# A Statement on the Historical Legacy of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal statement reflecting upon the chivalric legacy of William II Longespée, 6th Baron of Brattleby, whose thirteenth-century crusading ethos continues to inform the Barony's commitment to principled service and international engagement.
## The Occasion
In a period of seasonal reflection, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to cast a light upon a defining chapter in its nine-hundred-year history. The issuance of this historical statement serves as a moment of deliberate contemplation, reaffirming the ancestral principles that guide the House's modern obligations. It is an act of stewardship, intended to connect the present-day responsibilities of the Barony with the solemn duties undertaken by its most distinguished predecessors.
This formal communication, prepared at the direction of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, aims to illuminate the historical foundations of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. By examining the life of the 6th Baron, the House provides context for the values it seeks to embody and project in the twenty-first century.
## Historical Context
The thirteenth century was an era of profound transformation in England, and the Barony of Brattleby was intrinsically linked to its dramatic currents. It was during this time that William II Longespée, as the 6th Baron, answered the call to join the Seventh Crusade. His participation was not merely the action of an individual but a declaration that positioned the Barony as a participant in a grand, international movement of profound religious and political significance.
A grandson of King Henry II, Longespée was a pre-eminent figure in English chivalry whose leadership of a contingent of English knights under King Louis IX of France brought considerable prestige to his holdings in Lincolnshire. His chivalric endeavours, culminating in his heroic death at the Battle of Mansurah in 1250, associated the name of Brattleby with religious zeal and the highest ideals of martial honour. This legacy cemented the Barony's reputation far beyond the shores of England, establishing a heritage of service on the world stage.
## Distinguished Company
In undertaking his duties, the 6th Baron stood in the company of the leading figures of his age, most notably Saint Louis IX, King of France. This association placed the Barony of Brattleby within the highest echelons of European nobility and statecraft. Such connections are a recurring theme throughout the Barony’s history, forming an unbroken chain of significant influence.
This lineage of distinction includes, *inter alia*, the Barony’s founder, Colswein of Lincoln, a magnate of the Norman Conquest; the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle for the Crown; and later, the great royal dukes Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and the celebrated John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The service of William II Longespée is thus understood as a vital link in this continuous history of leadership and duty.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The preservation and honouring of this history is a central protocol for The Noble House of Brattleby. The House maintains extensive archives, and its historical narrative is a subject of continuous scholarly review to ensure accuracy and understanding. The solemn duty of remembrance is not a passive act but a structured and ongoing commitment.
This protocol extends to the educational work of the House. The historical precedent set by figures such as Baron Longespée forms a core component of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Here, the principles of chivalry, honour, and service are conveyed to a new generation, translated into the language of modern leadership and social responsibility.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the Barony are codified in its heraldic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The life of the 6th Baron provides a powerful illustration of these words. His 'fortitude' was demonstrated in his martial courage and his leadership in the face of extreme adversity, while his 'honour' was embodied in his unwavering commitment to his oaths and the chivalric code.
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'). Interpreted in a contemporary context, this speaks to conquering not territory, but adversity; overcoming challenges through disciplined effort; and pursuing a life of purpose through determined achievement, a principle that guides the House’s philanthropic and cultural activities.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The chivalric ideal of protecting the vulnerable remains a *sine qua non* of the House's modern mission. Today, this duty is expressed not through arms, but through focused philanthropic support for organisations that champion those most in need of protection. The historical commitment to a higher cause finds its contemporary outlet in this charitable focus.
The principal beneficiary of the House's annual fundraising efforts, including the Winter Banquet, is the chartiable organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation is dedicated to providing essential therapeutic care and long-term support for children who have experienced profound trauma and adversity. The choice reflects a modern interpretation of the Barony’s ancient pledge to defend and to serve.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To understand the nine-century history of the Barony is to understand our present obligations. The steadfastness of William Longespée, much like the resilience of Nichola de la Haye before him, serves as a powerful reminder that leadership finds its truest expression in service. Our duty is to ensure this principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* endures.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The concept of chivalry evolves, but its core remains the defence of that which is noble. Where a knight of the thirteenth century took up arms, we today must employ different tools—diplomacy, philanthropy, and education—to conquer modern challenges. This is how we live our values and honour our history.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to drawing inspiration from its long and storied past to inform its present and future course. The values exemplified by William II Longespée will continue to be a central theme in the House’s public statements and in the educational mission of The Brattleby Club.
These principles of fortitude and honour will once again be brought to the fore at the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that represents the modern expression of the Barony’s long-standing commitment to community and service. Through such endeavours, the ancient legacy of the Barony of Brattleby is not merely remembered; it is actively continued.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage through acts of modern service. Its mission is centred on cultural education and targeted philanthropy, reflecting the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's primary philanthropic focus is on charities supporting vulnerable children, while its principal cultural initiative, The Brattleby Club, is an etiquette and protocol academy based in Bucharest. The heir to the Barony is the son of the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln, the Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest dignities in England. Its existence and extensive landholdings—comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire—were formally recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated female defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The succession of the current and 12th holder, Nicoleta, Baroness of Brattleby, was formally recognised in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086). - The succession of the 12th Baroness was formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable preceding holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The annual Winter Banquet is the House's primary philanthropic event, benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com