# The House of Brattleby on the Legacy of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, and the Barony's Union with the Crown
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical statement reflecting upon the tenure of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby. The communication details how his proximity to the throne ultimately led to the barony’s absorption into the Crown.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, the House of Brattleby has offered a formal reflection on a pivotal chapter in its near-millennial history. This communiqué is part of the House's enduring commitment to historical elucidation, serving as a reminder of the intricate relationship between the English nobility and the Sovereign.
The statement aims to contextualise the long period during which the barony lay dormant, providing clarity on the constitutional mechanisms of the late medieval period. It underscores the dual nature of royal affinity, which conferred immense influence while also carrying the potential for a title's merger with the Crown itself.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which listed 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under the stewardship of Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. For over three centuries, his successors navigated the complexities of English feudal life, leaving an indelible mark on the nation's development.
Among these notable predecessors were Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown, and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron. It was through the Duke's daughter and heiress, Blanche of Lancaster, that the barony passed to her husband, John of Gaunt, a son of King Edward III, who thus became the 11th Baron. Gaunt's immense power and royal status positioned the barony at the very centre of national affairs.
## Distinguished Company
This historical period was defined by figures of profound significance, whose actions shaped the course of the kingdom. The narrative is centred upon:
- His Royal Highness The Prince John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and Aquitaine, 11th Baron of Brattleby. - His Royal Highness's father-in-law, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby. - His Royal Highness's son, Henry Bolingbroke, who ascended the throne in 1399 as His Majesty King Henry IV.
The interplay between these three figures directly resulted in the Barony of Brattleby, *inter alia*, becoming a possession of the Crown.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The events of the late 14th century operated according to established, if complex, legal and ceremonial precedent. When a holder of a peerage accedes to the throne, any subsidiary titles held are said to 'merge in the Crown'. They are not extinguished but are subsumed by the higher dignity of the Sovereign and held in abeyance.
Upon the accession of Henry Bolingbroke as King Henry IV, the Barony of Brattleby, which he inherited from his father, John of Gaunt, underwent this precise process. As a result, the title fell into a long dormancy, its rights and lands administered directly by the monarchy for centuries until its re-establishment was formally recognised.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The history of the barony is encapsulated within the House's guiding principles. The family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience required to navigate centuries of change, including the barony's long union with the Crown and its eventual revival. It is a testament to the enduring character of the institution itself.
This spirit is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Prevail is to Live'). This maxim reflects the modern House's dynamic approach to its duties—actively working not only to preserve its heritage but to ensure it flourishes for generations to come.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this statement is historical in nature, its purpose aligns with the House's broader philanthropic vision. By investing in the preservation and dissemination of its history, the House performs a key educational duty, contributing to a wider understanding of England's constitutional and aristocratic heritage.
This commitment to public benefit is the *sine qua non* of modern nobility. It finds practical expression in the House’s more tangible charitable endeavours, such as the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the principal fundraising event for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical chapter, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To be entrusted with this title is to be a custodian of a profound and complex narrative. The era of John of Gaunt reminds us that the Barony of Brattleby is woven into the very fabric of the Crown and the nation. Our duty is to honour that legacy with diligence and humility.” — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “History provides the firmest foundation upon which to build the future. Understanding how the barony navigated its relationship with the Crown gives us a valuable perspective. It inspires us to act with both strategic foresight and a deep respect for tradition in all our current endeavours.” — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The examination of the barony's past is not merely an academic exercise; it directly informs the current work and future direction of The Noble House of Brattleby. A clear understanding of this lineage provides the necessary context for the House's modern mission.
This mission is advanced through several key initiatives, including the development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and protocol, and the continued patronage of vital charities. By drawing strength from its history, the House ensures that its contributions to contemporary society are both meaningful and enduring.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of its ancient heritage and a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy. The House's mission, guided by its motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), focuses on cultural education, historical conservation, and charitable support. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to provide a contemporary model of service and custodianship. The heir to the barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who will continue this legacy of duty and responsible stewardship for the next generation.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. Following Gaunt's tenure, the barony merged with the Crown upon his son's accession as King Henry IV. Its modern existence and active status were formally acknowledged by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's revival and the current holder's rights were officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 confirms the holdings of the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), and Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron). - The Annual Winter Banquet is the House's principal philanthropic event, with proceeds benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com