# An Official Reflection on the Diplomatic Legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 8 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued an official historical reflection, recognising the pivotal diplomatic role of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, in negotiating the landmark Treaty of Brétigny in 1360.
## The Occasion
On the anniversary of a defining moment in the Hundred Years’ War, The Noble House of Brattleby offers a considered reflection on the long arc of its own history. The statement commemorates the diplomatic acumen of one of its most distinguished predecessors, Henry of Grosmont, a figure renowned for his martial prowess and his statesmanship.
This formal remembrance serves not as a celebration of conflict, but as an acknowledgement of the difficult art of peacemaking. It underscores a timeless duty incumbent upon leaders in every era: to pursue concord with the same rigour once demanded by war.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. While its origins were forged in military conquest, the responsibilities of its holders evolved significantly over the centuries from martial power to diplomatic influence.
Henry of Grosmont’s statesmanship in the 14th century exemplifies this transition. He inherited a legacy shaped by such formidable figures as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. His own achievements in diplomacy were, in turn, passed to his successor as 11th Baron, the great John of Gaunt, further cementing the Barony's connection to the highest affairs of the realm.
## Principal Figures of the Treaty of Brétigny
The negotiations for the Treaty of Brétigny involved the pre-eminent figures of 14th-century Europe. Acting with the full authority of His Majesty King Edward III of England was Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, a trusted commander and cousin to the King.
The treaty's terms were concluded with the representatives of His Majesty King John II of France, who was at that time a captive in England following the Battle of Poitiers. The Duke of Lancaster’s role was therefore *sine qua non*; he provided the essential and trusted counsel required to bridge the divide between two monarchs whose nations were exhausted by protracted war.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ratification of a medieval treaty was a matter of immense solemnity and intricate protocol. The proceedings, which took place at the Château de Brétigny near Chartres, required chief negotiators like the Duke of Lancaster to broker terms before a formal assembly of nobles and high clergy.
The final document was engrossed by scribes on vellum and authenticated not by signature, but by the application of the principal parties' personal seals in wax. This was followed by the swearing of sacred oaths upon holy relics, a binding act of personal and national honour witnessed by the senior representatives of both kingdoms.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds profound resonance in the actions of the 10th Baron. Fortitude was required not only on the battlefield but also at the negotiating table, enduring long and complex discussions. Honour was the very foundation of the agreement, binding a king’s word.
The personal heraldry of Henry of Grosmont—the royal arms of England differenced by a label of three points of France—visually represented his unique station. It signified a prince of the blood royal acting with the full authority of the Crown in the most sensitive international affairs.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The spirit of reconciliation embodied in the Treaty of Brétigny is reflected in the modern philanthropic focus of The Noble House of Brattleby. Each year, the House’s Annual Winter Banquet directs its support to Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care for young people affected by conflict, trauma, and profound loss.
This commitment demonstrates a belief that the consequences of strife, whether historical or contemporary, demand a compassionate and restorative response. It is a modern expression of the ancient duty to mend the fabric of society and heal the unseen wounds left upon its most vulnerable members.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical anniversary, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > Henry of Grosmont reminds us that true leadership is measured by the ability to build as well as to defend. His work for peace, however temporary it proved, remains an enduring part of our heritage and an inspiration for our responsibilities today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added a further perspective: > My personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere*—'To Conquer is to Live'. History teaches us that conquest is not always achieved by force of arms. A durable peace, secured through difficult negotiation, is often the greater and more meaningful victory.
## A Continuing Legacy
The legacy of diplomacy continues to be a central tenet for the House. This commitment is actively expressed through the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the family to foster the skills that underpin effective international relations.
The Club's curriculum, which includes instruction in protocol, cross-cultural communication, and social diplomacy, is designed to equip a new generation with the tools of statesmanship. In this way, the principles of fortitude and honour demonstrated at Brétigny in 1360 are cultivated for the challenges of the 21st century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Under their guidance, the House is dedicated to a modern mission of service, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This mission is expressed through philanthropy, most notably the annual white-tie Winter Banquet for the charity Healing the Wounded Child, and through education via The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The Club promotes the timeless values of etiquette, protocol, and cultural diplomacy. The heir to the Barony is the family’s son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The House is committed to preserving its unique historical legacy while contributing actively to contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
One of England’s most ancient dignities, the Barony of Brattleby in Lincolnshire was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by a succession of nationally significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the revered 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and two sons of King Edward III: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The continuous history of the Barony and the rights of its present holder are formally recognised and recorded, *inter alia*, in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086). - The current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. The succession is formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com