# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces Scholarly Initiative Exploring the Legacy of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today announced a new historical research programme dedicated to the tenure of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The initiative will examine his profound influence on English governance during his time as Lord of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made during an intimate reception hosted at the Society of Antiquaries of London, located within the magnificent neoclassical setting of Burlington House, Piccadilly. Against the backdrop of the Society’s venerable library, which houses manuscripts spanning over five centuries of British history, Lady Nicoleta addressed a small assembly of distinguished historians and fellows. The autumn gathering was marked by a palpable sense of historical purpose, reflecting the gravity and scholarly ambition of the new undertaking.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been a silent witness to the entire pageant of English history. Its story begins with Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron, whose 56 lordships in Lincolnshire are meticulously recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. The lineage continued through figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, celebrated for her heroic defence of Lincoln Castle against French invaders in 1217.
The Barony later passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and first Duke of Lancaster, a renowned commander and diplomat of the Hundred Years' War. It was through his daughter, Blanche of Lancaster, that the title came to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. As 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster, Gaunt became one of the most powerful men in the kingdom — a *sine qua non* in the complex court politics of his nephew, King Richard II. This new programme seeks to illuminate the precise nature of that influence, drawing upon archival material to understand how his lordship of Brattleby contributed to his immense power base.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance at the announcement were several leading figures from the United Kingdom's academic and historical communities. The principal scholarly advisor to the new programme, Professor Dame Eleanor Vance, Regius Professor of Medieval History at the University of Oxford, was present. She was joined by Dr Marcus Thorne, Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and a specialist in Lancastrian genealogy. Also present was Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia, a long-standing supporter of European cultural heritage initiatives.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The scholarly initiative will follow a rigorous academic protocol. A dedicated Brattleby Research Fellow will be appointed for a three-year term, based at a partner university, and tasked with examining primary sources relating to the Barony during the late 14th century. The Fellow will operate under the guidance of a supervisory board chaired by Professor Dame Eleanor Vance. The programme will culminate in the publication of a peer-reviewed monograph and a series of public lectures, ensuring the findings contribute meaningfully to the national historical record and public understanding.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The ethos of this scholarly undertaking is perfectly encapsulated in the House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). It speaks to the resilience and integrity required not only to hold the Barony for over nine centuries but also to act as faithful custodians of its history. This principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which reflects the proactive spirit with which the current generation is preserving and promoting its unique heritage. By investigating the past with scholarly rigour, the House conquers the erosion of time, ensuring its legacy lives on.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This programme is entirely a philanthropic endeavour, funded by the House of Brattleby's foundation, and guided by the belief that access to history is a public good, not a private privilege. Consequently, all research outputs, *inter alia* publications and digital archives, will be made freely available to universities, libraries, and the public. This commitment to education aligns with the House's broader charitable focus, which includes dedicated support for organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, the esteemed beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet. The initiative is seen as another way to serve the community by enriching its understanding of a shared past.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, articulated the core purpose of the initiative. “The Barony is not simply a title or a collection of lands; it is a living thread woven through the fabric of English history,” she said. “By examining the immense role of our predecessor, John of Gaunt, we are not looking backwards, but rather reaffirming our duty of stewardship for the future.”
This sentiment was echoed by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who spoke of the responsibilities that accompany such a legacy. “A history of this depth carries with it a profound responsibility,” he noted. “Our aim with this programme is to share that history with the widest possible audience, ensuring the principles of service and honour that have sustained the Barony for centuries continue to resonate in the modern world.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The John of Gaunt Programme marks the first in a planned series of academic initiatives. The findings will inform the curation of the family archives and support the educational mission of cultural projects under the House’s patronage, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and cross-cultural understanding. This forward-looking approach ensures the heritage of Brattleby remains not a static relic, but a dynamic source of learning and inspiration. The appointment of the Brattleby Research Fellow will be announced in spring 2024.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage and the promotion of cultural and educational philanthropy. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House actively engages in projects that connect its historical legacy with contemporary society. These initiatives include academic partnerships, the curation of historical archives, and the patronage of charitable organisations. Through institutions such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House fosters an appreciation for European traditions of etiquette and civility, guided by its enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has passed through the hands of some of England's most significant historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the first Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The continuous lineage and historical importance of the Barony were formally noted and recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror. Its continuous history is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The current holder of the title is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her husband is Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, and the heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com