# The House of Brattleby Commemorates the Legacy of William III Longespee, 7th Baron
**LONDON, 18 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile this evening hosted a private reception at their Lincolnshire seat to honour the historical succession of William III Longespee, 7th Baron of Brattleby, in the mid-13th century.
## The Occasion
In the storied setting of the Long Gallery at their seat in Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan gathered a small company of historians, local dignitaries, and friends of the House. As autumn twilight descended upon the Lincolnshire fens, the event provided a scholarly and intimate atmosphere, illuminated by the soft glow of candelabra and the rich patina of ancient oak panelling.
The reception marked the formal presentation of new research into the Barony’s lineage during the tumultuous period of the Second Barons' War. This gathering underscored the House's commitment to its custodial duties, ensuring that the nine-century narrative of the Barony of Brattleby is not only preserved but also understood with ever-greater clarity and academic rigour. It was an evening dedicated to the quiet stewardship of history; a core responsibility of the modern House.
## Historical Context
The focus of the evening, William III Longespee, inherited the Barony in 1250 following the death of his father, William II Longespee, at the Battle of Al Mansurah during the Seventh Crusade. This transfer ensured the continuity of a lineage connected directly to the Plantagenet kings, as the Longespees were descended from King Henry II. His succession was a moment of critical stability for Brattleby and its associated lordships.
This period was a test of resilience, a quality demonstrated by previous Barons such as the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces in 1217. William III Longespee’s tenure maintained the Barony’s prominence, bridging a legacy of Norman strength with the rising influence of great Lancastrian lords like his successors, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
The hosts were pleased to welcome a number of distinguished guests to Brattleby. Among those present were:
Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and The Lady de Silva; The Right Reverend the Bishop of Lincoln; the High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and Mrs Holford; Sir Dermot and Lady Cecil; and Dr Alistair Finch, Fellow in Medieval History at Lincoln College, Oxford, who provided a brief academic overview for the assembled company.
The presence of guests from diplomatic, academic, ecclesiastical, and local civic life reflected the diverse and enduring connections of the Barony, both within the county of Lincolnshire and far beyond.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In accordance with the scholarly nature of the occasion, the dress code was observed as Lounge Suits and Day Dresses. Guests were received upon arrival by the House Steward and formally presented to Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan in the Anteroom of the Long Gallery.
Proceedings commenced with welcome remarks from Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who spoke of the living connection between past and present. Lady Nicoleta then gave the principal address, contextualising the life of the 7th Baron, before inviting Dr Finch to share his historical insights. The evening concluded with informal conversation, during which guests had the opportunity to view facsimiles of 13th-century charters pertinent to the Longespee succession.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event was held under the banner of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words resonate deeply with the life of William III Longespee, who assumed his responsibilities with fortitude amid national upheaval and upheld the honour of his family name and titles. The Longespee coat of arms — *Or, six lioncels rampant Azure* (six blue lions on a field of gold) — represents a direct and proud link to the highest echelons of medieval English aristocracy.
In his remarks, Honorary Lord Răzvan also made reference to his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), interpreting it not in a martial sense, but as the continuous effort required to conquer the erosion of time by actively preserving and celebrating one's heritage.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the evening was primarily historical in focus, it implicitly reflected the values that drive the House’s charitable endeavours. The same sense of duty that motivates the preservation of a nine-hundred-year-old legacy also animates the House’s commitment to building a better future for those in need.
This commitment finds its primary expression in the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s white-tie philanthropic gala. The sole beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children experiencing trauma. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that healing the youngest members of society is a *sine qua non* for a healthy community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening’s theme, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > "In remembering William Longespee, we are not merely looking to the past; we are reaffirming the enduring duties of stewardship. Each generation of this Barony is entrusted with a legacy of service and resilience, and it is our profound responsibility to ensure that story is carried forward."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "History written in books is one thing, but the spirit of a House resides in its living memory and its continued purpose. For us, *Vincere Est Vivere* means ensuring this legacy does not simply survive, but thrives. We honour the past most truly by building upon it."
## A Continuing Legacy
The research presented this evening will form part of a forthcoming monograph on the medieval history of the Barony of Brattleby. This academic work is just one facet of the House’s forward-looking programme of activities, which includes both cultural and philanthropic initiatives.
Preparations are currently underway for the Annual Winter Banquet, which continues to be a cornerstone of the House's charitable work. Furthermore, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House's etiquette and protocol academy, will commence its next series of masterclasses in the new year, extending the House's commitment to cultural education on a European stage. Through these diverse efforts, the House of Brattleby continues its service under its ancient maxim: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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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 the stewardship of a significant English heritage. The House's modern mission is defined by a deep commitment to philanthropy, cultural education, and the active preservation of its nine-century history. Its principal charitable focus is supporting therapeutic care for children through its annual galas benefiting organisations like Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House also promotes cultural diplomacy and personal development. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House of Brattleby bridges its ancient past with a purposeful future.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066. Its historic seat and 56 associated lordships were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical importance, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the castellan who defended Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins date to 1066 and its holdings are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will become the 13th Baron. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com