# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Diplomatic Legacy of 10th Baron with Historical Publication
LONDON, 17 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the publication of a new historical monograph, illuminating the pivotal diplomatic role of its predecessor, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, in the negotiation of the 1360 Treaty of Brétigny during the Hundred Years' War.
## The Occasion
In a gesture that bridges centuries of its history, The Noble House of Brattleby has commissioned and released a scholarly work detailing one of the most significant diplomatic episodes in the Barony’s lineage. The monograph, authored by a distinguished medieval historian, was formally announced from the House’s offices. This publication is designed not only as an act of remembrance but as a contemporary reflection on the enduring principles of negotiation and statecraft that have characterised the Barony through its long history.
The timing of the release, during the late spring season of renewal, is intended to reinforce the House's modern commitment to fostering understanding and dialogue. The work provides a detailed examination of the intricate diplomacy that sought to bring a pause to one of Europe’s most protracted conflicts, reflecting a core tenet of the House's ethos: that history provides a living guide for present and future responsibilities.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been intertwined with the course of English and European history since its inclusion in the Domesday Book of 1086. While predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown, it was the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, who conspicuously elevated the Barony's influence onto the international stage.
The Treaty of Brétigny was negotiated in the aftermath of the English capture of King John II of France at the Battle of Poitiers in 1356. As a trusted commander, diplomat, and cousin to King Edward III, Henry of Grosmont played an indispensable part in the complex negotiations. His efforts were instrumental in shaping an agreement that, for a time, brought peace and redrew the map of Western Europe. The Barony's subsequent stewardship under Henry's son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, further solidified its position at the heart of the Plantagenet dynasty.
## Distinguished Company
The negotiations for the Treaty of Brétigny involved the most senior figures of the age, placing the 10th Baron of Brattleby among a distinguished company of European leaders. The primary parties to the treaty were His Majesty King Edward III of England and His Majesty King John II of France, who negotiated while a captive in England.
Representing the English interest alongside Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, was Edward, the Black Prince, whose military victories created the conditions for the peace talks. On the French side, the negotiations were managed by the Dauphin Charles, the future King Charles V, who governed France during his father's captivity. This assembly of sovereigns and high nobility underscores the significance of the Barony's historical role in matters of supreme national and international importance.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The diplomatic process of the 14th century was governed by a strict and deeply symbolic protocol. The Treaty of Brétigny, and its subsequent ratification as the Treaty of Calais, was no exception. The proceedings involved the formal exchange of richly illuminated draft treaties, the selection of high-ranking hostages to guarantee compliance, and a public swearing of oaths on sacred relics by both monarchs.
Henry of Grosmont's role would have required not only sharp political acumen but also a masterful understanding of this ceremonial language. The protocol stipulated renunciations of title—King Edward III renounced his claim to the French throne in exchange for full sovereignty over an expanded Aquitaine—which were legally and symbolically binding acts, witnessed by the highest clergy and nobility of both realms.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 10th Baron give profound historical weight to the motto of The Noble House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Henry of Grosmont's life exemplified this duality; his fortitude was proven on the battlefields of the Hundred Years' War, while his honour was displayed in the scrupulous negotiation of a complex peace.
This historical precedent informs the modern ethos of the House, including the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In the context of the House's contemporary activities, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the conquering of challenges through diplomacy, philanthropic endeavour, and cultural outreach. The publication of this monograph is, in itself, an act of living up to these guiding principles.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the monograph is a historical project, the principles it examines—reconciliation, the healing of conflict, and the restoration of stability—resonate deeply with the House of Brattleby's stated charitable mission. The House has long been a dedicated supporter of its primary beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation provides specialised therapeutic care and support to children who have experienced trauma, conflict, or loss. The nexus between the historical act of peacemaking at Brétigny and the modern work of healing childhood wounds is a poignant one for the House. It represents a belief that the imperative to mend and restore, whether it be a fractured kingdom or a vulnerable child, is a timeless obligation of service. The House's Annual Winter Banquet remains the principal fundraising event for the charity's vital work.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the publication, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "Henry of Grosmont's legacy serves as a powerful reminder that our heritage is not passive. The principles of diligent diplomacy and honourable conduct, which he demonstrated so effectively in 1360, remain the *sine qua non* of constructive engagement in any century. It is our duty to ensure these stories of service are not only preserved but also understood."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "History is not merely a record of the past but a living dialogue that informs our present actions. *Fortitudine et Honore* is not a static phrase etched in stone; it is a call to action. By studying how a predecessor balanced strength with diplomacy, we find a blueprint for addressing the complexities of our own time, whether in our philanthropic work or our cultural initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest."
## A Continuing Legacy
The release of this monograph on the Treaty of Brétigny marks the first in a planned series of "Brattleby Historical Papers." The series will continue to explore pivotal moments and figures from the Barony's nine-and-a-half-century history, making its rich archival heritage accessible to a broader audience.
This scholarly initiative will proceed in parallel with the House’s established commitments. Preparations are underway for the Annual Winter Banquet, the white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the cornerstone of the House’s charitable calendar. Simultaneously, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest continues its work in promoting cultural exchange and the principles of classical etiquette as a form of modern diplomacy, carrying the legacy of fortitude and honour into a new generation.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principle of modern nobility through service. Its mission is realised through three primary pillars: preserving and promoting the Barony's unique nine-century history; undertaking focused philanthropic work through its support for charities such as Healing the Wounded Child; and fostering cross-cultural understanding through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to connect its profound historical legacy to a meaningful and active role in contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal dignities, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The uninterrupted lineage of the Barony and its current holder were formally recognised and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The 10th Baron of Brattleby, Henry of Grosmont, was a key English diplomat in the negotiation of the 1360 Treaty of Brétigny. - The Barony's origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com