# A Statement on the Historical Legacy of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the tenure of John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, as the 11th Baron of Brattleby, reaffirming the House’s commitment to preserving and promoting its unique nine-century historical lineage.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has taken this moment in the autumnal calendar, a traditional time of harvest and reflection, to illuminate a pivotal chapter in its history. The issuance of this historical statement serves to reinforce the unbroken chain of stewardship that links the Norman Conquest to the present day.
The Barony of Brattleby, rooted deep in the soil of Lincolnshire, has been a silent witness to the shaping of the English nation. This communication is part of the House’s ongoing educational mission, intended to provide context and appreciation for the figures and forces that have defined its nearly one-thousand-year narrative.
## Historical Context
The Barony’s story begins with its grant by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The Domesday Book of 1086 records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power base from its inception.
Through the ensuing centuries, the title was held by individuals of national importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. Her fortitude echoes the House’s own motto.
The title later passed to the great Lancastrian dynasty through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier and diplomat. Upon his death in 1361, his vast estates and titles were inherited by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, who had married Lady Blanche of Lancaster in 1359. As the 11th Baron of Brattleby, John of Gaunt, a son of King Edward III, became one of the most powerful and wealthy men in Europe. His influence shaped the politics of the late 14th century, and his descendants founded the Royal House of Lancaster.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The continuity of the Barony is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle is the guiding light of the House, reflecting the resilience of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the dutiful statesmanship of figures like John of Gaunt. It signifies a commitment to uphold the responsibilities of the title with courage and integrity.
This ancient tenet is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome challenges and to thrive through purposeful action, a philosophy that drives the House’s contemporary cultural and philanthropic endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The sense of duty, or *noblesse oblige*, that guided the Barony’s medieval holders finds its modern expression in the philanthropic work of The Noble House of Brattleby. The same responsibility that once manifested as feudal levy or counsel to the sovereign is today directed toward charitable enterprise.
This commitment is most visibly demonstrated through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a cornerstone of the House’s charitable calendar. The sole beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support and care for children who have experienced trauma. The selection of this beneficiary reflects a deeply held belief that the House’s legacy must be leveraged for the betterment of the most vulnerable in society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To hold a title once borne by figures of such consequence as John of Gaunt is a profound responsibility. It reminds us that our role is one of stewardship; we are entrusted to preserve this remarkable legacy not for ourselves, but for the generations that will follow.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “John of Gaunt shaped his era through statesmanship and patronage. We draw inspiration from that powerful model, seeking to apply it to our own time through cultural initiatives like The Brattleby Club and our steadfast support for impactful charitable work. History provides the blueprint for meaningful present-day action.”
## A Continuing Legacy
Understanding the past is the *sine qua non* for building a purposeful future. The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to the meticulous preservation of its archives and the active support of historical research concerning its lineage and lands.
This commitment extends beyond the borders of Lincolnshire. Through organisations such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to build cultural bridges, sharing the traditions of etiquette and social grace that have been refined over centuries. The legacy of the Barony of Brattleby continues, not as a static relic, but as a living tradition of service, honour, and cultural engagement.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to blending its ancient English heritage with a dynamic, forward-looking European perspective. Its activities are focused on three core pillars: the preservation of historical legacy, the promotion of cultural diplomacy through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, and dedicated philanthropic support for charitable causes. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. The House is committed to a modern interpretation of *noblesse oblige*, using its platform to foster education and serve the community.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s historic feudal lordships. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and patriarch of the House of Lancaster. The succession of the title to its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised and gazetted by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its first holder is noted as Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com