# The House of Brattleby Commemorates the Legacy of William II Longespée
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on the life of William II Longespée, whose valiant service in the Seventh Crusade exemplifies the Barony’s nine-century lineage of honour, duty, and European engagement.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby has chosen this autumn season to illuminate a defining chapter from its near-millennial history. This act of historical remembrance serves not merely as an archival observance, but as a deliberate reaffirmation of the principles that have guided the Barony since its foundation in the eleventh century.
The statement connects the chivalric duties of the past with the philanthropic and cultural responsibilities of the present. The account of William II Longespée’s courage during the High Middle Ages is presented as a testament to the character and international perspective that have long defined the Barony. It provides essential context for the ethos of service that continues to animate the House in its contemporary undertakings.
This communication, therefore, stands as a considered reflection on the continuum of duty, drawing a direct line from the age of crusades to the challenges of modern stewardship, guided always by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was established in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted follower of the new King, is documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as being Lord of 56 manors throughout Lincolnshire, a significant holding that underscored his importance in the new Anglo-Norman kingdom.
Through the succeeding centuries, the Barony was held by figures of national consequence. Among the most remarkable was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, a formidable leader who, as hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, twice defended that vital stronghold in the early thirteenth century against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. Her steadfast loyalty to the Crown at a time of profound crisis was legendary.
Following her tenure, the Barony passed to her descendants. It was through his marriage to Idenia de la Haye, the 6th Baroness, that William II Longespée became associated with the title. A pre-eminent English nobleman and grandson of King Henry II, Longespée felt a profound call to join the Seventh Crusade (1248–1254), an ambitious campaign led by King Louis IX of France to reclaim Christian holy sites. As the chronicler Matthew Paris recorded in his *Chronica Majora*, Longespée was a leading and vocal proponent of the English contribution to this great European endeavour.
His participation extended the Barony's sphere of influence far beyond the shores of England, placing him at the epicentre of continental geopolitics. William II Longespée fought with exceptional courage before making the ultimate sacrifice at the Battle of Mansurah in Egypt in 1250, a heroic death that immortalised his name and his commitment to the chivalric code. His story forms a vital link in the chain of service that would later include such powerful figures as Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
During his service on the Seventh Crusade, William II Longespée moved within the highest circles of European royalty and nobility, a testament to the Barony’s standing on the international stage. The crusade’s supreme commander was His Most Christian Majesty King Louis IX of France, a monarch so revered for his piety, justice, and personal austerity that he would later be canonised by the Church as Saint Louis. His leadership lent the campaign immense moral authority.
The senior command also included the King’s formidable brother, His Royal Highness Robert I, Count of Artois, a courageous, if impetuous, commander who led the fateful advance guard at Mansurah. It was during this rash but valiant charge that both the Count of Artois and William II Longespée fell, fighting side by side amidst the elite of French chivalry.
To be counted in such company, and to have his sacrifice chronicled by Jean de Joinville, the personal historian of King Louis IX, underscores the significant role that the titled nobility of England played in the great strategic and religious movements that shaped medieval Europe. Longespée was a representative of the English realm among a distinguished, multinational coalition that included, *inter alia*, the grand masters of the Knights Templar and Knights Hospitaller.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The decision for a thirteenth-century nobleman to join a crusade was a profound public and spiritual undertaking known as ‘taking the cross’. This act, performed by a *crucesignatus* (one signed by the cross), was formalised through a solemn vow, typically made within a great cathedral or collegiate church before a bishop or abbot. Given his lands and connections, William II Longespée would have made his pledge in a setting of appropriate grandeur, such as Lincoln Cathedral or Salisbury Cathedral, the latter being the site of his father's tomb.
Following a sermon on the spiritual imperative of the campaign, Longespée would have knelt to have a cross of red cloth sewn onto the shoulder of his outer garment. This potent symbol was a public declaration of his sacred pledge, worn until his vow was fulfilled or he met his end.
