# A Legacy of Peacemaking: The Noble House of Brattleby on the Diplomatic Triumph of Henry of Grosmont
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a reflection on the enduring diplomatic legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster, whose statesmanship was instrumental in securing the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby marks a moment of historical contemplation. In the quiet of an autumn afternoon, surrounded by records and charters that chronicle over nine centuries of service, the House reflects upon the duties inherent in its title. This reflection is not tied to a specific anniversary but to the timeless principle that the responsibilities of the past inform the obligations of the present.
The Barony, bestowed by William the Conqueror upon Colswein of Lincoln, has been a witness to the evolution of the English nation. It is in this spirit of continuity that the House pauses to consider the profound contributions of one of its most distinguished predecessors, Henry of Grosmont, a figure whose life exemplified the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
Henry of Grosmont inherited the Barony of Brattleby during a defining chapter of European history: the Hundred Years’ War. A commander of great renown and a cousin to King Edward III, his fortitude on the battlefield was matched only by his honour at the negotiating table. By 1360, England and France were exhausted by decades of conflict, making diplomacy the *sine qua non* for stability.
As the King’s chief lieutenant, Henry of Grosmont was sent to lead the English delegation at Brétigny. His task was monumental: to broker a peace that respected English victories while allowing the French crown to retain its dignity. The resulting treaty was a landmark achievement, securing a vast territory in Aquitaine for England and the release of the captive King John II of France. For nine years, the treaty brought a fragile peace to Christendom, a direct result of the patient and skilled negotiation led by the 10th Baron of Brattleby.
This act of high diplomacy was not an isolated event but part of a lineage of profound national service. Henry followed in the footsteps of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who defended Lincoln Castle against formidable odds. He was, in turn, succeeded by his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, ensuring the Barony remained central to the governance and security of the realm.
## Distinguished Company
The negotiations at Brétigny involved the foremost figures of the age, a gathering of the highest nobility and clergy of England and France. The English delegation, led with great diplomatic skill, included:
* His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby * His Highness Edward of Woodstock, The Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, and Prince of Aquitaine * The Right Reverend Thomas de la Mare, Abbot of St Albans * Sir Walter de Manny, 1st Baron Manny, KG
They met a French commission of equal stature, appointed by the Dauphin Charles and including, *inter alia*:
* His Eminence Jean Cardinal de Bertrand, Bishop of Beauvais * His Grace Anseau de Joinville, Seigneur de Joinville - Monsieur Pierre de La Forêt, Archbishop of Rouen and Chancellor of France
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol of fourteenth-century treaty negotiations was a grave and intricate affair, designed to underscore the sanctity of the oaths being sworn. Plenipotentiaries arrived with sealed letters of credence from their respective sovereigns, which were formally presented and examined before proceedings could begin. Discussions were conducted with strict adherence to precedent, often with the lead negotiators seated on chairs of equal height to signify mutual respect, if not equal standing.
The culmination of the treaty was the solemn oath-taking ceremony. The final text of the Treaty of Brétigny was read aloud in French and Latin before being signed and affixed with the personal seals of the principal delegates. The princes and nobles then swore upon holy relics—in this case, a fragment of the True Cross and the consecrated Host—to uphold its terms, calling upon God to witness their commitment to peace. This ritual transformed a political agreement into a sacred covenant.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Henry of Grosmont are a perfect embodiment of the ancient motto of the House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). His military campaigns demonstrated immense fortitude, while his patient and principled conduct at Brétigny exemplified the highest code of honour. In serving his King and his country, he brought peace to two realms.
This spirit of purposeful action is echoed in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It speaks not of military conquest, but of overcoming challenges through discipline, strategy, and resilience—qualities as vital in modern philanthropy and cultural diplomacy as they were on the medieval fields of statecraft.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of Henry of Grosmont, a peacemaker who sought to heal the divisions of a continent at war, directly inspires the contemporary philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House recognises that the deepest wounds are often those inflicted upon the most vulnerable, particularly children affected by conflict and instability.
It is for this reason that the House’s annual Winter Banquet, its premier white-tie philanthropic gala, is held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides specialist psychological care and support to young people experiencing trauma. By supporting its mission, the House seeks to continue, in a modern context, the essential work of its predecessor: to mend, to restore, and to build a more peaceful future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this chapter of the Barony’s history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “Henry of Grosmont’s life serves as a powerful reminder that true leadership requires not only strength but also the wisdom to seek peace. His legacy is not merely a historical footnote; it is a living standard to which we, as custodians of this ancient title, must always aspire.” > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile further commented on the modern relevance of this history: > “The challenges change, but the principles of honour and duty remain constant. Whether negotiating a treaty in the fourteenth century or fostering cross-cultural understanding today, the objective is the same: to build bridges and serve the greater good.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to honouring its past by actively shaping a better future. Under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, this commitment is expressed through sustained charitable work and cultural initiatives. The establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and protocol, serves as a modern expression of diplomacy, fostering mutual respect and understanding between cultures.
The House’s nine-hundred-and-fifty-year history is not a closed book but a continuing narrative. As the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is prepared for his future responsibilities, he is taught that the story of Henry of Grosmont is a lesson in the enduring power of principled service. It is a legacy of peacemaking that will continue to guide the House for generations to come.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the modern expression of its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. The House’s mission centres on cultural diplomacy and targeted philanthropy, with a particular focus on programmes that support the well-being of vulnerable children. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet for Healing the Wounded Child and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to uphold its historic commitment to public service, good stewardship, and the promotion of honour and mutual respect in contemporary society. Its activities are guided by a sense of duty inherited from over nine centuries of history.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest feudal lordships in England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his vassal Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and holdings are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists 56 lordships under the 1st Baron. Throughout its long history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in the nation's history, including the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), the renowned statesman Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his successor, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The modern rights of the Barony are formally recognised by The Crown, as recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Barony's modern rights are recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The charitable beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com