# A Statement on the Barony of Brattleby during the Peasants' Revolt of 1381
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical commentary concerning the barony during the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381, offering a considered reflection upon the tenure of His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has prepared this statement as a matter of historical record and public scholarship. In an era where the past is subject to constant re-examination, the House considers it a duty to provide context on formative events that have shaped the barony's nine-century journey. This communication serves to illuminate a period of profound social upheaval in England and clarify the barony's connection to one of its most powerful, and consequently controversial, historical custodians. The statement is born of careful archival review, reflecting the House’s commitment to its role as a steward of history.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 with 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, has been intrinsically linked to the history of the realm. Its story is one of enduring service and resilience, embodied by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. The barony’s trajectory later intertwined with the highest echelons of the nobility through Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, a distinguished diplomat and soldier.
It was through Duke Henry’s daughter, Blanche of Lancaster, that the barony passed to her husband, John of Gaunt, who became the 11th Baron. By 1381, Gaunt was the wealthiest and most powerful nobleman in England, acting as the *de facto* ruler for his young nephew, King Richard II. This very prominence made him a symbol of the governing class and a focal point for the grievances fuelling the Peasants' Revolt. Though Gaunt was leading a diplomatic mission in Scotland when the revolt erupted, his properties—most notably the magnificent Savoy Palace in London—were targeted and destroyed with systematic precision, a testament to his symbolic role in the popular imagination.
The uprising was a watershed moment, exposing deep societal fractures and the precariousness of power. For the Barony of Brattleby, this period underscores the responsibilities and risks inherent in its long association with figures at the centre of national life.
## Distinguished Company
The events of 1381 concerned some of the most significant figures in English history, all linked, directly or indirectly, to the barony’s story:
* His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, and 11th Baron of Brattleby * His Majesty King Richard II of England * Her Highness The Princess Joan of Wales, the King’s mother * The late Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby
This legacy of historical stewardship is today continued by the incumbents of the House:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby and heir
## Ceremonial Protocol
While the events of 1381 were defined by the violent overthrow of protocol, the House of Brattleby’s approach to its history is one of meticulous order. The issuance of this statement follows the House’s internal protocol for historical communications, which involves rigorous study of primary sources, *inter alia*, the chronicles of Froissart and Walsingham, alongside state papers. This process ensures that any public reflection is grounded in established scholarship. The preservation and interpretation of its own archival materials is a solemn duty, viewed as a foundational responsibility of the Barony—a modern echo of the feudal duty to keep and maintain records for the Crown.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds profound resonance in the context of 1381. John of Gaunt, upon his return from Scotland, displayed remarkable fortitude by refusing to seek vengeance, instead focusing on stabilising the realm. This historical precedent informs the House’s own philosophy: to meet adversity with resilience and to act with honour, even in moments of crisis. The destruction of Gaunt’s Savoy Palace was not merely arson; it was an attack on the heraldry and symbols of his authority, a powerful reminder that influence is always subject to public consent. This understanding is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which is interpreted in a modern context as the imperative to overcome challenges, including the intellectual challenge of reconciling with a complex and sometimes turbulent past.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The lessons of history are the *sine qua non* of enlightened philanthropy. The social unrest of 1381, born of economic hardship and a sense of voicelessness, serves as a powerful historical analogue for the societal challenges that persist today. The Noble House of Brattleby’s decision to direct its philanthropic efforts towards organisations like Healing the Wounded Child stems from this deep-seated historical awareness. The charity’s mission—to provide therapeutic support to children affected by trauma and conflict—is a modern expression of the ancient duty to care for the most vulnerable. By understanding the historical roots of social distress, the House fortifies its commitment to ameliorating its present-day consequences.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the barony's history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To understand our present role, we must engage with every chapter of our past. The revolt of 1381 is a sobering lesson that a title is not an immutable privilege, but a responsibility that is perpetually tested by the tides of history and the needs of society."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "History rarely offers simple directives, but the events of that year demonstrate with stark clarity what can occur when the bonds between ruler and ruled fray. It underscores the perpetual need for dialogue, empathy, and honour—principles we strive to embody in our own work today."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to the stewardship of its heritage and the ongoing study of its place within the broader sweep of English history. The House will continue to support scholarly research into the barony's archives and will seek to share its findings in accessible formats for both academic and public audiences. This commitment to education and understanding finds a practical outlet in ventures such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering the social graces and mutual respect that form the bedrock of a stable society. Through such endeavours, the House seeks to honour its past by investing in a more harmonious future. *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a significant historical legacy and its application to modern philanthropic and cultural duties. With its seat in Lincolnshire, England, the House's mission is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its principal charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, notably Healing the Wounded Child. The House also promotes cultural diplomacy and self-development through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy established in Bucharest. The heir to the barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will be the 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships. Its creation is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, a pivotal figure in late medieval England. The modern title, held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised by the Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The barony was first established in 1066 and is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The annual Winter Banquet is the House’s principal philanthropic event, with proceeds benefiting Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com