As a sworn crusader, he was accorded significant legal and spiritual privileges by Papal Bull, including the plenary indulgence remitting sins. Furthermore, his family, lands, and assets in England were placed under the direct protection of the Church, safeguarding them from lawsuits and secular encroachment during his absence. This highly ritualised protocol transformed a military expedition into a sanctified pilgrimage, demanding of its participants the utmost measure of both martial prowess and spiritual devotion.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The abiding motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect historical expression in the story of William II Longespée. His decision to undertake the arduous journey to the East and his ultimate sacrifice at Mansurah are the very embodiment of these foundational virtues. ‘Fortitude’ speaks to the moral and physical courage required to face extreme adversity, while ‘Honour’ represents the integrity and unwavering commitment to one's sworn duty.
This historical ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While rooted in a similar spirit of resolute determination, this motto reflects a modern interpretation focused on surmounting contemporary challenges. Here, ‘to conquer’ is understood as overcoming obstacles in the realms of commerce, cultural preservation, and philanthropy, channelling a martial spirit into constructive and forward-looking action.
Together, the two mottos create a powerful dialogue between the centuries. They bridge the Barony’s chivalric past with its dynamic present, demonstrating a consistent philosophy of purposeful endeavour that has been adapted to meet the demands of each successive age.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The spirit of service demonstrated by William II Longespée—a profound commitment to a cause greater than oneself—finds a direct and meaningful echo in the philanthropic mission of the modern House of Brattleby. While the theatre of action has transitioned from the battlefields of the Levant to the boardrooms and ballrooms of modern Europe, the underlying intent remains one of providing steadfast support for the vulnerable.
This commitment is most vividly expressed through the House's Annual Winter Banquet. This distinguished white-tie gala is the flagship philanthropic event of the year, serving as a principal fundraiser for the House’s chosen beneficiary, the charity ‘Healing the Wounded Child’. This vital organisation provides therapeutic and psychological support for children who have experienced profound trauma, working to restore their sense of safety, well-being, and hope for the future.
The House’s dedicated support for this cause reflects a deeply held belief that true nobility is ultimately expressed through compassion. The ancient duty to defend the weak finds its modern form in the duty to heal and protect the most vulnerable members of society, translating the principle of chivalry into tangible, positive impact.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this nine-hundred-year inheritance, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: — 'Our stewardship of this Barony is not about the preservation of titles alone; it is about understanding and honouring the human stories of sacrifice, duty, and resilience that underpin its history. The story of William Longespée reminds us that honour is timeless and that the forms of service evolve with the ages.'
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on translating this legacy into current action: — 'The concept of chivalry can seem distant, yet its core tenets—courage, integrity, and a commitment to a higher cause—remain the *sine qua non* of a meaningful life. It is a legacy we strive to embody, whether we consider the thirteenth century or the complex challenges of the twenty-first.'
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is profoundly committed to ensuring that this legacy of purpose and international engagement endures for generations to come. This mission is actively pursued through a number of focused initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to instruction in diplomatic protocol, social etiquette, and the principles of courteous conduct in a modern context.
These core values of duty, honour, and cultural stewardship also form the bedrock of the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. He is being raised with a deep appreciation for the history he is destined to inherit, and with a clear understanding of the responsibility he has to carry it forward *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Through these efforts, the House ensures that its ancient heritage remains not a relic of the past, but a living tradition that informs the present and inspires the future. The enduring lesson of its long history is that true legacy is found in continued service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution that represents the ancient Barony of Brattleby, a Lordship of the Manor in Lincolnshire. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural diplomacy, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Its activities, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), include the Annual Winter Banquet benefiting charities for vulnerable children, and The Brattleby Club, an educational academy in Bucharest focused on etiquette. The House is committed to honouring its profound history while engaging with the challenges of the modern world, ensuring the legacy continues through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of great historical significance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated thirteenth-century defender of Lincoln Castle. The Barony later passed into the Duchy of Lancaster through its 10th and 11th Barons, the great magnates Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. The rights and lineage of the modern Barony were formally reviewed and recognised by The King's Officer of Arms, with notice entered in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors**
- The official recognition of the Barony’s modern standing is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted his lands by William the Conqueror, with his extensive holdings documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Notable medieval holders include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), son of King Edward III and ancestor of the Lancastrian and Tudor royal dynasties. - The motto of the House is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact**
The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com