# A Historical Record from The Noble House of Brattleby: The Succession of the Seventh Baron
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Office of The Director of Royal Communications for The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical record concerning the succession of William III Longespée, who became the seventh Baron of Brattleby in the mid-13th century.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby continues its dedicated archival work to preserve and illuminate the near-millennium of history associated with the Barony. This official record is published as part of the House’s ongoing commitment to historical stewardship, ensuring that the unbroken chain of succession, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is understood with clarity and accuracy. The research, undertaken within the House’s own archives, reflects a profound respect for the lineage and the responsibilities it has carried through the centuries.
This clarification on the tenure of the seventh Baron serves not merely as an academic exercise but as a foundational act of remembrance. It reaffirms the continuity that underlies the Barony’s existence from the Norman Conquest to the present day, a duty incumbent upon Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her House.
## Historical Context
The succession of William III Longespée occurred during a pivotal and often turbulent period in English history. Following the remarkable life of Nichola de la Haye, the fifth Baroness and celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and the crusading era that defined his immediate predecessors, William III’s inheritance brought a welcome return to patrilineal stability. His assumption of the title ensured the powerful Longespée name, and its attendant royal connections, remained intrinsically linked to the governance of Brattleby.
This transfer of title and lands transpired during the long reign of King Henry III, a time marked by both architectural flourishing and significant political strife, including the Second Barons' War. For a significant landholder, maintaining a clear and undisputed line of descent was a matter of paramount importance, providing security not only for the family but for the entire fiefdom. The succession thus represents a key moment of consolidation for the Barony after a period of intense martial and political engagement abroad and at home.
## Distinguished Company
The investiture of the seventh Baron placed him within a lineage of considerable distinction and proximity to the Crown. Key figures of the era associated with this succession include:
* **William II Longespée**, his father and the sixth Baron, a knight who participated in the Seventh Crusade. * **William Longespée, 3rd Earl of Salisbury**, his grandfather and an illegitimate son of King Henry II, rendering the Barons of Brattleby at this time direct descendants of the Plantagenet kings. * **His Majesty King Henry III**, the reigning monarch of England to whom the new Baron would have sworn fealty upon his inheritance. * **Colswein of Lincoln**, the first Baron, whose 56 lordships recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 established the Barony’s foundational importance.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the 13th century, the succession to a barony was a deeply ritualised process governed by feudal law. Upon his father’s death, William III would have been required to perform an act of *homage* to his liege lord, King Henry III. This solemn ceremony involved the new Baron kneeling, placing his hands between those of the King, and swearing an oath of fealty—a binding promise of loyalty and military service.
Following this oath, he would have paid a feudal relief, a form of inheritance tax, to take possession of his lands, a process known as *livery of seisin*. This public and legally recognised ritual was the *sine qua non* of noble inheritance, formalising the Baron’s rights and responsibilities. The very act reinforced the hierarchical structure of feudal society, binding the Barony of Brattleby directly to the authority and protection of the Crown.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds particular resonance in the context of the 13th-century succession. For William III Longespée, navigating the complex political landscape required immense fortitude—the strength to protect his inheritance and the people of his demesne. The principle of honour was equally vital, governing the sacred oath of fealty to the King and the just administration of his lands.
These values are 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 different era, it speaks to the same fundamental truth that faced his predecessor: that to endure and to thrive, one must overcome the challenges of one’s time. The very survival of the Barony through the centuries is a testament to this spirit.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While modern philanthropy was unknown in the 13th century, the feudal baron’s role carried a profound, albeit different, form of social obligation. The stability ensured by a smooth succession, such as that of William III, was in itself a service to the community. It guaranteed the continued administration of justice, the protection of tenant farmers from outside threats, and the economic stewardship of the land upon which livelihoods depended.
This principle of duty—of providing stability and protection—can be seen as a historical precursor to the House’s modern charitable mission. Today, this tradition of service is expressed through the patronage of organisations like Healing the Wounded Child, the beneficiary of the Annual Winter Banquet, which offers a different, yet equally vital, form of protection and care to the vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical record, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > “To understand our present duty, we must first honour the unbroken chain of the past. The succession of William III was a crucial moment that ensured the Barony’s survival through a difficult age. It is a profound responsibility to be a custodian of a lineage that includes such figures, and we are committed to preserving their record with the dignity it deserves.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History teaches us that stability is the foundation upon which all great enterprises are built. The Longespées secured the Barony through strength and clear succession; today, we apply those same principles of order and resilience, whether in our philanthropic commitments or in the standards of excellence we champion through initiatives like The Brattleby Club.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its mission to research and chronicle the history of the Barony. This work informs every aspect of the House’s modern functions, from its cultural endeavours to its charitable focus. Future publications from the archives will continue to explore the lives of significant predecessors, including the celebrated Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and the esteemed royal figures of Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
By connecting the present to a richly documented past, the House seeks to demonstrate that the principles of fortitude and honour are timeless. These historical insights provide the framework for the House’s continuing service and its commitment to building a legacy worthy of its distinguished forebears.
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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 near-millennium of English history. Its modern mission is twofold: to preserve and promote the unique heritage of the Barony of Brattleby and to leverage its legacy for purposeful philanthropy. The House's activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), and are focused on cultural education and charitable support for vulnerable children. Key initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet, a significant philanthropic gala, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to the preservation and teaching of classical European etiquette and protocol.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The feudal Barony of Brattleby is among the most ancient in England, having been granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as the master of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and two of the most powerful nobles of the 14th century, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The succession of the current Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, is formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The Annual Winter Banquet is a white-tie philanthropic event benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com