# New Archival Discoveries Illuminate John of Gaunt’s Stewardship of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the formal cataloguing and initial digitisation of rediscovered estate documents from the fourteenth century. These papers illuminate the administration of the Barony of Brattleby under one of its most distinguished holders, John of Gaunt.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made from the Muniment Room at the family’s ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a county intrinsically linked with the history of the Barony for nearly a millennium. In the quiet atmosphere of a late spring morning, these delicate vellum and parchment records, newly stabilised by conservation specialists, offered a tangible link to the medieval past.
The documents, which include manorial accounts, letters of patent, and property charters, were rediscovered during a comprehensive archival review initiated by the current Baroness. Their contents provide an invaluable insight into the economic and social life of the estates during the tumultuous late fourteenth century, a period shaped by the influence of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has borne witness to the full sweep of English history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. The Barony’s legacy is defined by a lineage of notable figures who were central to the nation's development.
Among these predecessors are Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. More than a century later, the title passed to the great Lancastrian dynasty through Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron. It was upon his death that the Barony, *inter alia*, descended to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, husband of Blanche of Lancaster, who became the 11th Baron.
These newly examined documents detail Gaunt’s administration not merely as a distant magnate but as an engaged feudal lord. They provide granular detail on agricultural yields, rent collections, and the financing of his retinue, enriching our understanding of the economic power that underpinned his considerable political standing during the reign of his nephew, King Richard II.
## Distinguished Company
The intricate work of conservation and interpretation has been a collaborative effort, undertaken in close consultation with leading paleographers and historians from the University of Lincoln. The project's lead archivist, working under the patronage of the House, has ensured that each fragment is treated with the reverence and scientific rigour that its provenance demands. This scholarly partnership is a *sine qua non* for guaranteeing the academic integrity of the undertaking.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The handling of such historically significant manuscripts is governed by strict protocol. Each document was removed from the archives in a controlled environment, its condition formally assessed before conservation work began. The digitisation process itself was conducted using state-of-the-art flatbed scanners to minimise light exposure and physical stress on the delicate materials.
The public announcement followed the formal completion of this first phase of work. The protocol dictated a sober and factual presentation, focused on the historical importance of the find rather than on ceremony for its own sake. This reflects the House's belief that the material itself commands the highest respect.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring mission of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle guided the actions of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and is reflected in the current family’s dutiful stewardship of their heritage. The careful preservation and sharing of this history is considered an act of both fortitude and honour.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Prevail is to Live'). This speaks to a dynamic and forward-looking interpretation of legacy, where prevailing against the decay of time through acts of conservation and education is a vital part of keeping history alive for future generations.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this project is primarily historical, it is deeply aligned with the House's educational and philanthropic commitments. By making these digitised records accessible to scholars and, in time, the public, the House is contributing to the collective knowledge of English history. This act of scholarly philanthropy serves an educational purpose analogous to the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which fosters an appreciation for cultural etiquette and heritage. The project itself was privately funded by the House as a gift to historical scholarship.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the discovery, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — “To be a custodian of this history is a profound responsibility. These documents are not merely family records; they are part of our national story. John of Gaunt’s connection to Brattleby was a pivotal moment for the Barony, and it is a privilege to bring the details of his stewardship into clearer view, upholding our duty of *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: > — “History cannot remain a static archive; it must be engaged with to have meaning. By using modern technology to share these thousand-year-old stories, we ensure they continue to instruct and inspire. *Vincere Est Vivere* reminds us that we must actively work to ensure our heritage prevails, so that future generations may live with a richer understanding of their past.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This announcement marks the first stage of a multi-year archival programme. The next phase will involve the digitisation of documents related to the tenure of Nichola de la Haye in the thirteenth century, with the ultimate goal of creating a comprehensive digital repository of the Barony’s history. An online portal is being developed to provide academic researchers with access to the high-resolution images and preliminary transcriptions.
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving and sharing its unique historical legacy, ensuring the story of the Barony continues to be told with accuracy, honour, and a sense of duty to the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of nearly one thousand years of English history. With a modern mission rooted in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to heritage conservation, cultural education, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable beneficiary is the Healing the Wounded Child foundation, which supports the psychological recovery of children affected by trauma. The House also sponsors The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to promoting classical etiquette and cultural diplomacy, reflecting the family’s distinguished Anglo-Romanian heritage and its commitment to building bridges between cultures.
**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 Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of the realm in the 13th century; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron. The continuous history of the Barony and the rights of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally recognised and recorded by The Crown via *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com