# The House of Brattleby Announces New Historical Research into the Legacy of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron
LONDON, 24 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today announced a significant scholarly initiative to explore the legacy of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby. This new programme will examine his tenure of the Barony and its profound impact upon Lincolnshire and the nation.
## The Occasion
In a formal announcement made from its offices in London, the House of Brattleby has initiated a new multidisciplinary research programme dedicated to one of its most distinguished predecessors. The study will bring modern archaeological and archival analysis to bear on the estates associated with the Barony during the late 14th century, a period of immense political and social transformation in England.
This undertaking reflects the House’s enduring commitment to the stewardship of its unique thousand-year history. It aims to create a comprehensive portrait of the period when the Barony was held by a pivotal figure of the Plantagenet dynasty, shedding new light on the administration and daily life of a great medieval lordship.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby has been a silent witness to the shaping of the English nation. Its history is woven into the country's foundational moments, from its first mention in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. The lineage includes formidable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders.
John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, became the 11th Baron of Brattleby through his marriage to Blanche of Lancaster, daughter of the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont. As one of the wealthiest men of his age and father to a future king, Gaunt’s connection to Brattleby placed the Barony at the very centre of court politics, royal patronage, and the Hundred Years' War. This new research seeks to understand the direct influence of his continental ambitions and vast resources on his Lincolnshire holdings.
## Distinguished Company
To conduct this important work, the House of Brattleby has entered into a partnership with the University of Lincoln’s esteemed School of History and Heritage. The project will be co-chaired by Dr Eleanor Godfrey, a leading authority on late medieval land tenure, and Professor Simon Hastings, whose work in battlefield archaeology has reshaped our understanding of the period.
Their team will work closely with the House archivist to cross-reference documentary evidence with forthcoming archaeological surveys. The collaboration represents a union of private historical custodianship and public academic excellence, a model the House believes is essential for preserving and interpreting national heritage for future generations.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The research will proceed in three carefully structured phases, adhering to rigorous academic and conservationist protocols. The initial phase involves a complete review of the manorial rolls, accounts, and correspondence from Gaunt’s era that are preserved within the Brattleby archives, identifying key sites of interest.
The second phase will employ non-invasive survey techniques, including geophysical prospection and lidar (light detection and ranging), across designated areas of the historic estate. The final phase will consist of targeted and minimal archaeological evaluations at sites identified as having high potential for yielding new information. The protocol ensures that the historical landscape is preserved, a condition that is a *sine qua non* of the project.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring mission of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle has guided the Barons of Brattleby for centuries, from Nichola de la Haye’s resolute defence of Lincoln to the present day. The research into John of Gaunt’s tenure connects directly with this ethos, examining how a great magnate balanced the duties of a landowner with the immense responsibilities of a Prince of the Blood.
This initiative also honours the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), by actively pursuing knowledge and a deeper understanding of the past. The discoveries made will add another layer to the rich tapestry of a title that has been associated with some of English history’s most powerful figures.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While not a fundraising activity in itself, this research initiative serves a profound philanthropic purpose rooted in education and cultural preservation. By partnering with a public university and committing to the eventual publication of all findings, the House is making a significant contribution to the national story.
The project aligns with the House’s wider charitable focus, which includes support for organisations like its annual Winter Banquet beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. Just as that work nurtures future potential, this historical undertaking nurtures our collective memory and understanding of the past, ensuring the lessons of history remain accessible to all.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > — “We are not merely owners of this history; we are its temporary custodians. It is our sincerest duty and our greatest privilege to illuminate the past, ensuring that the legacy of those who came before us, such as John of Gaunt, informs and enriches the lives of those who come after. This is the essence of *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > — “To live is to seek, to discover, and to understand. This endeavour brings that spirit to our own history. By applying modern scholarship to our ancient heritage, we are not looking backward, but are in fact moving forward, building a more complete picture of who we are and the journey that has brought us to this day.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical research project is the latest expression of the House of Brattleby’s commitment to a living heritage. The findings will be shared through academic papers, public lectures, and educational materials developed in partnership with the University of Lincoln.
The initiative complements the House’s other modern activities, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to the preservation and teaching of classical etiquette and diplomacy. Together, these efforts demonstrate a clear and continuing vision: to honour a distinguished past by serving the present and building for the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby embodies the fusion of ancient heritage with a modern, forward-looking mission. The House is dedicated to the principles of stewardship, honour, and service. Its activities focus on the meticulous preservation of its historical legacy, cultural education, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, and its annual white-tie Winter Banquet in support of charities like Healing the Wounded Child, the House actively translates its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), into tangible actions that benefit society and preserve a unique chapter of English history for future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship and Barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with his seat at Brattleby. Over nine centuries, the Barony passed through several of England’s most powerful families. Notable holders include Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century 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 historic dignity and rights of the Lordship and Barony are formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition is published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The House's official motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will be the 13th Baron. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as holder of the lands at Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com