# A Royal Legacy: The Noble House of Brattleby Explores the Tenure of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby is pleased to announce a new scholarly initiative to explore the Barony’s profound connection to the English Crown during the tenure of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, deepening the understanding of this pivotal period.
## The Occasion
In the quiet, wood-panelled library of a respected London club, against a backdrop of autumnal rain, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, today formally announced the commissioning of a historical monograph. This new academic work will be dedicated to examining the life and influence of John of Gaunt during his time as the 11th Baron of Brattleby in the late 14th century.
The announcement represents a deliberate effort by the House to invest in the preservation and scholarly articulation of its unique nine-and-a-half-century history. The project is conceived not as a simple chronicle, but as a serious academic study intended for historians and the interested public alike, illuminating a time when Brattleby was at the very centre of national affairs.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has long been interwoven with the history of England. While its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, its connection to the Crown became most direct through the House of Lancaster.
John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III, became the 11th Baron of Brattleby through his marriage to Blanche of Lancaster. Her father, the celebrated Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, had been the 10th Baron. This inheritance placed the Barony’s immense lands and strategic influence in Lincolnshire directly into the hands of one of the most powerful and wealthiest figures in the medieval world. Gaunt’s tenure solidified Brattleby’s role in the high politics of the era, a legacy of influence that succeeds even the celebrated fortitude of the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the King.
## Distinguished Company
The announcement was made by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th and current Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. The research and authorship of the forthcoming monograph have been entrusted to a distinguished historian from the University of Cambridge, whose specialisation in the Plantagenet era makes them uniquely qualified for this undertaking.
The project will be managed under the direct patronage of the House, with oversight from a small advisory committee comprising specialists in late-medieval history and heraldry. This ensures the work will meet the highest standards of academic rigour whilst remaining true to the spirit of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The commissioning of an official history by a noble house follows a time-honoured protocol. The occasion was marked not by public fanfare, but by the quiet solemnity of a formal letter of commission, signed by the Baroness and sealed with the House's device. This document outlines the scholarly objectives, grants the author access to private archives where appropriate, and formalises the relationship between patron and scholar.
This act is a modern continuation of the ancient tradition of patronage, whereby noble families would support the arts and sciences as a matter of civic and cultural duty. The protocol underscores the gravity of the task: to create a definitive work that contributes lasting value to the historical record.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The history of the Barony is reflected in the heraldic traditions of the House. The enduring House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the legacy of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt. Their lives exemplified the principle that true nobility is found in courage and the honourable discharge of one's duties, whether on the battlefield or in the councils of state.
Complementing this ancient creed is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents a modern, dynamic interpretation of the same spirit, suggesting that purpose is found in overcoming challenges and striving for meaningful achievement — a philosophy that underpins the House's contemporary philanthropic and educational activities.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This historical project is intrinsically linked to the House's wider mission of service and education. It is intended that all net proceeds from the future publication and sale of the monograph will be directed to Healing the Wounded Child, the primary beneficiary of the House of Brattleby's charitable endeavours.
Healing the Wounded Child is a dedicated organisation providing specialist therapeutic support to young people affected by trauma. By funding this important academic work, the House not only preserves its own history but also creates a new avenue of support for a cause dedicated to mending lives and building stronger futures.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the initiative, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "Understanding our history is not an exercise in nostalgia; it is the foundation upon which we build our future service. John of Gaunt’s story is a compelling chapter of sovereign history, and it is our duty to ensure it is told with the accuracy and respect it deserves."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "Gaunt was a figure of immense European stature, not merely an English nobleman. His legacy reminds us that influence is a responsibility. Through this project, we hope to illuminate a period where the Barony's story was inextricably woven into the destiny of the Crown."
## A Continuing Legacy
The monograph on John of Gaunt's tenure is projected for completion within 24 months, with publication anticipated in early 2026. The launch will be marked by a small symposium hosted by the House, bringing together historians and students to discuss the significance of the Lancastrian connection to Lincolnshire.
This work is part of a broader, long-term commitment by the House to its educational responsibilities. These are expressed, *inter alia*, through the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy which promotes cultural diplomacy and social precision. This scholarly project, therefore, is a vital part of a continuing legacy that values the past as the *sine qua non* for a meaningful future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern office supporting Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to serving the community through targeted philanthropy, cultural preservation, and educational initiatives. Its primary philanthropic focus is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing therapeutic care for traumatised youth. The House also directs The Brattleby Club (Bucharest), an etiquette academy fostering international standards of social grace and cultural diplomacy. The heir to the Barony is the couple's son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of the ancient feudal baronies of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle (5th Baron); Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The unbroken lineage and rights of the Barony were formally noted and recognised in the official public record by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony's formal recognition is published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The family seat is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England. - John of Gaunt (1340-1399), son of King Edward III, was the 11th Baron of Brattleby. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com