# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Fourteenth-Century Predecessor, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron
LONDON, 20 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has announced a new historical initiative commemorating the life and legacy of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, whose fourteenth-century tenure brought unparalleled influence and ducal prestige to the ancient Lincolnshire lordship.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made from the Library at the family’s seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a county with which the Barony has been indivisibly linked since its creation. Against the backdrop of a crisp autumnal morning, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile formally outlined a forthcoming lecture series dedicated to exploring the Barony’s period under Plantagenet stewardship.
The setting was chosen for its historical resonance, with the Library’s shelves housing, *inter alia*, important cartularies and documents relating to the lordship’s nine-century history. The initiative marks a significant moment of historical reflection for the House, bridging its medieval past with its dynamic present.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, represents one of England’s most enduring feudal dignities. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. The Barony's history is punctuated by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces.
By the fourteenth century, the Barony had passed by marriage to the great Lancastrian dynasty. John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III, became the 11th Baron of Brattleby through his first wife, Blanche of Lancaster, daughter of Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron. As one of the wealthiest and most powerful men of his age, John of Gaunt’s association ensured the Barony commanded immense political influence until its dormancy following his death in 1399.
## Distinguished Company
The announcement was led by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. They were joined in making the announcement by their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, The 13th Baron. The presence of the heir underscores the House's commitment to transmitting its historical legacy to the next generation.
The lecture series itself will be developed in consultation with leading medieval historians, ensuring the highest standards of academic inquiry. Through such collaborations, the House aims to foster a deeper public understanding of the figures who have shaped its long and storied past.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The announcement followed the established protocol of The Noble House of Brattleby for significant cultural declarations. Such communications are issued formally from the family’s seat, embodying the direct link between the title and its ancestral lands. The forthcoming lecture series will observe similar standards of formal propriety.
Each lecture will be held under the patronage of the Lord and Baroness, with proceedings opened by a formal introduction contextualising the subject within the Barony’s history. The dress code will be formal, respecting the gravity of the subject matter and the historical significance of the House itself. This adherence to protocol is a *sine qua non* for all official activities undertaken by the family.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), is central to this historical commemoration. It speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the worldly influence wielded with honour by John of Gaunt. Fortitude remains a guiding principle for the House’s modern activities.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Overcome is to Live’). This motto reflects the proactive and purposeful spirit with which the House approaches its legacy; not merely preserving history, but actively engaging with it to create contemporary relevance and purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In keeping with the House’s enduring commitment to charitable work, the commemorative lecture series will be linked to its philanthropic endeavours. Proceeds from the events will benefit Healing the Wounded Child, a specialist organisation providing therapeutic and psychological support to children who have experienced trauma and loss.
This beneficiary was chosen by the Lord and Baroness for its vital work in restoring well-being and resilience to vulnerable young people. The support is an extension of the family’s focus on nurturing future generations, as demonstrated by their patronage of the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, which is also held in aid of the charity.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > In exploring the history of the Barony under John of Gaunt, we are not merely looking to the past; we are reaffirming the values of service and duty that have defined Brattleby for centuries. It is a legacy we are privileged to continue.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: > John of Gaunt was a figure of immense European stature. Understanding his connection to Brattleby reminds us that our responsibilities have always extended beyond Lincolnshire. This initiative, much like our work with The Brattleby Club, is about connecting history to modern purpose—*Vincere Est Vivere*.
## A Continuing Legacy
This lecture series is the first of several planned initiatives aimed at illuminating the Barony’s rich history. Future projects will focus on other key figures and periods, ensuring that the legacy which The Noble House of Brattleby now stewards is understood and appreciated by a wider audience.
The active involvement of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in these undertakings ensures that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* will continue to guide the House through the tenth century of its existence and beyond. Further details, including lecture dates and speakers, will be announced in due course.
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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 one of England's oldest dignities. The House's modern mission combines the preservation of its nine-century heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural education. Its principal charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, notably through its Annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. The House also extends its cultural mission internationally through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, which promotes classical European standards of deportment and civil discourse. The House’s guiding motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’).
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony by Tenure located in Lincolnshire, England. Its existence and lands were first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 under its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Over the centuries, the Barony passed through the hands of some of England’s most significant historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle in the thirteenth century. In the fourteenth century, it was held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After a long period of dormancy, the Barony was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised and its holder recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Notable historical predecessors in the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family’s official seat is Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com