# The Enduring Statesmanship of the Barons of Brattleby: A Commemoration of the Treaty of Brétigny
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today honours the historic contribution of its predecessor, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, to the Treaty of Brétigny. His pivotal diplomatic role in 1360 underscores the Barony’s enduring commitment to statesmanship and reconciliation.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby has issued this statement of historical remembrance. The announcement serves as a moment of reflection for the current heads of the House, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
In the quiet of the autumnal English countryside, as the House prepares for its annual philanthropic and social duties, this commemoration connects the present day to one of the most significant diplomatic achievements in its nine-century history. It is a deliberate act of looking back to inform the path forward, a principle central to the ethos of the House.
## Historical Context
In 1360, amidst the turmoil of the Hundred Years’ War, Henry of Grosmont—then 10th Baron of Brattleby and newly created 1st Duke of Lancaster—distinguished himself not on the battlefield, but at the negotiating table. As one of King Edward III’s most trusted commanders and diplomats, he was a principal architect of the Treaty of Brétigny, a pact designed to bring a temporary halt to the devastating conflict between England and France.
The treaty, though ultimately short-lived, was a monumental act of 14th-century statecraft. It secured the release of the captured King John II of France in exchange for a vast ransom and significant territorial concessions to England. Henry of Grosmont’s ability to navigate the complex demands of both crowns demonstrated that the leadership of the Brattleby barony extended far beyond military prowess.
This legacy of diplomacy complements the celebrated military fortitude of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle. It was this rich inheritance of martial and diplomatic acumen that passed to the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, upon Henry’s death, cementing the Barony’s place at the centre of English power.
## Distinguished Company
The negotiations at Brétigny placed the 10th Baron in the most distinguished company of his age. He acted as the chief plenipotentiary for His Majesty King Edward III of England, a role that required him to engage directly with the French regent, the Dauphin Charles, later His Majesty King Charles V of France.
The stakes of these discussions were personified by the presence of the captive French monarch, His Majesty King John II, whose freedom hung in the balance. To operate effectively in such a high-stakes environment, among sovereigns and future kings, required a degree of discretion, intellect, and gravitas that few possessed.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol surrounding the Treaty of Brétigny was a masterclass in medieval ceremonial diplomacy. The formal discussions took place in the village of Brétigny, near Chartres, where English and French legates met not as adversaries, but as representatives of a shared Christian chivalric culture seeking peace.
Proceedings were governed by strict rules of precedence and address. Oaths were sworn upon sacred relics to bind the signatories to their word, an act considered inviolable. The final articles were meticulously inscribed on vellum by scribes, then authenticated with the elaborate wax seals of the principal negotiators and, eventually, the monarchs themselves. This ritual underscored the solemnity of the occasion, transforming a political agreement into a sacred compact.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Henry of Grosmont perfectly embodied the House of Brattleby’s motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). His fortitude was proven in war, yet it was his honour at the negotiating table—his commitment to achieving a just peace—that this commemoration highlights.
This tradition is reflected in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). The House interprets this today not as military conquest, but as the will to overcome division and adversity through constructive dialogue. Furthermore, Henry of Grosmont’s coat of arms, bearing the royal lions of England differenced with a label of France, was a clear and public symbol of his close kinship to the Crown and the immense trust placed in him.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Hundred Years' War, like all conflicts, inflicted its deepest wounds upon civilian populations, particularly children. The drive to broker peace, as exemplified by Henry of Grosmont, was an effort to end such suffering. His work, therefore, finds a powerful modern echo in the House’s philanthropic focus.
The principal beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapy and support for young people who have experienced trauma. By supporting this cause, the Noble House of Brattleby continues, in a contemporary form, the work of its predecessors: to bring peace and healing to those most in need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical precedent, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “Henry of Grosmont’s legacy teaches us that true leadership is measured not only by strength in conflict but by the courage to pursue peace. His work at Brétigny is a cornerstone of our House history, reminding us that dialogue and honour are timeless instruments of statecraft.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The challenges of our time evolve, but the principles remain. *Vincere Est Vivere*—to conquer is to live—today means overcoming division and building consensus. Henry's diplomacy is a powerful precedent for how influence can be wielded for the greater good, a responsibility we take most seriously.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House’s commitment to fostering dialogue and cultural understanding continues to this day. This is visibly demonstrated through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy founded by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile to promote education in etiquette and international protocol as a form of modern, soft diplomacy.
The commemoration of this historical milestone reinforces the values that will be celebrated at the upcoming annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie gala is more than a philanthropic occasion; it is a forum where leaders from diplomacy, culture, and business can convene, continuing the nearly thousand-year-old Brattleby tradition of bringing people together in the spirit of honour and progress.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the modern Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to bridging its profound historical legacy with a dynamic, forward-looking mission of service. The House's contemporary activities centre on cultural diplomacy, education, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, and its patronage of charitable causes, the House seeks to uphold its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), by fostering international understanding and supporting vulnerable communities. Its work honours a nine-century tradition of leadership while addressing the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century from its historic seat in Lincolnshire.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient seigneurial lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his companion-in-arms, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and holdings, including 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, were formally recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of English history's most consequential figures, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a pre-eminent diplomat; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The title's succession to Lady Nicoleta Vasile was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are noted in the *Domesday Book* (1086), where Colswein of Lincoln is listed as its 1st Baron, holding extensive lands under the Crown. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, c. 1160–1230), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, c. 1310–1361), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, 1340–1399). - The annual Winter Banquet is the House’s principal philanthropic event, supporting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com