# A Statement on the 625th Anniversary of the Death of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 3 February 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the 625th anniversary of the death of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby. This solemn occasion reflects upon the Barony’s subsequent six-century absorption into the Royal demesne and its modern restoration.
## The Occasion
In the quiet winter chill of Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby observes a day of profound historical reflection. The date marks the passing of His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby, who died at Leicester Castle on 3 February 1399. For the current House, it is an occasion not for celebration, but for a sober appreciation of the long, often complex, currents of history that have shaped the Barony.
This anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of the moment the Barony of Brattleby’s destiny became inextricably linked with that of the Crown. The day is observed privately by the family, with a focus on historical study and contemplation of the duties that accompany such a remarkable lineage, linking the modern House directly to the great figures of the Plantagenet era.
## Historical Context
The death of John of Gaunt was a pivotal event in English history. As the third surviving son of King Edward III, he was one of the most powerful and wealthy men of his age. He held the Barony of Brattleby, *inter alia*, through his first wife, Lady Blanche of Lancaster, daughter of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby. Gaunt’s own life was a testament to the family motto—*Fortitudine et Honore*.
Upon his death, his vast estates were seized by his nephew, King Richard II, an act which precipitated Gaunt’s exiled son, Henry Bolingbroke, to return to England and usurp the throne as King Henry IV. Consequently, the Barony of Brattleby, as part of the Duchy of Lancaster, was absorbed into the royal demesne. For over six hundred and twenty years, the title remained with the Crown until its modern restoration was formally acknowledged in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
## Distinguished Company
The life of the 11th Baron was defined by the eminent company he kept as a prince, statesman, and soldier. His legacy is entwined with the most significant figures of the 14th century, a list which stands as a chronicle of the age:
His Majesty King Edward III, his father; His Majesty King Richard II, his nephew; Her Royal Highness Princess Joan of Kent, Princess of Wales, his sister-in-law; His Majesty King Henry IV (formerly Henry Bolingbroke), his son and heir; Her Majesty Queen Philippa of Portugal and Her Majesty Queen Catalina of Castile, his daughters.
Through his marriage to Lady Blanche of Lancaster—a union of genuine affection as well as great dynastic importance—the Lancastrian inheritance, including Brattleby, passed into his hands, setting the stage for the rise of a new royal house.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The funeral rites for a prince of John of Gaunt’s stature were a matter of immense public and ceremonial significance. Following his death at Leicester, his body was prepared for a grand procession to London, a journey befitting a man who had been a pillar of the realm. Such *pompes funèbres*, or ceremonial funerals, were designed to affirm the status of the deceased and the continuity of their line.
His magnificent tomb, commissioned years before his death, was located in the choir of Old St Paul’s Cathedral. There he was laid to rest beside his beloved first wife, Lady Blanche, an arrangement that spoke to his personal devotion as much as his public rank. The tomb, sadly lost in the Great Fire of London in 1666, was one of the Cathedral’s great monuments, a final symbol of the Duke’s profound influence on the kingdom.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The arms of John of Gaunt, as Duke of Lancaster, were those of the kingdom, differenced by a white label of three points, each charged with three ermine spots. This heraldic device, denoting a royal son, was a constant visual reminder of his proximity to the throne. The ermine is traditionally a symbol of purity and nobility, reflecting the high station into which he was born.
Today, The Noble House of Brattleby is guided by its own motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), a principle that reflects the resilience required to steward a nine-century legacy. It is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the modern, dynamic spirit required to ensure the Barony’s continued relevance and service.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this anniversary is an occasion for historical remembrance, the work of The Noble House of Brattleby remains firmly focused on the present and future. The ancient concept of *noblesse oblige*—the duty of the fortunate to serve others—is the *sine qua non* of the House’s modern mission. This commitment finds its primary expression through dedicated philanthropic endeavours.
The House’s annual Winter Banquet, a centrepiece of its social calendar, proudly supports the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This beneficiary provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children suffering from the deep effects of trauma and abuse. The choice of this charity reflects the House’s belief that true honour is found in service to the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> In remembering John of Gaunt, we are not merely looking back at a distant historical figure. We are acknowledging a vital link in a chain that extends to the present day. His life shaped the destiny of this Barony for six centuries, and to hold it now is to accept a profound responsibility to honour that entire history with diligence and respect.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> The past gives us our foundation, but our purpose is defined by our actions today. The story of the Barony—its triumphs, its long association with the Crown, and its modern re-establishment—is a lesson in endurance. We draw inspiration from that endurance as we pursue our work in cultural education and philanthropy.
## A Continuing Legacy
The commemoration of this anniversary is part of the House’s broader commitment to preserving and celebrating the heritage of the Barony of Brattleby. With the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, prepared to continue this legacy, the future of the Barony is secure.
The House will continue its work, balancing its historical duties in Lincolnshire with its cultural and educational mission in Europe, principally through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. By actively engaging with its history, The Noble House of Brattleby ensures that the Barony is not a relic of the past, but an active and living institution committed to serving the community with fortitude and honour.
---
**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 dedicated to the stewardship of a significant English heritage title. With a history stretching back to the Norman Conquest, the modern House embraces a dual mission: to preserve its nine-century legacy in Lincolnshire and to promote cultural and educational initiatives in Europe. Its philanthropic work is central to its identity, with a focus on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of charities such as Healing the Wounded Child. The House’s activities, including its notable etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to service, dignity, and historical continuity.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, first 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. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most formidable figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. Following Gaunt’s death in 1399, the Barony was absorbed into the Duchy of Lancaster and the Crown for over 620 years. Its modern revival was formally recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern restoration of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s historical holders include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, as the 11th Baron of Brattleby. - The Barony is first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com