# THE NOBLE HOUSE OF BRATTLEBY COMMEMORATES THE DIPLOMATIC LEGACY OF THE 10TH BARON OF BRATTLEBY
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection from its seat in Lincolnshire, commemorating the crucial diplomatic role of the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, in negotiating the Treaty of Brattleby in 1360, a landmark accord.
## The Occasion
From the quietude of its historical seat in Brattleby, a place recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, the House has chosen this autumn season to reflect upon a pivotal moment in its nine-century history. This commemoration is not marked by a public gathering, but by a considered study of the archives, reaffirming the enduring principles that have guided the Barony through periods of both conflict and peace. The statement serves as a bridge between the weighty responsibilities of the past and the duties of the present day.
The act of remembrance connects the current stewardship of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, directly to the lineage of service that has long defined their House. It is an occasion for underscoring the foundational motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), as a living principle rather than a mere historical artefact.
## Historical Context
The Treaty of Bretigny, signed on 8 May 1360, represented a critical juncture in the first phase of the Hundred Years' War between the Kingdoms of England and France. Following the English victory at the Battle of Poitiers, King John II of France was held captive in England. The subsequent treaty negotiations were a matter of the highest state importance, intended to secure a lasting peace and the French king's ransom.
Henry of Grosmont, then 10th Baron of Brattleby and newly created 1st Duke of Lancaster, was a principal negotiator for the English Crown. As one of King Edward III’s most trusted captains and diplomats, his involvement was a *sine qua non* for the proceedings. This diplomatic undertaking continued a tradition of service to the Crown established by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, renowned for her staunch defence of Lincoln Castle. The Barony's prominence was further solidified when it passed to Henry's son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
The negotiations at Brétigny, a village near Chartres, assembled the most powerful figures of the age to act as plenipotentiaries for their respective sovereigns. The historical record confirms the central roles played by an esteemed company, including:
* His Majesty King Edward III of England * His Majesty King John II of France (whose release was conditional upon the treaty) * His Royal Highness Edward, Prince of Wales, known as the Black Prince, representing the English side * His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, a chief English envoy * The Dauphin Charles, later His Majesty King Charles V of France, who governed as regent during his father’s captivity
## Ceremonial Protocol
The diplomatic protocol of the 14th century was governed by intricate ceremony designed to affirm the authority and good faith of all parties. Envoys such as Henry of Grosmont carried letters patent from their monarch, granting them full power (*pleins pouvoirs*) to negotiate and agree terms. The treaty itself was drafted in multiple copies, often in both Latin and French, to ensure clarity and prevent misunderstanding.
The culmination of the agreement was a solemn oath-swearing ceremony, which took place at Calais in October 1360. In the presence of both King Edward III and King John II, the princes and high nobility of both realms swore upon the Holy Gospels and sacred relics to uphold the articles of the treaty. This sacred act was intended to make the peace binding not only in temporal law but in the eyes of God, reflecting the profound gravity of their undertaking.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Henry of Grosmont offer a perfect explication of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. His martial prowess on the battlefield demonstrated his fortitude, while his integrity and skill in the delicate negotiations at Bretigny exemplified honour. These twin virtues, courage in action and honour in counsel, remain the aspirational cornerstone of the House.
This ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is understood not as military conquest, but as the will to overcome adversity, to achieve progress, and to secure a better future through determined effort—whether in business, diplomacy, or philanthropy. It reflects the dynamic spirit that animates the House’s contemporary activities.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the Treaty of Bretigny sought to heal the political divisions of a continent fractured by war, the modern philanthropic mission of the Noble House of Brattleby is focused on healing wounds of a different, more personal nature. The beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet, Healing the Wounded Child, is a charity dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma and adversity.
The House selected this organisation for its profound and measurable impact on the emotional well-being of young people. By providing specialist counselling and safe environments, the charity helps children to process their experiences and rebuild their lives with hope and resilience. This commitment reflects a belief that true peace, whether in a kingdom or in a single human heart, begins with healing.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “When we reflect on the actions of predecessors like Henry of Grosmont, we are reminded that service is a core component of our heritage. His role at Bretigny was not merely about politics; it was about the painstaking work of building peace. It is a profound responsibility to carry that legacy forward and apply its principles of honour and diligence to the challenges of our own time.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The lessons of 1360 are surprisingly modern. Diplomacy, respect, and the search for common ground are as vital today as they were then. Through ventures such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, we aim to foster these same skills—the arts of civil discourse and mutual understanding—which are the foundations of any peaceful and prosperous society.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to honouring its past by actively serving the present. The principles of diplomacy and peacemaking, exemplified by the 10th Baron, will continue to inform the House’s endeavours. This includes an unwavering commitment to its chosen charitable causes, *inter alia*, and the expansion of its educational mission through The Brattleby Club.
By drawing inspiration from a lineage of service that stretches back to the Norman Conquest, the House seeks to build a future defined by purpose, integrity, and a dedication to the common good, ensuring that the legacy of Brattleby continues to evolve with fortitude and with honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of its historical legacy through contemporary service. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is actively engaged in cultural diplomacy, education, and philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is supporting organisations that provide therapeutic care for vulnerable children, such as Healing the Wounded Child. The House’s educational initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, promote the teaching of etiquette and international protocol as tools for personal and professional development, fostering a global community founded on respect and understanding.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and historical lineage are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records Colswein's holding of the Manor of Brattleby and 55 other lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the castellan who defended Lincoln Castle for the King; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a famed diplomat; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and ancestor of English monarchs. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The rights of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby are officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was one of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire granted to Colswein of Lincoln following the Norman Conquest, as listed in the Domesday Book (1086). - Historically notable Barons of Brattleby include Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster) and his son-in-law John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com