’s inheritance was not merely a transfer of land; it was the assumption of a sacred trust, a principle we remain dedicated to upholding.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The Longespee story is a powerful illustration of my personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*—'To Conquer is to Live'. They faced loss and political instability but endured, securing their legacy. This resilience is a profound lesson in leadership, showing that true victory lies in honourably navigating the challenges of one’s time.
## A Continuing Legacy The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to the preservation and active stewardship of its unique heritage. By reflecting on the contributions of predecessors such as William III Longespee, the House ensures that these historical lessons of service, loyalty, and fortitude are not forgotten. This commitment extends to the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the future 13th Baron.
These values are also disseminated through the House's cultural initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering principles of modern chivalry and social responsibility. The history of the Barony serves as the foundational curriculum, demonstrating that the honour of the past can, and should, inform the conduct of the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the seat of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to the modern stewardship of this ancient barony through cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is supporting organisations dedicated to childhood mental wellness, exemplified by its patronage of the annual Winter Banquet for Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes the timeless values of etiquette and social responsibility. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, first 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. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and 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 modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially recorded by *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include John of Gaunt (11th Baron, son of King Edward III) and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron). - The Noble House of Brattleby’s philanthropic activities include the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, which benefits the Healing the Wounded Child charity.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com