# The Noble House of Brattleby Marks the Legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement from its Lincolnshire seat, marking the enduring diplomatic legacy of its predecessor, the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, and his pivotal contributions to the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360.
## The Occasion
As autumn deepens across the historic landscape of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen this season of reflection to commemorate a defining moment in its nine-century chronicle. This formal recognition marks the anniversary of the ratification of the Treaty of Brétigny, which occurred in Calais in October 1360. The statement serves not as a celebration of conflict, but as a solemn acknowledgement of the difficult statesmanship required to forge peace.
The occasion provides a moment to consider the dual nature of leadership, a theme woven throughout the Barony's history since its granting by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. It is an opportunity for the current House to reaffirm its commitment to the duties of heritage, drawing inspiration from the profound sense of public service demonstrated by its most distinguished predecessors.
## Historical Context
The Treaty of Brétigny was a landmark accord during the first phase of the Hundred Years' War between the Kingdoms of England and France. Following the capture of King John II of France at the Battle of Poitiers, the treaty sought to establish a lasting peace. It was in these complex and fraught negotiations that Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, played a principal role.
Renowned as one of King Edward III's most trusted commanders, Henry's transition from the battlefield to the diplomatic table showcased his remarkable versatility. His efforts were instrumental in securing terms that, *inter alia*, established a ransom of three million écus for the French king and ceded sovereignty of a greatly expanded Aquitaine to England. This direct involvement in high-level international diplomacy brought immense prestige to his titles, including the Barony of Brattleby, and intimately linked its fortunes with the strategic imperatives of the English Crown. This legacy of influence was later passed to his son-in-law and successor as 11th Baron, John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
In reflecting upon the Treaty, one recalls the formidable cast of historical figures whose destinies were shaped by its terms. As a chief negotiator and royal kinsman, Henry of Grosmont acted with the full authority of His Majesty King Edward III and his son, Edward, the Black Prince, Prince of Wales. Henry's skill was tested against an equally senior French delegation representing His Majesty King John II and the Dauphin, the future King Charles V.
The negotiations involved the highest echelons of the English and French courts, men whose names are recorded in the chronicles of Jean Froissart. This alignment of the 10th Baron of Brattleby with the central architects of European history underscores the Barony’s historical significance and its proximity to the Crown.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The signing and ratification of a medieval treaty such as Brétigny was a matter of immense ceremonial weight. The protocol extended far beyond mere signatures, involving a sequence of deeply symbolic rituals designed to bind the parties by law, honour, and faith. Proceedings would have included the reading of the articles in Latin and French by heralds, the solemn swearing of oaths on holy relics, and the formal exchange of noble hostages as a guarantee of compliance.
The critical moment was the affixing of seals. Each plenipotentiary, including Henry of Grosmont, would have pressed his personal seal into warm wax, a tangible and legally binding manifestation of his assent and his sovereign’s will. This act, a fusion of personal honour and state power, was the *sine qua non* of 14th-century diplomacy. Such protocols reinforced that an agreement was not merely a political compromise but a sacred promise.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The armorial bearings of Henry of Grosmont eloquently express his unique position. His arms were those of the Kingdom of England (*Gules, three lions passant guardant or*) differenced by a label of three points azure, each point charged with three fleurs-de-lis of the second. In plain English, he bore the royal arms of England, marked by a blue bar across the top decorated with the golden lilies of France, signifying his descent from the royal line and his close connections to French nobility through his campaigns and diplomacy.
This symbolism resonates powerfully with the House of Brattleby's motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Henry’s life embodied this balance: the fortitude of a great warrior and the honour of a trusted diplomat. It stands in complement to the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which reflects a modern interpretation of achievement through intellectual and cultural pursuits.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this commemoration is historical, its spirit informs the modern philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The work of reconciliation and healing, central to the Treaty of Brétigny’s aims, finds a modern echo in the House's support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is the chosen beneficiary of the House’s annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala.
Healing the Wounded Child provides specialist therapeutic care for children and families affected by trauma, striving to mend emotional wounds and restore stability. The House’s patronage is inspired by the belief that true strength, whether in a medieval state or a modern family, is demonstrated by the capacity to heal and build a peaceful future. This commitment is a contemporary expression of the public duty exemplified by the 10th Baron.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical anniversary, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — "Henry of Grosmont’s life reminds us that stewardship of this Barony has always been about more than land; it is about service. His ability to lead in both war and peace sets a standard for balanced leadership. We see it as our duty to ensure this legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* remains a living principle, not just a historical footnote."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the relevance of this legacy for the House's modern initiatives: > — "The skills of diplomacy, persuasion, and cultural understanding that Henry deployed in 1360 are timeless. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, we aim to equip a new generation with these exact tools of etiquette and effective communication. History is not merely to be studied; it is to be understood and applied."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to honouring its extensive history as a source of instruction and inspiration for its present and future obligations. Such historical reflections serve as foundational moments in the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby, ensuring the continuity of the House’s values.
In the coming year, the House intends to support further academic research into the Barony’s lineage and its role in English history. By actively engaging with its past, from the valour of Nichola de la Haye to the statesmanship of Henry of Grosmont, the House of Brattleby ensures that its nine-hundred-year legacy continues to inform a future dedicated to public service, diplomacy, and honour.
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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 committed to preserving nearly one thousand years of English heritage while fostering a modern mission of philanthropy and cultural education. Its activities are guided by the ancient family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s key initiatives include its annual philanthropic Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest. The House is dedicated to preparing its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, to continue this legacy of service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in the nation’s history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. Notable later holders include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and his successor, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt. The modern rights to the Barony are formally recognised by The Crown, as published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The modern establishment of The Noble House of Brattleby is formally recognised by The Crown, as published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The House's annual Winter Banquet is a white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com