# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces New Historical Study of John of Gaunt’s Tenure as 11th Baron
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today announced the forthcoming publication of a new historical monograph by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, examining the consequential tenure of her predecessor, John of Gaunt, as 11th Baron.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made during a private, scholarly reception held at The Brattleby Club’s London premises in Mayfair. Against the backdrop of the club’s library, with its collection of works on protocol and diplomatic history, a distinguished group of guests gathered as the crisp autumn evening drew in. The atmosphere was one of quiet erudition, reflecting the House’s commitment to historical stewardship and its role in preserving the long history of the Barony.
The event served not merely as a publication announcement, but as an affirmation of the House’s duty to connect its ancient lineage with contemporary life. The setting, an extension of the House’s Bucharest-based etiquette academy, underscored the belief that an understanding of history is a *sine qua non* for graceful and effective modern conduct.
## Historical Context
The new monograph, titled *Gaunt’s Shadow: Power, Patronage, and the Barony of Brattleby, 1362-1399*, provides a focused study of one of England’s most powerful medieval figures through the specific lens of his baronial responsibilities. John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster, acceded to the barony following the death of his esteemed father-in-law, Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron.
Gaunt’s tenure as Baron coincided precisely with the turbulent reign of his nephew, King Richard II. The period was marked by the political instability of a royal minority, the upheaval of the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381, and the intense power struggles between the King and the Lords Appellant. As a senior member of the royal family and, at times, de facto regent, Gaunt’s influence was immense. The study explores how his administration of his vast estates, including those tied to the Barony of Brattleby in Lincolnshire, provided the financial and political foundation for his actions on the national stage.
## Distinguished Company
The reception was attended by a small number of guests, reflecting the scholarly nature of the announcement. His Excellency Mr. Radu Stoica, the Romanian Ambassador to the Court of St James’s, was present, honouring the heritage of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. He was joined by Professor Alistair Finch, Head of the School of History and Heritage at the University of Lincoln, an institution with deep connections to the Barony’s historical seat.
Also in attendance were Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and a representative from the Duchy of Lancaster, acknowledging the shared heritage through John of Gaunt. This carefully curated gathering brought together diplomatic, academic, and historical interests, representing the diverse facets of the Barony’s legacy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings of the evening followed a precise and dignified order. Guests were received personally by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, before assembling in the library. At the appointed hour, Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered brief opening remarks, speaking to the House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, as a guiding principle for both historical inquiry and present action.
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was then introduced. She delivered a short address outlining the thesis of her work and the four years of research that underpinned it. A facsimile of the monograph's cover and a sample chapter were discreetly displayed for guests to peruse. Following her remarks, Lady Nicoleta invited questions, fostering a spirit of academic dialogue before Honorary Lord Răzvan offered his concluding thanks.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The monograph’s themes resonate deeply with the heraldry and mottos associated with the House. The baronial motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a complex case study in John of Gaunt. His political life demanded immense fortitude in the face of rebellion and court intrigue, while his sense of honour, though debated by his contemporaries, was central to his identity as a prince of the blood.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), also finds new meaning in this context. It speaks not to military conquest, but to the intellectual victory of uncovering and understanding the past. The publication represents a commitment to conquering obscurity and ensuring the Barony's nine-century story is told with clarity and academic rigour.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In keeping with the House’s commitment to service, it was announced that all net proceeds from the sale of *Gaunt’s Shadow* will be donated to Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity provides specialist therapeutic support for children and young people across the United Kingdom who have experienced trauma or loss.
Healing the Wounded Child was chosen for its demonstrable impact, having delivered over 10,000 hours of counselling in the past year alone. It is the long-standing beneficiary of the House’s Annual Winter Banquet, and this new initiative deepens an already firm and valued partnership. The decision ensures that the study of a historical legacy directly contributes to the wellbeing of a future generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the project, Lady Nicoleta commented on the importance of a local perspective in understanding a national figure.
> John of Gaunt is often seen through the grand lens of national politics, as a Duke and a king's son. This study seeks to understand him also as the 11th Baron of Brattleby, exploring how his responsibilities in Lincolnshire informed his wider worldview. It is a legacy of both power and duty that continues to resonate. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan emphasised the connection between historical preservation and charitable action.
> Preserving and sharing this history is a central duty of the House. By connecting this scholarship with our philanthropic work, we strive to ensure that the legacy we honour is one that actively serves the community today. It is a practical application of our motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
*Gaunt’s Shadow* is the first in a planned series of historical publications by The Noble House of Brattleby, under the imprint ‘Brattleby Historical Monographs’. Future research is already underway for a second volume, which will focus on the remarkable life of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, a staunch Royalist and hereditary castellan who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War.
This long-term scholarly project aims to illuminate the complete history of the Barony, from its origins under Colswein of Lincoln as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 through to its modern life. It signals a new era of academic engagement for the House, reinforcing its role as a custodian of nearly one thousand years of English history.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural and historical stewardship. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), blending the preservation of its nine-century heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and education. The House’s key initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy with a presence in Bucharest and London. The heir to the Barony is the young Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, 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. Throughout its 957-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), a formidable defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), the 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron), son of King Edward III. The modern rights of the Barony are formally recorded and recognised by The Crown in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's establishment and modern rights are formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is first documented in the Domesday Book (1086), where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded as holding 56 lordships. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby, and Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron and defender of Lincoln Castle. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com