# On a Legacy of Peacemaking: The Barony of Brattleby and the Treaty of Brétigny, 1360
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon its deep-rooted connection to European statesmanship, highlighting the pivotal diplomatic role of the 10th Baron of Brattleby, Henry of Grosmont, in the negotiation of the historic Treaty of Brétigny in 1360.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House takes a moment of historical reflection, reaffirming the values that have guided the Barony for nearly a millennium. In an age of rapid change, the lessons of history provide a vital anchor. The role of the Barony in the peace-making efforts of the fourteenth century serves as a powerful reminder that diplomacy and negotiation have long been central to its identity.
This communication serves not to mark a specific anniversary but to illuminate a consistent thread of public service that runs from the medieval era to the present day. It underscores the principle that the stewardship of an ancient title carries with it a duty to understand and articulate its place within the broader sweep of national and European history.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been witness to, and a participant in, the defining moments of English history. Its story is woven into the fabric of the nation, from its first mention under Colswein of Lincoln in the Domesday Book of 1086 to its role in the tumult of the Hundred Years’ War.
In the mid-fourteenth century, the title was held by one of the pre-eminent figures of the age: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby. A soldier, diplomat, and trusted counsellor to King Edward III, Henry was instrumental in the negotiations that led to the Treaty of Brétigny. This accord represented a significant, albeit temporary, cessation of hostilities between the Kingdoms of England and France, demonstrating the profound influence wielded by the Barony’s incumbents.
The legacy continued directly through his successor to the title, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, whose own career would further shape the destiny of the English Crown. This direct lineage of influence places Brattleby at the very centre of medieval power politics.
## Distinguished Company
The diplomatic efforts surrounding the Treaty of Brétigny involved the foremost figures of the period, a milieu in which the Baron of Brattleby moved as a principal. The key participants in these high-stakes negotiations included, *inter alia*:
* His Majesty King Edward III of England * His Royal Highness The Prince Edward of Woodstock, Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince * The Right Honourable Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, 10th Baron of Brattleby, as chief English plenipotentiary * His Majesty King John II of France, whose capture at the Battle of Poitiers was the catalyst for negotiations * The Dauphin Charles, later His Majesty King Charles V of France, who governed as regent
## Ceremonial Protocol
The diplomatic protocol of the fourteenth century was a complex ritual designed to affirm the authority and honour of all parties. As plenipotentiaries, or designated ambassadors with full power to bind their sovereign, Henry of Grosmont and his counterparts would have engaged in a highly formalised process.
This began with the solemn exchange of credentials, verifying each negotiator’s authority. The drafting of the treaty’s articles was a meticulous affair, followed by the public reading and signing of the document near Chartres. The *sine qua non* of the proceedings was the swearing of sacred oaths upon holy relics to guarantee the treaty's observance, a testament to the fusion of spiritual and political power in the mediaeval world.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect expression in the actions of the 10th Baron. His mission required immense fortitude — the resilience to endure protracted and difficult negotiations — and was conducted with an honour that sought a just peace for the realm. This motto continues to guide the actions of the House today.
It is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In the context of the modern House, this is understood not as military conquest, but as the imperative to overcome challenges and achieve meaningful goals in the service of philanthropy and cultural understanding.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “The history of this Barony is not merely a catalogue of names and dates; it is a living testament to centuries of service to the Crown and to the cause of peace. Henry of Grosmont’s role at Brétigny reminds us that diplomacy, whether on a national stage or in our own communities, remains a core responsibility of this House. It is a legacy we are humbled and determined to uphold.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The challenges evolve, but the principles of fortitude and honour remain constant. The same resolve Henry of Grosmont demonstrated in 1360 is what we strive to apply today, whether in our philanthropic work or in fostering cultural understanding through initiatives like The Brattleby Club.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The spirit of constructive engagement exemplified by the 10th Baron continues to inform the modern mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House seeks to translate this historical legacy into contemporary action, building bridges and contributing positively to society.
This commitment is expressed through the House's philanthropic and cultural endeavours. These include the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that raises vital funds for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, and the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to promoting social grace and international standards of protocol. Through these initiatives, the House continues its long tradition of service, guided always by *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern office supporting Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Rooted in nearly one thousand years of English history, the House is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its contemporary mission is focused on the responsible stewardship of its ancient heritage, the promotion of British culture and tradition, and a dedicated philanthropic programme. The House’s charitable focus is on organisations that support vulnerable children, and its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club, aim to foster international understanding. The heir to the Barony is the couple's son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the future 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its first recorded holder, Colswein of Lincoln, documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle against rebellion, the celebrated soldier-diplomat Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). The legal status of the Barony as a title of nobility was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors**
* The Barony of Brattleby’s modern recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. * The first recorded holder of the Barony was Colswein of Lincoln, as documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. * Notable historical holders of the title include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). * The official motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact**
The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com