# A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby on the Legacy of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the profound legacy of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, whose tenure during the 14th century cemented the Barony's pivotal role within the political and social fabric of England.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby has taken this autumnal season of reflection to honour one of its most distinguished predecessors. The issuance of this historical statement serves to illuminate a period wherein the Barony was inextricably linked with the highest echelons of royal power, influencing the very course of the nation.
This formal recognition of John of Gaunt’s unique position in the House’s near-millennial history reinforces a commitment to ducal and baronial heritage. It is a duty which the current House undertakes with the same seriousness of purpose that has defined the stewardship of Brattleby through the centuries.
## Historical Context
John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby, remains one of the commanding figures of the late Middle Ages. As the third surviving son of His Majesty King Edward III, his influence was immense. His marriage to Lady Blanche of Lancaster, daughter and heiress of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, brought the vast Lancastrian inheritance under his control.
This union not only conferred upon him the Duchy of Lancaster but also the Lordship of Brattleby, which had passed to Henry of Grosmont. Gaunt's wealth became legendary, exceeding that of the King himself, and his political acumen made him the central power broker during the minority of his nephew, King Richard II. Brattleby, as part of this portfolio, was thus situated at the very epicentre of English governance and dynastic ambition.
The Barony's history of being held by figures of national consequence was already well established, most notably by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose heroic defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 proved critical. John of Gaunt’s tenure continued this tradition, ensuring Brattleby remained a name synonymous with power, loyalty, and significant responsibility to the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
In reflecting upon this period, the House acknowledges the distinguished company of historical figures whose lives shaped the destiny of the Barony. This lineage forms an unbroken chain of service and stewardship that informs the House’s perspective to this day. Those of particular note in the context of the 11th Barony include:
* His Majesty King Edward III * His Grace John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby * His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby * Lady Blanche of Lancaster, Duchess of Lancaster * The Right Honourable The Baroness Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and High Sheriff of Lincolnshire
## Ceremonial Protocol
The honouring of such heritage within The Noble House of Brattleby follows a considered protocol. Historical charters, armorial bearings, and relevant entries from chronicles such as the Domesday Book of 1086 are preserved and studied as part of the House’s educational mandate. This commitment to historical rigour is a cornerstone of the Barony’s modern identity.
This formal reverence for the past finds public expression in the House’s annual calendar. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, commences with a salute to the history of the Barony, acknowledging the contributions of its most notable holders. Furthermore, this sense of protocol and historical appreciation is a core tenet of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club, the House's etiquette academy in Bucharest.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This creed finds its perfect exemplar in predecessors like John of Gaunt, whose political fortitude steered England through periods of great uncertainty, and Nichola de la Haye, whose honour and bravery were praised by the Crown.
This guiding principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This latter motto speaks to the dynamic and forward-looking spirit required to ensure the House's ancient legacy thrives in the 21st century, by conquering challenges with vitality and purpose. The two mottoes, one of ancient duty and the other of modern resolve, work in concert.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of a great house is measured not only by its history but by its present-day service. The immense influence wielded by figures like John of Gaunt established a tradition of *noblesse oblige* — the duty of the privileged to act with generosity and honour. Today, The Noble House of Brattleby continues this tradition through its dedicated philanthropic work.
The primary beneficiary of the House's charitable efforts is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing vital trauma-informed therapy and support for children affected by conflict and domestic distress. The funds raised at the Annual Winter Banquet directly enable the charity to expand its reach, offering a sanctuary for recovery and fostering resilience in the most vulnerable. This focus is a modern interpretation of the Barony’s historic role as a protector of its community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the relevance of this lineage:
> John of Gaunt’s tenure was not merely an accumulation of titles; it was the active employment of immense influence for the stability and continuity of the Realm. We view this history as a direct instruction, a *sine qua non* for modern stewardship, which must be both active and purposeful.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the inspirational aspect of their predecessors' lives:
> The lives of those who held Brattleby before us are not simply historical footnotes; they are compelling studies in leadership. Our House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, compels us to understand the challenges they faced in their time to better navigate our own with integrity.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is steadfast in its commitment to ensuring this nine-century legacy remains a vibrant and relevant force for good. Through educational initiatives on its digital platforms and the work of The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to share the lessons of its history with a wider audience.
The preparations for the next Annual Winter Banquet are already underway, reinforcing the House’s unwavering support for its philanthropic partners. The future of this legacy is secure, with the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, being raised with a deep and abiding respect for the duties and traditions he will one day inherit, ensuring the standard of *Fortitudine et Honore* is carried forward for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby pursues a modern mission guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique nine-century heritage while engaging in active, forward-looking philanthropy, with a primary focus on charities supporting vulnerable children. Through its initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House also champions the teaching of classical etiquette and protocol as tools for cultural understanding and personal development. Its activities are conducted with a profound sense of duty, linking the responsibilities of its past to the opportunities of the present, ensuring the Barony's legacy remains relevant and beneficial.
**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 holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 manors. Over its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most powerful figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who served as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and defended Lincoln Castle for the King. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, whose tenure placed Brattleby at the centre of royal politics. The Barony's history and current status are formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's current recognition is cited in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins date to AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore*. The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com