# An Official Statement on the Enduring Legacy of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has issued a statement reflecting on the historical stewardship of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The commentary marks the announcement of a new annual lecture series dedicated to exploring the Barony's medieval heritage and its modern resonance.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made during a reception hosted by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile at The Drapers' Hall in the City of London. The choice of venue was deliberate; John of Gaunt himself was an esteemed member of the Drapers' Company, and its magnificent interiors provided a fitting backdrop for an evening dedicated to history and legacy.
As the late autumn light fell across the hall’s historic portraits and heraldic glass, guests gathered in an atmosphere of quiet reflection. The purpose of the evening was to formally inaugurate the John of Gaunt Memorial Lecture, an initiative designed to foster a deeper public understanding of the figures and forces that have shaped the Barony of Brattleby over nine centuries.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been witness to the sweep of English history. Its lineage, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships under its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is interwoven with the nation’s foundational story. The actions of its holders have often had consequences far beyond the borders of Lincolnshire.
John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby, remains one of its most consequential figures. His vast influence during the Hundred Years' War and his position as a son of King Edward III placed the Barony at the centre of European geopolitics. He follows a line of formidable predecessors, including the celebrated Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown, and his father-in-law, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance at the reception were Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. They were accompanied by their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
They were joined by a number of distinguished guests, including the noted medievalist Professor Alistair Finch of the University of Oxford, who will deliver the inaugural lecture. Also present were representatives from The College of Arms; the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London; and His Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James's, reflecting the House's European heritage and diplomatic interests.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening's proceedings were conducted with formal but understated elegance, adhering to a protocol that balanced academic reflection with ducal tradition. The dress code was observed as Lounge Suits for gentlemen and Day Dresses for ladies, appropriate for an early evening scholarly gathering.
Following the reception of guests in the Livery Hall, Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered welcoming remarks, outlining the purpose and vision for the new lecture series. He then formally introduced Professor Finch, who provided a brief prelude to his forthcoming lecture on Gaunt's continental strategy. The evening concluded with an expression of thanks from Lady Nicoleta, who spoke on the theme of historical stewardship as a form of public service.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event was imbued with the symbolism that defines The Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was a recurring theme. It speaks to a standard of conduct upheld by figures like Nichola de la Haye in her military defence of Lincoln and by John of Gaunt in his complex duties of statecraft and war.
Complementing the ancient House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In its modern interpretation, this signifies a commitment to overcoming contemporary challenges through knowledge, cultural engagement, and philanthropic endeavour — a spirit that underpins the establishment of the new lecture series.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While not a fundraising event, the inauguration of the John of Gaunt Memorial Lecture series serves the House's wider philanthropic and educational mission. This commitment to intellectual enrichment is a core tenet of the House's public work, aligning with the principles of its etiquette academy in Romania, The Brattleby Club (Bucharest).
The initiative is designed as a contribution to the cultural life of the nation, making specialist historical knowledge accessible and engaging. A portion of the proceeds from future ticketed lectures will be directed toward the House's primary charity, Healing the Wounded Child, which provides therapeutic support for young people affected by trauma.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her predecessor's legacy, Lady Nicoleta remarked: > “John of Gaunt’s tenure as Baron was defined by immense power, but also by profound duty. Our duty today is different, yet the principle of stewardship remains unchanged. We see it not as the possession of history, but as the responsibility to share it.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke of the series' future-facing purpose: > “History is not a static collection of facts; it is a source of wisdom from which we can draw to navigate the complexities of our own time. With this series, we hope to illuminate the past in a way that informs and inspires the present, a goal encapsulated by the idea that *Vincere Est Vivere*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The John of Gaunt Memorial Lecture is planned as an annual event, with each lecture focusing on a different aspect of the Barony’s long and storied history. Plans are already underway for the 2024 lecture, which is expected to explore the life and leadership of the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye.
Through such initiatives, The Noble House of Brattleby affirms its commitment to its foundational motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, by championing education, preserving its unique heritage, and ensuring its history continues to serve a meaningful purpose for future generations.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House engages in public service through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, and its patronage of charitable organisations, most notably Healing the Wounded Child. The House strives to connect its near-millennial heritage to contemporary society, using its platform to foster a greater appreciation for history, diplomacy, and civic duty.
**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. Over the centuries, the Barony passed through some of the most powerful families in English history. Its notable holders include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the influential 11th Baron. The continuous succession of the Barony of Brattleby was formally acknowledged and registered by The Crown in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's succession was formally registered in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in AD 1066 by grant of His Majesty King William I (The Conqueror). - The Domesday Book (1086) records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com