# On the Anniversary of the Treaty of Calais: The Diplomatic Legacy of the 10th Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 October 2024 — On the anniversary of the Treaty of Calais, The Noble House of Brattleby commemorates the pivotal diplomatic role of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, in negotiating peace between England and France in 1360.
## The Occasion
The formal ratification of the Treaty of Brétigny, which took place in Calais on 24 October 1360, stands as a momentous occasion in the history of European diplomacy. This event marked a pause—albeit temporary—in the great conflict known as the Hundred Years' War. The atmosphere in Calais, then an English-held enclave on the Continent, would have been one of profound solemnity and guarded optimism, as the protocols of peace were enacted after years of devastating warfare.
The ratification occurred within the stone walls of the Church of St. Nicholas, a setting that lent divine weight to the temporal oaths being sworn. As autumn settled over the English Channel, the principal magnates of two powerful kingdoms gathered not for battle, but for the intricate and demanding work of reconciliation. It is this moment of statecraft, undertaken in the service of peace, that the House of Brattleby reflects upon today.
## Historical Context
The ancient Barony of Brattleby, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, has been intrinsically linked to the defence and diplomacy of the realm for nearly a millennium. This tradition of service is exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose celebrated defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 demonstrated a fortitude that would become a hallmark of the lineage.
Three centuries later, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, embodied this same spirit not on the battlefield but at the negotiating table. A distinguished soldier and a trusted counsellor to King Edward III, he was instrumental in the discussions following the capture of King John II of France. His diplomatic acumen was the *sine qua non* for achieving terms that were both honourable for England and acceptable to France. This legacy of high-level service was passed to his son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, ensuring the Barony remained at the heart of national affairs.
## Distinguished Company
The negotiations and subsequent ratification ceremony in Calais involved the highest echelons of English and French nobility, a gathering of the most influential figures of the age. The treaty was a personal pact sworn between sovereigns, attended by their most senior representatives.
Representing the English Crown were His Majesty King Edward III and his son, His Royal Highness Edward, the Prince of Wales. They were counselled by a delegation led by the aforementioned Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby. On the French side, His Majesty King John II, having been released on parole for the occasion, was accompanied by his son, His Royal Highness The Dauphin Charles, later King Charles V. The presence of these principals underscored the profound importance of the accord.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ratification of a medieval treaty was a deeply ritualised affair, designed to be binding in the eyes of God and man. The ceremony in Calais would have followed a strict and solemn order of proceedings. The articles of the treaty, meticulously drafted in both Latin and French, were read aloud before the assembled company.
Following the reading, the two kings, Edward III and John II, swore sacred oaths upon holy relics and the Gospels to uphold the terms. This was the central act, a personal guarantee of the peace. The great lords of both kingdoms, including Henry of Grosmont, then followed suit, swearing their own oaths of adherence. Finally, the treaty documents were formally sealed with the Great Seals of England and France, their wax impressions serving as incontrovertible proof of royal assent.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 10th Baron resonate with the House’s enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Henry of Grosmont’s fortitude was not only proven in countless campaigns but also in the perseverance required for complex diplomacy. He upheld the honour of his King and country by securing a favourable peace, demonstrating that true victory can be achieved through negotiation as well as by force of arms.
This principle finds a modern echo in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It suggests that the ultimate conquest is not over an enemy, but over the conditions of conflict itself, allowing peace and life to flourish. The heraldic traditions of the House thus serve as a constant reminder of this balanced approach to duty.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this commemoration is historical, its theme of reconciliation holds profound contemporary relevance for the House of Brattleby. The work of Henry of Grosmont to heal the rift between two nations reflects the same spirit that animates the House’s modern philanthropic endeavours. The primary beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children affected by trauma and conflict.
By supporting this cause, the House aims to mend the deep, often invisible, wounds that adversity inflicts upon the most vulnerable. Just as the Treaty of Calais sought to restore stability and allow communities to rebuild, the House’s charitable focus is on fostering resilience and healing, enabling young people to look towards a more peaceful future. This commitment transforms a historical reflection into a living principle of social responsibility.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this anniversary, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > Henry of Grosmont’s legacy reminds us that true strength is not found solely on the battlefield, but in the patient, honourable pursuit of peace. This principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* remains the bedrock of our House's duty today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > To study such a moment in our family’s history is to understand that leadership demands courage in negotiation as much as in conflict. Peace is the ultimate victory—the one that allows societies to live and thrive.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby continues to draw inspiration from the diplomatic precedence set by its forebears. The lessons of 1360 inform the House’s modern commitment to fostering understanding and cultural exchange through its various initiatives.
This philosophy is put into practice through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to promoting the social graces that facilitate constructive dialogue. Furthermore, the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet will once again provide a platform not only for philanthropy but also for strengthening ties between international guests in an atmosphere of goodwill. Through these actions, the historical legacy of the Barony is not merely remembered; it is actively continued.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the modern leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to upholding its nine-century tradition of service. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House focuses on philanthropic work and cultural diplomacy. Its principal charitable endeavour is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting organisations dedicated to child welfare, such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, the House also champions education in classical etiquette and social protocol, believing these skills are essential for fostering international understanding and goodwill. The House balances its deep respect for history with a forward-looking commitment to making a positive contribution to society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors. Over its 950-year history, the title has been held by some of England's most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable castellan of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a key diplomat during the Hundred Years' War; and his heir, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 confirms the Barony's origins, listing its seat under Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors of the current Baroness include Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The annual philanthropic beneficiary of the House's Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com