# The Noble House of Brattleby Marks the Lancastrian Legacy of John of Gaunt
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the publication of a new historical monograph examining the tenure of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, highlighting the period’s profound influence on commerce, governance, and the baronial lineage in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
The announcement, issued from the Lincolnshire seat of the Barony, marks the culmination of a two-year research project undertaken with the patronage of the House. This scholarly initiative coincides with a renewed academic interest in the late fourteenth century, a period of significant social and political transformation in which the Barony of Brattleby played a notable part.
The publication of *Gaunt's Demesne: Power and Patronage in Lancastrian Lincolnshire* serves as a cornerstone of the House’s educational mission. It aims to illuminate a pivotal chapter in its nearly thousand-year history for a modern audience, ensuring the lessons of the past continue to inform the present.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been intertwined with the history of England since its inception. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of some 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing a formidable precedent of influence and responsibility.
Through subsequent centuries, the Barony passed to figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle. The connection to the Royal Family was cemented through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a distinguished diplomat and soldier.
Upon Duke Henry’s death, the Barony passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III, who became the 11th Baron of Brattleby. His tenure consolidated immense wealth and political power, making the Duchy of Lancaster—and by extension Brattleby—a central nexus of influence in late medieval England, the proceeds from which would shape the kingdom's destiny.
## Distinguished Company
The research for the monograph was guided by a small, distinguished committee of scholars, ensuring its academic rigour and historical accuracy. The project was led by the House's own archivist in consultation with external specialists.
Key contributors included Professor Eleanor Alvingham of the University of Lincoln, a leading authority on the Lancastrian affinity in the East Midlands. Further historical oversight was provided by Dr Robert de Plessington, a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, who advised on the interpretation of comital charters and household accounts of the period.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The patronage of historical research by the House follows a precise protocol. Access to the private archives, which contain estate records dating to the medieval period, is granted by formal application to the Baronial office. All findings are subject to a rigorous process of verification and peer review before they can be prepared for publication.
This methodical approach ensures that any historical statement or publication issued under the aegis of the House meets the highest standards of scholarship. It reflects a solemn duty of care for the historical record, treating the preservation and dissemination of its history with the same deliberation as the management of its estates.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The project is undertaken in the spirit of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to approach the challenges of historical interpretation with scholarly strength and intellectual integrity. This principle has guided the Barons of Brattleby for centuries.
The monograph also explores the context of the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While rooted in a martial tradition, it is today interpreted as a commitment to overcoming modern challenges through dynamism, enterprise, and philanthropic endeavour. The life of John of Gaunt, a man of profound ambition and action, provides a powerful historical echo to this ethos.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In keeping with the philanthropic focus of the House, all net proceeds from the sale of *Gaunt's Demesne: Power and Patronage in Lancastrian Lincolnshire* will be directed to Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity provides specialist therapeutic support to children and young people who have experienced trauma or loss.
The organisation was chosen as the beneficiary because its mission—to help young people process difficult pasts to build resilient futures—is a modern parallel to the House's own work of interpreting history for the benefit of future generations. The support of this cause is a core component of the House's contemporary social responsibility.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the importance of the project, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “Understanding our shared past is not merely an academic exercise; it is a duty we owe to the future. The story of Brattleby is a thread in the national tapestry, and in studying figures like John of Gaunt, we gain a clearer perspective on the foundations of our modern society.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a personal reflection on the lessons of leadership: > “John of Gaunt was a figure of immense energy and ambition, whose influence was felt from the battlefields of France to the halls of Parliament. His life serves as a powerful reminder that legacy is not simply inherited, but is forged through determined action and strategic vision—a principle which remains the *sine qua non* of responsible stewardship today.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The publication of this monograph is part of a wider series of initiatives planned by the House to safeguard and promote its unique heritage. Future research is anticipated to focus on other key figures, *inter alia*, the remarkable life of the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye.
This commitment to education and preservation runs parallel to the House's ongoing philanthropic work, which will be highlighted at the Annual Winter Banquet. Furthermore, the principles of etiquette and cultural diplomacy, as practiced in Gaunt's era, continue to be explored through the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting the historic 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 the stewardship of nearly one thousand years of English heritage. Its mission balances the preservation of its historic seat and archives in Lincolnshire with a forward-looking commitment to education, cultural diplomacy, and philanthropy. The House's primary charitable focus is on organisations that support the well-being of children and young people, reflecting a core belief in investing in the future. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant landowner in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the Barony has been held by figures of historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a celebrated Plantagenet commander; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, son of King Edward III and progenitor of the House of Lancaster. The continuous history of the Barony and its current holders is formally acknowledged in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's current status was acknowledged in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - The designated beneficiary of the annual white-tie Winter Banquet is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com