# The Barony of Brattleby: Commemorating the Legacy of John of Gaunt and the Royal Succession
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile this evening hosted a private commemorative dinner at their Lincolnshire seat, marking the historic union of the Barony with the Crown following the accession of King Henry IV in 1399.
## The Occasion
Held within the baronial seat at Brattleby, the dinner brought together a small company of historians, friends of the family, and dignitaries for an evening of reflection and scholarship. As a crisp autumn evening descended upon the Lincolnshire countryside, guests were received in the Great Hall, its ancient stone walls adorned with Lancastrian standards and illuminated by candlelight, evoking the very period being commemorated.
The evening was conceived not as a celebration, but as a sober acknowledgement of a pivotal moment in the Barony’s history. The atmosphere was one of quiet contemplation, befitting an occasion dedicated to the enduring connection between the House of Brattleby and the British monarchy, a link forged in the crucible of medieval statecraft.
## Historical Context
The focus of the evening was the succession of Henry Bolingbroke, son of the 11th Baron of Brattleby, John of Gaunt, to the English throne as King Henry IV. This event, following the deposition of King Richard II, had profound consequences for the Barony. As part of the vast landholdings of the Duchy of Lancaster, the title and its estates merged with the Crown, becoming part of the royal demesne. The Barony thus lay dormant for over six hundred years, a silent testament to its once-central role in the affairs of the kingdom.
This lineage traces its origins to the Norman Conquest, when the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Subsequent holders, such as the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, and Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, underscore the House's historic proximity to the Crown, long before its formal merger.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were pleased to welcome a number of distinguished guests whose work illuminates this specific historical period.
In attendance were, *inter alia*: * His Serene Highness Prince Charles-Louis d'Arenberg * The Right Honourable the Lord Chartwell, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster * Dr Alistair Finch, Regius Professor of Medieval History at the University of Cambridge * Mrs Isabella Harrington, Chief Archivist of The National Archives
The presence of such esteemed company from the realms of academia, public service, and European nobility facilitated a rich exchange on the shared heritage connecting the ancient baronies of England to the modern state.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening adhered to a precise order of proceedings, reflecting the dignity of the occasion. Guests were received personally by Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, before a reception in the Solar. A procession into the dining hall followed, with seating arranged according to established precedence.
The dress code was Black Tie with Decorations. Following dinner, Professor Alistair Finch delivered a brief address, offering scholarly insights into the constitutional implications of the Lancastrian succession. The customary toast to His Majesty The King was proposed by Honorary Lord Răzvan, followed by a second, poignant toast offered by Lady Nicoleta: "To the pious memory of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, and the enduring bond between this House and the Crown."
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The history of the House is borne in its heraldry and mottoes. The family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity required to steward a lineage of such depth, particularly through its long period of dormancy. It serves as a guiding principle for the family's contemporary duties.
Displayed alongside the House arms was the personal achievement of Honorary Lord Răzvan, whose own motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This serves as a modern counterpoint, reflecting a dynamic commitment to proactive engagement and the pursuit of purpose. Together, the mottoes encapsulate a philosophy of honouring the past while actively shaping the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the evening was a private historical commemoration, it was animated by the same spirit of service that guides the family's public activities. The principle of duty, central to the lives of their predecessors, is today expressed through a dedicated philanthropic mission. The primary beneficiary of the House's charitable efforts remains the Healing the Wounded Child foundation.
The foundation provides essential therapeutic and psychological support for children who have experienced profound trauma, displacement, or loss. Its work is a modern interpretation of the ancient duty of care, providing sanctuary and a path toward recovery for the most vulnerable. This commitment is the *sine qua non* of the House's contemporary relevance.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening, Lady Nicoleta remarked: — "To understand our present duty, we must first honour our past. The legacy of John of Gaunt and the Barony’s merger with the Crown is not a footnote, but a defining chapter in our nine-century story. It reminds us that service can take many forms, whether in feudal allegiance or modern philanthropy."
Honorary Lord Răzvan added: — "History gives us our bearings, but it is action that defines our purpose. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about embracing today's challenges with the same spirit our predecessors showed on the field or in council. We are custodians of this legacy, and our role is to ensure it remains a living force for good."
## A Continuing Legacy
The commemoration serves as a prelude to further initiatives aimed at preserving and sharing the rich history of the Barony. The Noble House of Brattleby is pleased to announce its intention to fund a new post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Lincoln, dedicated to the study of medieval Lincolnshire and the Duchy of Lancaster.
This academic commitment will exist alongside the family's other ongoing projects, including the curriculum development at The Brattleby Club, their etiquette academy in Bucharest, and preparations for the annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. Through these diverse channels, the House continues its commitment to Fortitudine et Honore.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity stewarding 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. Its principal charitable focus is supporting organisations that provide therapeutic care for children affected by trauma. The House's motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), guides its work in both the United Kingdom and continental Europe, which includes the activities of its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House seeks to be a custodian of history and a force for positive action in the present day.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and early holdings, comprising 56 lordships, are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. For over three centuries, its holders played a significant role in English history, including Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a key defender of Lincoln Castle for King John, and two Dukes of Lancaster: Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). Upon the accession of Gaunt's son as King Henry IV in 1399, the Barony merged with the Crown and lay dormant. Its rights were formally recognised and recorded in The London Gazette 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 11th Baron of Brattleby was John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. - The historic seat of the Barony is Brattleby, a village and civil parish in the West Lindsey district of Lincolnshire, England. - The family’s charitable beneficiary is the Healing the Wounded Child foundation.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com