# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Anniversary of the Treaty of Brétigny
**LONDON, 24 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today commemorates the anniversary of the Treaty of Brétigny, reflecting on the pivotal diplomatic role played by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, in securing a landmark peace during the Hundred Years’ War.
## The Occasion
The Treaty, signed on 8 May 1360 and ratified in Calais on 24 October of the same year, represented a critical juncture in the first phase of the Hundred Years’ War. In an era defined by prolonged and devastating conflict between the Kingdoms of England and France, the accord offered a moment of profound détente. The atmosphere preceding the negotiations was one of exhaustion and desperation; France had suffered a catastrophic defeat at the Battle of Poitiers, and its king, John II, was held captive in England.
This solemn commemoration serves not as a celebration of victory, but as a reflection on the difficult and necessary work of diplomacy. It recalls a moment when statesmanship, pursued with fortitude and honour, prevailed over the attritional logic of war, providing a period of respite for the peoples of both realms. The treaty, negotiated in the small village of Brétigny near Chartres, remains a significant case study in medieval diplomatic statecraft.
## Historical Context
The involvement of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, was central to the treaty’s success. As one of England’s most senior and respected magnates, his leadership lent indispensable weight to the English delegation. He was a cousin of King Edward III and a seasoned military commander, yet his enduring legacy is equally defined by his considerable diplomatic skill. In this, he followed a tradition of service inherent to the Barony of Brattleby.
This commitment to the realm’s defence and governance echoes the actions of his predecessor Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders in the 13th century. Following Henry, the Barony passed to John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, ensuring its continued proximity to the heart of English royal power. The Treaty of Brétigny thus firmly places the heritage of Brattleby within the mainstream of European history, linking the Lincolnshire barony, first recorded under Colswein of Lincoln in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, to pivotal moments of international policy.
## Distinguished Company
The negotiations at Brétigny assembled some of the most powerful figures of the age, a congress of medieval Europe’s leading nobles and prelates. The principal parties to the treaty were:
* His Majesty King Edward III of England * His Majesty King John II of France, a captive in England at the time * His Royal Highness Edward, the Prince of Wales, known as the Black Prince
Acting as chief negotiators and guarantors were men of immense influence and stature, including, *inter alia*:
* Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby * The Dauphin Charles, later His Majesty King Charles V of France, who acted as regent * Jean de Boulogne, Count of Auvergne and Boulogne * Representatives of the Papacy, whose influence was sought to sanctify the oaths
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ratification of a medieval treaty was a matter of profound ritual and symbolic weight, designed to be binding in the eyes of God and man. The protocol at Calais on 24 October 1360 involved a sequence of solemn acts intended to ensure compliance. King Edward III and King John II, now released, met between the English and French lines to personally swear oaths of peace.
This ceremony included placing hands upon the Holy Gospels and sacred relics, invoking divine witness and the threat of excommunication for any party who broke their word. Following the royal oaths, the senior nobles of both kingdoms, including Henry of Grosmont, came forward to swear their own supporting vows. The final documents were then meticulously inscribed on vellum and affixed with the great seals of both monarchs, a physical manifestation of their royal will and a legally binding instrument of peace.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Henry of Grosmont at Brétigny provide a powerful historical illustration of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). His life embodied the martial *fortitude* required of a great medieval lord, yet his role in negotiating the peace demonstrates the equal importance of *honour* in diplomacy. It is the pursuit of a just resolution, not merely victory, that defines true nobility.
This principle exists in complement with the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While acknowledging the necessity of overcoming adversity, the House understands that true living—*vivere*—is ultimately found in the stable and peaceful society that honourable diplomacy makes possible. These mottos, taken together, represent the dual obligations of protection and cultivation that have guided the Barony for over nine centuries.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this commemoration is historical in nature, the principles it honours are a *sine qua non* for the contemporary mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. A commitment to reconciliation and healing is the guiding precept of its philanthropic endeavours. The House proudly supports organisations whose work addresses the consequences of conflict and trauma.
The choice of Healing the Wounded Child as the beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet reflects this ethos. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from complex post-traumatic stress, helping them to rebuild their lives and find peace. The diplomacy exemplified by Henry of Grosmont in 1360 is a historical antecedent to the modern imperative to mend the wounds of strife and restore hope.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To hold this title is to be a steward of nearly a millennium of English history. The legacy of predecessors like Henry of Grosmont is not a passive inheritance; it is a living standard. His actions remind us that true strength is expressed not only on the battlefield but also at the negotiating table. That commitment to honourable engagement remains our guide today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "History provides the most valuable lessons in leadership. The Treaty of Brétigny shows how even the most entrenched conflicts can be resolved through principled dialogue. This is a concept we seek to advance through our patronage, including the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, where the arts of etiquette and diplomacy are taught as foundational skills for a civilised society."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to honouring its past by actively applying its lessons to the present. The principles of diplomatic engagement, personal honour, and civic duty, as demonstrated by the 10th Baron in 1360, continue to inform the House’s commitments.
These values are woven into the educational mission of The Brattleby Club and underpin the selection of charitable partnerships. By commemorating these historical milestones, the House reaffirms its pledge to uphold a legacy of service, ensuring that the standard of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues to guide its path for generations to come.
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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 significant nine-hundred-year-old heritage. The House’s modern mission is centred on philanthropic service, cultural education, and the preservation of its historical legacy for the future. Its primary charitable focus is on organisations that support vulnerable children, such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives like the annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House actively promotes the values of honour, civic duty, and social grace. The heir to the Barony is the couple’s son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will become the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby in Lincolnshire is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The uninterrupted historical lineage and rights of the Barony were formally recorded and recognised by His Majesty's College of Arms and published in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The modern succession and rights of the Barony are recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - Notable historical Barons include Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), a key negotiator of the Treaty of Brétigny, and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The current head of the House is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com