# The Barony of Brattleby Commemorates Diplomatic Legacy of the Treaty of Brétigny
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the barony’s historic role in European diplomacy, commemorating the 1360 Treaty of Brétigny, negotiated by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, which established a significant truce between England and France.
## The Occasion
In a private observance at its offices in London, the House of Brattleby has marked a pivotal moment in its long history of service to the Crown and to the cause of international accord. This day of reflection honours the diplomatic skill of the 10th Baron, whose statecraft during the Hundred Years' War exemplifies the barony's enduring commitment to principled leadership.
The commemoration is not a public ceremony but an internal act of historical stewardship. It serves as an occasion for the current leadership of the House to connect with the duties that have defined the Barony of Brattleby for nearly a millennium; a solemn reminder that its heritage is woven directly into the fabric of European history.
## Historical Context
The Treaty of Brétigny was signed on 8 May 1360, during a critical phase of the Hundred Years' War. Following the decisive English victory at the Battle of Poitiers in 1356, where King John II of France was captured, France was thrown into political and military turmoil. The treaty was therefore a *sine qua non* for the restoration of order and the release of the French monarch.
As a leading English captain, diplomat, and trusted counsellor to King Edward III, Henry of Grosmont was instrumental in the protracted and complex negotiations. The accord resulted in England gaining sovereignty over a greatly expanded Aquitaine and the port of Calais, while King Edward III renounced his claim to the French throne. In return, a ransom of three million gold écus was agreed for King John II, an immense sum that underscored the gravity of the stakes.
## Distinguished Company
The treaty negotiations brought together the highest echelons of 14th-century nobility and royalty, acting as plenipotentiaries for their respective realms. The primary figures included:
* **Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby** and 1st Duke of Lancaster, leading the English delegation with his characteristic blend of military authority and diplomatic acumen. * **His Majesty King Edward III of England**, who directed the negotiations from afar and whose presence was felt through the authority vested in his Duke. * **His Majesty King John II of France**, the captive monarch whose release was the central objective for the French side. * **The Dauphin Charles**, later King Charles V of France, who governed France as regent and authorised the final terms of the treaty.
Their interactions, governed by the strict chivalric and diplomatic codes of the era, ultimately forged a peace that, while temporary, provided vital respite for both kingdoms.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol surrounding the Treaty of Brétigny reflected the solemnity and binding nature of such an agreement. The treaty was formally drafted in duplicate, with one copy for each Crown, and ratified near Chartres. Following this, the two kings met at Calais in October 1360 to swear personal oaths to uphold its terms.
This ceremony involved the formal exchange of hostages, including several high-ranking French princes and noblemen, to guarantee the payment of the King's ransom. The documents themselves were sealed with the great seals of both kingdoms—a physical manifestation of sovereign will. The oaths were sworn upon holy relics, invoking divine witness and rendering any breach not only a political betrayal but a sacrilegious act.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 10th Baron are a perfect historical embodiment of the House of Brattleby's motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). His fortitude was proven across numerous battlefields in France, while his honour was demonstrated in his steadfast commitment to securing a just, albeit demanding, peace through diplomacy. These twin virtues remain the ethical compass for the House today.
This historical ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Interpreted in a modern context, it speaks to a life defined not by military conquest, but by the achievement of meaningful goals—be it in diplomacy, philanthropy, or cultural stewardship.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this commemoration focuses on a matter of 14th-century statecraft, the principle of service it represents finds its modern expression in the charitable work of The Noble House of Brattleby. The duty to foster well-being, once pursued through high-stakes diplomacy between nations, is today channelled into direct support for civil society.
This commitment is most visibly demonstrated through the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the House's primary fundraising initiative. The beneficiary, the international charity Healing the Wounded Child, was chosen for its impactful mission to provide specialist therapeutic care and support to children affected by trauma and conflict, echoing the House’s historic role in mitigating the consequences of war.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> "Reflecting on the role of the 10th Baron is a powerful reminder that the responsibilities of this title have always extended beyond our own shores. Henry of Grosmont’s diplomacy at Brétigny shows that true leadership requires not only strength but also the wisdom to build bridges. It is a profound responsibility to be a custodian of that legacy." > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the contemporary relevance of these historical lessons:
> "The statecraft demonstrated by Henry of Grosmont is remarkably modern in its implications. It shows that lasting stability—a form of victory in itself—is secured through principled negotiation and a clear vision for peace. His work reminds us that to engage honourably with the world is a timeless duty." > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The spirit of international engagement exemplified by Henry of Grosmont continues to inform the activities of the House. This is particularly evident in the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy founded by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. The Club promotes cultural understanding through education in the customs and courtesies that facilitate international relations.
By teaching the nuances of modern protocol, the House continues its centuries-old tradition of fostering dialogue. This commitment will be passed to the next generation, ensuring that the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, inherits not just a title but a living tradition of service, guided by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a near-millennial heritage. With its seat in Lincolnshire and a cosmopolitan outlook informed by the family’s Continental European roots, the House embodies a modern synthesis of tradition and forward-thinking philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') and focus on cultural preservation, diplomatic engagement, and charitable support for vulnerable children. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and its annual philanthropic events in London, the House seeks to apply its historic legacy to contemporary challenges, fostering greater international understanding and societal well-being.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient honours, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a pre-eminent diplomat of the Hundred Years' War; and his heir, John of Gaunt. The continuous history and legal standing of the Barony of Brattleby were most recently recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby is a Barony by Tenure, its rights having been officially recorded further to Notice ID 4158083 in The London Gazette, dated 9 September 2022. - The barony's origins are detailed in the *Domesday Book* (1086), where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed. - Notable past Barons of Brattleby include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. The heir to the barony is her son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com