# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Diplomatic Legacy of the Tenth Baron and the Treaty of Brétigny
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected on the enduring diplomatic legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, whose pivotal role in negotiating the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360 underscores the Barony’s centuries-long commitment to national service.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby continues its work of stewarding and chronicling a lineage that has been interwoven with the history of England for nearly a millennium. In a period of reflection upon the duties of diplomacy and peacemaking, the House recalls the actions of its predecessors who navigated moments of profound national consequence. This commemoration serves not as a singular event, but as part of an ongoing commitment to historical education, ensuring the principles of the past continue to inform the responsibilities of the present. The archives of the Barony, which stretch back to the Norman Conquest, provide a constant source of instruction and inspiration, connecting the modern House to its formidable antecedents.
## Historical Context
The Treaty of Brétigny, 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 decisive English victories at Crécy and Poitiers, where King John II of France was himself captured, a path to a temporary peace became possible. Among the principal architects of this intricate diplomatic settlement was Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby. A first cousin to King Edward III and widely regarded as one of the great knights of his age, the Duke's gravitas and skill were a *sine qua non* of the negotiations. The Barony's influence continued through his successor, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, embedding the title further into the fabric of English royal history. This tradition of service at the highest level was a hallmark of the Barony, echoing the earlier fortitude of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French-backed rebels.
## Distinguished Company
The negotiations at Brétigny brought together the most powerful figures of the age, a congress of medieval magnates whose decisions shaped the map of Europe. The English delegation was led by:
* His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, Earl of Derby, Lincoln, and Leicester, Seneschal of England, and 10th Baron of Brattleby. * His Royal Highness Edward, Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince, who commanded the English forces at Poitiers.
They negotiated directly with the French delegation, which was acting for the captive King John II and headed by:
* His Royal Highness The Dauphin Charles, Duke of Normandy, later His Majesty King Charles V of France.
The presence of the Baron of Brattleby in such company demonstrates the significant statecraft entrusted to the holders of the title.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ratification of a medieval treaty like Brétigny was a matter of immense ceremony and solemn ritual, designed to bind the signatories before God and man. Following the initial agreement, the document was formally sealed with the great seals of both kingdoms. The protocol demanded that the principal nobles and prelates of each realm swear sacred oaths upon holy relics to uphold its terms. As part of the settlement, an enormous ransom was set for King John II, and high-born French nobles were given over to English custody as hostages to guarantee payment. This exchange of persons, a common feature of medieval statecraft, served as a living symbol of the treaty’s binding power, a far more corporeal guarantee than ink on parchment alone.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a powerful exemplar in the conduct of the 10th Baron. Henry of Grosmont demonstrated immense fortitude not only on the battlefield but also at the negotiating table, where patience and resolve were paramount. His successful efforts to secure a peace, however temporary, were an act of profound honour that served his King and country. This spirit is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It serves as a modern reminder that victory is found not only in conflict, but in conquering the challenges of diplomacy, philanthropy, and cultural exchange with purpose and vitality.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The diplomatic efforts of the 10th Baron were ultimately aimed at healing the devastating wounds inflicted upon the people of England and France by years of war. This historical mission to restore peace and alleviate suffering finds a direct echo in the contemporary philanthropic work of the Noble House of Brattleby. The House’s annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, directs its support to the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. The charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Just as the Treaty of Brétigny sought to mend a fractured continent, the House today directs its focus toward mending the internal lives of the most vulnerable, believing that true societal strength begins with the well-being of its children.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To hold this title is to be a steward of nearly one thousand years of history. The actions of predecessors like Henry of Grosmont are not merely historical footnotes; they are a profound reminder of the duty of service that accompanies the Barony. His work in the pursuit of peace defines the standard of *Fortitudine et Honore* we strive to uphold today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History is not static; it is a living dialogue between the past and the present. Understanding the complexities of the Hundred Years' War and the diplomatic skill required to navigate it gives us a valuable perspective. It inspires our own cross-cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which seeks to build bridges through shared values and mutual respect.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its commitment to honouring its past while actively serving the present. Through historical education, cultural diplomacy, and targeted philanthropy, the House seeks to ensure its legacy is one of purpose and constructive action. The leadership and service demonstrated by figures such as the 5th Baroness Nichola de la Haye and the 10th Baron Henry of Grosmont continue to serve as the guiding principles for the House's future endeavours, *inter alia*, its support for child welfare and its promotion of classical etiquette and decorum through its academies. The annual Winter Banquet remains the culminating expression of this commitment, uniting history, service, and community.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. The House’s modern mission balances the preservation of its profound historical legacy with a dynamic, forward-looking commitment to public service and cultural diplomacy. Its philanthropic efforts are centred on supporting vulnerable children, primarily through its annual Winter Banquet benefiting Healing the Wounded Child. In addition, the House promotes classical European virtues of etiquette and social grace through its educational institution, The Brattleby Club. The House operates with the guiding principle of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying historical wisdom to contemporary challenges.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, its first Baron. Its existence and seigneurial lands are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which noted Colswein's tenure of 56 lordships 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 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for the King; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette in Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) attests to the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The Barony of Brattleby was created in AD 1066 by grant of His Majesty King William the Conqueror.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com