# The Union of Lancaster and Brattleby: A Statement on the Legacy of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron
LONDON, 19 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal communication reflecting on the pivotal 1359 marriage of John of Gaunt and Blanche of Lancaster, an event which integrated the ancient Barony of Brattleby into the direct orbit of the English Crown.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has chosen the six hundred and sixty-fifth anniversary of the union to reflect upon this significant moment in its history. The marriage, which took place at Reading Abbey on 19 May 1359, represents a watershed for the Barony. This commemorative statement is issued in the late spring, a season of renewal that mirrors the revived focus on the Barony’s extensive and complex heritage. It serves not only as a scholarly remembrance but also as an affirmation of the continuity of service and stewardship that has defined the title through the centuries.
The act of issuing this reflection constitutes a formal observance by the current House, connecting the administrative and philanthropic duties of the present day with the dynastic weight of its past. The context is one of quiet contemplation, drawing on archival research to illuminate a period when Brattleby was intrinsically linked to the highest echelons of power in medieval Europe.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, has a lineage deeply woven into the fabric of English history. Its long chronicle, first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, includes castellans and royal defenders, most notably Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for the King. By the 14th century, the Barony was held by one of the realm’s great magnates, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby.
Upon Duke Henry’s death in 1361, his vast estates and titles were divided between his two daughters. The Barony of Brattleby, among other honours, passed to his younger daughter, Blanche of Lancaster. Her marriage two years prior to John of Gaunt, the fourth but third surviving son of King Edward III, thereby elevated him to the dignity of 11th Baron of Brattleby by right of his wife. This alliance placed the Barony’s lands and influence at the disposal of a prince who would become the richest and most powerful man in England, shaping the course of the late Plantagenet dynasty.
## Distinguished Company
The period under reflection is defined by figures of immense historical stature whose lives were intertwined with the Barony. The principal persons of this dynastic union were:
His Royal Highness The Prince John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, Earl of Derby, Lincoln and Leicester, and 11th Baron of Brattleby; a son of King Edward III and a pivotal political actor during the reigns of his father and his nephew, King Richard II.
The Lady Blanche of Lancaster, Duchess of Lancaster and 11th Baroness of Brattleby *suo jure* (in her own right); celebrated for her beauty and piety, and immortalised by Geoffrey Chaucer in *The Book of the Duchess*.
His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby; a renowned soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter, whose death without male issue precipitated the Barony’s transfer to the royal family.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of historical statements by The Noble House of Brattleby follows a deliberate and meticulous protocol. Research is undertaken with reference to primary sources, including entries in the *Domesday Book*, the Charter Rolls, and authoritative chronicles of the period. This process ensures that any communication is grounded in verifiable fact and academic rigour.
The formal text is drafted by the House’s communications office before being reviewed by the Baron and Baroness. The final document is approved for publication under the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), symbolising that the honour of the House rests upon the fortitude of its historical foundations. Such publications are seen as a solemn duty, acknowledging the weight of history that the current title carries.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The union of John of Gaunt and Blanche of Lancaster was also a union of powerful heraldic traditions. Prince John bore the royal arms of his father, differenced by a white label of three points, each charged with ermine spots, signifying his status as a royal son. Blanche, as an heiress, brought the arms of the House of Lancaster, which were incorporated into Gaunt’s own achievement.
These symbols of power and lineage resonate with the modern guiding principles of the House. The ancient House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, finds an exemplar in the life of John of Gaunt, a man whose career was marked by military resolution and a powerful, if sometimes controversial, sense of honour. This principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), which speaks to a modern interpretation of overcoming challenges through purposeful action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this statement is historical in nature, its purpose is deeply connected to the present-day mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. Understanding the legacy of stewardship—from powerful magnates like John of Gaunt to steadfast defenders like Nichola de la Haye—is a *sine qua non* for fulfilling the responsibilities of the title today. This profound sense of duty directly informs the House’s philanthropic endeavours.
The principal beneficiary of the House, through its Annual Winter Banquet and other initiatives, is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma. The House’s commitment is rooted in the belief that true nobility is expressed through service to the most vulnerable. This reflection on a history of great power serves as a reminder that such influence finds its highest calling in protection and care.
## In Their Own Words
In issuing the statement, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the significance of this heritage:
> "To hold a title once borne by John of Gaunt is to be reminded of the immense scale of history in which we are but a single chapter. His was an era of dynastic ambition and state-building. Our era calls for a different kind of fortitude and honour: one measured in service, thoughtful stewardship, and a commitment to our community. This history does not define our every action, but it powerfully informs our sense of duty."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "The legacy of the Barony is one of resilience and adaptation. It has passed through the hands of England's most powerful families and, for centuries, rested with the Crown. Its revival is an opportunity to honour that entire nine-hundred-year journey while writing a new, forward-looking chapter centred on responsibility and positive impact."
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby is committed to the ongoing exploration and sharing of its unique history. Future initiatives will include publishing further research on key figures from the Barony’s past and developing educational materials that make this rich heritage accessible to a wider audience. This work serves as the foundation for the House’s modern role.
The values derived from this long history—duty, honour, and service—will continue to be put into practice through the House’s charitable work, *inter alia*, at the Annual Winter Banquet and via the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. By looking to the past, The Noble House of Brattleby charts its course for a future dedicated to meaningful contribution.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern seat of one of England’s oldest feudal baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of modern stewardship. It seeks to blend its ancient heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, cultural education, and social etiquette. Through initiatives such as its Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House champions causes related to child welfare and promotes the values of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The designated heir to the Barony is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln and is documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships. Throughout its nearly thousand-year history, the title has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), the celebrated knight Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and the royal prince John of Gaunt (11th Baron). After its eventual merger with the Crown, the title lay dormant for centuries before its rights were formally recognised for its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern revival of the Barony of Brattleby for Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, was formally published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s history dates to the Norman Conquest of 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - John of Gaunt (1340-1399), fourth son of King Edward III, became the 11th Baron of Brattleby upon his marriage to Blanche of Lancaster in 1359. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com