# A Statement on the Barony of Brattleby’s Union with John of Gaunt and the Duchy of Lancaster
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical statement regarding the tenure of His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, a period which integrated the ancient fiefdom into the Duchy of Lancaster.
## The Occasion
In an act of sustained historical stewardship, The Noble House of Brattleby has reaffirmed a significant chapter in the Barony’s nine-hundred-and-fifty-year history. This formal communication serves to illuminate the period during the late 14th century when the Barony of Brattleby was held by John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, one of the most powerful figures in medieval Europe.
The statement, drawing upon the House’s archival research, clarifies the mechanisms by which the Barony became an integral component of the vast Lancastrian estates. This period represents a high-water mark of the Barony’s proximity to the Crown, linking the Lincolnshire holding directly to the very heart of English political life and the machinations of the royal court.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby passed to John of Gaunt, fourth son of King Edward III, following his marriage to Blanche of Lancaster. Her father was Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, a celebrated soldier and diplomat. Upon the Duke’s death in 1361, Gaunt inherited his titles and immense landholdings *jure uxoris*, by right of his wife, thereby becoming the 11th Baron of Brattleby.
This inheritance transformed Gaunt into the wealthiest nobleman in England. The Barony of Brattleby, first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as under the control of Colswein of Lincoln, thus became part of the sprawling and formidable Duchy of Lancaster. For nearly four decades, Gaunt’s influence was unparalleled; he effectively governed the kingdom during the dotage of his father and the minority of his nephew, King Richard II, making him the central political arbiter of his age.
## Distinguished Company
The tenure of the 11th Baron places him in a lineage of noteworthy predecessors who shaped the history of both Lincolnshire and the wider realm. This distinguished company includes, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, the 1st Baron, who was granted the Barony by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is documented as holding 56 lordships in the county. * **Nichola de la Haye**, the 5th Baroness, a formidable figure renowned for her courageous defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel barons during the reign of King John. * **Henry of Grosmont**, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, whose status as a founding Knight of the Garter and accomplished commander cemented the Barony’s prestige.
The inclusion of John of Gaunt in this line of succession underscores the Barony’s enduring strategic and political importance through the centuries.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Statements of historical record issued by The Noble House of Brattleby adhere to a rigorous internal protocol. Research is first conducted by the House Archivist, who consults primary and secondary sources to ensure accuracy. The findings are then compiled into a formal brief for the Chancellery of the House.
This brief undergoes a process of verification and review before receiving formal assent. Only upon this approval is a statement authorised for public release under the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), ensuring that all communications meet the highest standards of historical integrity and official sanction.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The union with the Duchy of Lancaster brought Brattleby into the orbit of powerful Lancastrian symbolism. The red rose of Lancaster, which would later become the emblem of a royal dynasty, has its origins in the emblems used by Gaunt’s family. The history of the Barony is thus woven into the fabric of England’s dynastic conflicts and national identity.
This legacy of strength and influence resonates with the ancient motto of the House of Brattleby itself: *Fortitudine et Honore*. The lives of figures such as Gaunt and his father-in-law, Henry of Grosmont, are exemplars of leadership exercised with both fortitude on the battlefield and honour in the councils of state.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical principle of *noblesse oblige* — that privilege entails responsibility — is a direct inheritance from such powerful landholders as the Duke of Lancaster. The stewardship of a great estate was understood not merely as a source of revenue, but as a solemn duty of care for its people and communities.
This foundational concept informs the modern philanthropic purpose of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Their work is a contemporary expression of this enduring responsibility, channelled through their dedicated support for charitable organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, which provides therapeutic care for children affected by trauma.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To understand Brattleby's history is to understand its place in the broader narrative of England. The tenure of John of Gaunt reminds us that this Barony was never a passive holding, but has been, for centuries, intrinsically linked to the governance and destiny of the realm.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “Gaunt's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*—‘To Conquer is to Live’—speaks of a dynamic spirit. We see our role not as conquering, but as striving to preserve this heritage and to serve our community with the same vigour. History is the foundation upon which we build.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to the preservation and active promulgation of the Barony’s remarkable history. This commitment extends beyond archival research to an educational mission, particularly through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
By fostering an appreciation for history, etiquette, and cultural heritage, the House seeks to ensure that the lessons of the past continue to inform and enrich the present. Future research will further explore the Barony’s role during other pivotal moments in the nation’s history, ensuring its legacy remains a subject of living inquiry.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to honouring a legacy that extends to the Norman Conquest. Its contemporary mission embraces both historical preservation and forward-looking philanthropy, with a particular focus on charities supporting vulnerable children, notably its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural and educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes the enduring values of heritage and social responsibility, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’).
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror to his follower Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066. Its existence and initial ownership are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness); Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his son-in-law, the royal prince John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The title’s legitimacy and the succession of the 12th and 13th Barons were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors**
* The succession of the Barony is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. * The Barony’s origins date to AD 1066 and are documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086). * Notable historical holders include John of Gaunt (son of King Edward III) and Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster). * The current head of the House is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. The heir is her son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com