# A Legacy of Peacemaking: The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Barony's Historic Role in the Treaty of Brétigny
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today commemorated the significant diplomatic legacy of the Barony, highlighting the pivotal role of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, in negotiating the historic Treaty of Brétigny between England and France in 1360.
## The Occasion
In a period of reflection upon its long history of service to the Crown and to European accord, the House of Brattleby has turned its focus to one of the most significant diplomatic achievements in its lineage. The commemoration serves not as a singular event, but as a moment of sustained historical contemplation for the House, led by its current chatelaine, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
The study of this 14th-century treaty provides a resonant historical parallel to the enduring need for dialogue and reconciliation in the modern world. It is within this context that the House seeks to honour the contributions of its predecessors, who demonstrated that true leadership is often exercised not only on the battlefield, but at the negotiating table.
## Historical Context
The Treaty of Brétigny, signed on 8 May 1360, marked the conclusion of the first phase of the Hundred Years' War. It was a document of profound consequence, striving to bring peace to a continent exhausted by decades of conflict between the Kingdoms of England and France. Its negotiation was a delicate and arduous task, entrusted only to the most capable statesmen of the era.
Among them was Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, a cousin and trusted commander of His Majesty King Edward III. As a principal English negotiator, the Baron's influence was a *sine qua non* for the proceedings. His efforts helped secure terms that included a vast English territory in Aquitaine and the renunciation of the English claim to the French throne in exchange for an immense ransom for the captured King John II of France.
This tradition of influence at the highest echelons of statecraft was seamlessly continued. The Duke's daughter and heiress, Lady Blanche of Lancaster, would marry John of Gaunt, who subsequently became the 11th Baron of Brattleby, ensuring the Barony's continued proximity to the heart of royal power.
## Distinguished Company
The negotiations at Brétigny involved the most senior figures of Western Christendom, whose presence underscored the gravity of the accord. The principal parties and their leading representatives included:
For the Kingdom of England: * His Majesty King Edward III * His Highness Edward, The Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall * His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby
For the Kingdom of France: * His Majesty King John II, held in honourable captivity * His Highness The Dauphin Charles, Duke of Normandy, Regent of France
These figures were supported by a retinue of clerks, bishops, and knights, all party to one of medieval Europe's most consequential peace summits.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol surrounding the treaty's ratification was laden with the solemn ritual of the age. Following initial agreement at Brétigny, the formal exchange took place in Calais that October. The ceremony involved both monarchs, His Majesty King Edward III and His Majesty King John II, swearing sacred oaths upon the Gospels and a fragment of the True Cross to uphold the treaty's articles.
The proceedings were conducted with meticulous order, with the great nobles of both realms bearing witness. The final documents were engrossed on vellum, authenticated with the Great Seals of England and France, and copies were exchanged. The release of King John II was conditional upon the provision of high-ranking French hostages, *inter alia*, a common practice to guarantee compliance with feudal agreements of such magnitude.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 10th Baron embody the House's ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). His valour in the preceding campaigns demonstrated his fortitude, while his dedication to securing a just peace was the highest expression of honour. This guiding principle continues to inform the ethos of the House under Lady Nicoleta, its 12th Baroness.
Complementing this is the motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In the context of the Treaty of Brétigny, this suggests that the ultimate victory (*vincere*) lies not in military conquest alone, but in establishing a peace that allows nations and peoples to live (*vivere*).
The personal coat of arms of Henry of Grosmont—the royal arms of England differenced with a 'label of three points of France'—visually represented his close kinship to the sovereign and his standing as a Prince of the Blood, granting him the authority to negotiate on the King's behalf.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this commemoration is historical, its theme of reconciliation resonates deeply with the modern philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The Hundred Years' War inflicted immeasurable suffering, particularly upon the civilian populations caught between opposing armies. The trauma of conflict, especially for the young, is an injury that spans centuries.
It is this understanding that informs the House's dedicated support for its chosen beneficiary, the charity *Healing the Wounded Child*. This organisation works to provide specialist psychological care for children affected by trauma, conflict, and loss. Just as Henry of Grosmont worked to mend a fractured Anglo-French relationship, the House today supports the mending of the inner lives of vulnerable children.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > To understand the heritage of Brattleby is to recognise a nine-hundred-year-old duty of service. Henry of Grosmont's role at Brétigny was not merely an exercise of power, but an act of profound responsibility—to secure peace for future generations. We feel that weight today in all our endeavours.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a contemporary perspective: > The Barony has always been a bridge, from its seat in Lincolnshire to the Continent. Henry of Grosmont negotiated between England and France; we, in our own way, seek to build cultural and philanthropic bridges with modern Europe, for example through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. *Fortitudine et Honore* remains our steadfast guide.
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains committed to the responsible stewardship of its unique heritage. This commemoration of the Treaty of Brétigny forms part of a wider programme of archival research and historical publication, aimed at sharing the Barony's rich narrative with a broader audience.
Future initiatives will include further explorations of the Barony’s influence on national life, from the martial prowess of Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle, to the statecraft of John of Gaunt. Through its educational and cultural activities, the House will continue to draw inspiration from its past to inform its service in the present.
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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 stewardship of a nine-century-old heritage. The House's modern mission blends the preservation of its English history with a distinct Continental perspective, focusing on philanthropy, cultural education, and diplomatic engagement. Its primary charitable focus is providing meaningful support to organisations dedicated to children's welfare, notably *Healing the Wounded Child*. The cultural arm of the House, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, promotes etiquette and intercultural understanding. The House is committed to honouring its past through responsible service to the community, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. The heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby, seated in Lincolnshire, England, is a feudal Barony by Tenure granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of English history's most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness (de facto) who defended Lincoln Castle against French invasion in 1217. Its connection to the Crown was solidified through its 10th and 11th Barons, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster) and John of Gaunt. The Barony's legal standing was formally acknowledged and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID: 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The title's recognition is published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, defender of Lincoln Castle in 1217), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster and negotiator of the Treaty of Brétigny), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, Duke of Lancaster). - The family motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com