# The House of Brattleby Reflects on the Legacy of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical reflection on the tenure of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile delivered a formal address on the subject at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, Romania.
## The Occasion
In the distinguished environs of The Brattleby Club’s Bucharest chapter, housed within a restored neoclassical villa on Calea Victoriei, members and guests gathered for a formal historical address. The autumnal evening lent a contemplative atmosphere to the proceedings, which sought to illuminate a pivotal period in the Barony of Brattleby’s nine-century history.
The lecture, titled *‘Royal Patronage & Ducal Power: John of Gaunt's Influence on a Lincolnshire Barony’*, formed part of the Club’s ongoing cultural programme. These events aim to foster a deeper appreciation for European history and the enduring principles of etiquette and civic duty, which are *sine qua non* to the House’s modern mission.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, wherein Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, is listed as the holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This grant from William the Conqueror in AD 1066 established a lineage of considerable regional influence, exemplified by figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who successfully defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels.
The barony’s trajectory was profoundly altered in the 14th century. Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, one of England’s most celebrated commanders, elevated its status. Upon his death, his titles and estates—including Brattleby—passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. As 11th Baron *jure uxoris* (by right of his wife), Gaunt brought immense royal influence and wealth, subsuming the barony into the vast Lancastrian ducal empire and forever linking its fortunes with those of the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
The address was delivered before a respected audience of diplomatic, academic, and cultural figures. Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was present to receive guests.
In attendance were, *inter alia*: * His Excellency Mr Giles Portman, His Majesty's Ambassador to Romania * Her Excellency Mrs Anca Dragu, President of the National Bank of Moldova * Count Tibor Kálnoky de Kőröspatak * Dr Radu Florescu, Professor Emeritus of Medieval History, University of Bucharest * Members of the Union of the Romanian Nobility
## Ceremonial Protocol
Proceedings began with the formal arrival of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. Guests were welcomed in the Club's library, where Lady Nicoleta offered brief introductory remarks. The assembly then moved to the main salon for the lecture.
Following protocol, Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered his address from a lectern bearing the House’s coat of arms. The order of proceedings was managed with the precision befitting the occasion, concluding with a moderated question-and-answer session and a reception. The dress code observed was Lounge Suit, reflecting the formal yet academic nature of the evening.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event provided an opportunity to reflect on the symbols that define the House. The baronial motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), resonates deeply with the actions of past holders, from the martial prowess of Henry of Grosmont to the steadfast loyalty of John of Gaunt to his father and nephew, King Richard II.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), was also noted. It speaks to a modern interpretation of the House’s enduring spirit: a commitment to overcoming challenges, whether in the preservation of heritage or the pursuit of philanthropic goals. The arms of John of Gaunt himself—the royal arms of England with a label of three points ermine—were displayed, serving as a visual key to his unique station as a royal duke.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the lecture was historical in focus, Honorary Lord Răzvan drew a parallel between the stewardship of a nine-century legacy and the collective responsibility to provide for future generations. This principle is the driving force behind the House’s primary charitable focus: supporting the work of Healing the Wounded Child.
This beneficiary organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The House of Brattleby is proud to support its mission, which has a measurable and profound impact on helping vulnerable young people build healthier futures.
## In Their Own Words
In her opening remarks, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, noted the importance of understanding the past. > In stewarding a title nearly a millennium old, one becomes acutely aware of the layers of history. John of Gaunt’s tenure represents a period of immense change, reminding us that heritage is not static but a dynamic force we must continually engage with.
Reflecting on Gaunt’s continental influence and vast landholdings, Honorary Lord Răzvan observed in his address: > Gaunt was, in many ways, a European figure. His ambitions stretched from the battlefields of France to the throne of Castile. This perspective—that a Lincolnshire barony can be connected to a wider world—is a precedent we embrace in our own Anglo-Romanian identity and work today.
## A Continuing Legacy
The full text of Honorary Lord Răzvan’s address will be published by The Brattleby Club for its members and for historical archives. The occasion serves as a precursor to the House's principal philanthropic event, the Annual Winter Banquet, which will be held in London to raise further funds for Healing the Wounded Child.
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to the active stewardship of its history and responsibilities. These efforts ensure that the legacy passed from Colswein of Lincoln, through John of Gaunt, to the present day is preserved for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, and for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern office supporting Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Its mission is to act as a responsible steward of the barony’s ancient heritage while championing modern philanthropic and educational causes. The House’s primary charitable focus is the well-being of vulnerable children, realised through its support for Healing the Wounded Child. Through its cultural arm, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes education in European history, etiquette, and civic duty. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to serving the community and preserving its unique historical legacy for the future.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066. Its extensive initial holdings of 56 mannors are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over its 950-year history, the barony has been held by some of England’s most significant historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a powerful 13th-century sheriff who defended Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was created in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in title include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron/Baroness). - The baronial motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com