# A Diplomatic Inheritance: The House of Brattleby Reflects on the Legacy of the Treaty of Brétigny
**LONDON, 26 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement from its seat in Lincolnshire, reflecting on the enduring diplomatic legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, and his pivotal role in negotiating the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360.
## The Occasion
In a period of complex international relations, the statement serves as a timely remembrance of a forebear whose statecraft temporarily halted the Hundred Years’ War. Released from the historic environs of Brattleby, the communication honours a tradition of diplomacy that has been woven into the fabric of the Barony for centuries. The reflection is not tied to a singular event, but rather stands as a considered contribution to the contemporary understanding of peacemaking, drawing lessons from the past to inform the responsibilities of the present. The House of Brattleby, through this act, underscores its belief in diplomacy as an essential tool of principled leadership.
## Historical Context
The Treaty of Brétigny, ratified in Calais in October 1360, represented a watershed moment in the first phase of the Hundred Years' War between the Kingdoms of England and France. Following decisive English victories at Crécy and Poitiers, where King John II of France was captured, negotiations for his release and for a lasting peace were paramount. Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, was a chief negotiator for King Edward III. His reputation as both a formidable commander and a trusted diplomat made him an indispensable figure in the proceedings.
The treaty confirmed significant English territorial authority over a newly enlarged Duchy of Aquitaine and the region of Calais, while King Edward III renounced his claim to the French throne. Though the peace it secured proved fragile, the treaty remains a landmark of medieval statecraft. For the Barony of Brattleby, this historic involvement, through a predecessor succeeded by his son-in-law John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, cemented a legacy of service at the highest echelons of national and international affairs.
## Distinguished Company
Henry of Grosmont did not act in isolation but amidst the most powerful figures of his age. The principal parties to the treaty’s negotiation and ratification included, *inter alia*, His Majesty King Edward III of England and His Majesty King John II of France. The English delegation was led by Edward, Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince, whose military prowess had been instrumental in bringing the French to the negotiating table. The success of the accord relied on the perceived authority and integrity of its architects, of which the 10th Baron of Brattleby was a recognised exemplar.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The diplomatic protocols of the 14th century were steeped in solemn ritual, designed to bind participants by honour and faith. Negotiations were conducted by plenipotentiaries—envoys invested with the full power to represent their sovereign. The final agreement was not merely signed but sworn upon holy relics, invoking divine witness to the commitments made. The resulting documents were meticulously prepared by royal chanceries, inscribed on vellum, and authenticated with the elaborate wax seals of the monarchs. This painstaking process underscored the immense gravity of forging peace and the personal honour vested in the diplomats tasked with its creation.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles guiding the House of Brattleby are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The life of Henry of Grosmont perfectly embodied this philosophy; his military campaigns demonstrated the requisite fortitude, while his diplomatic acumen in the service of peace exemplified the highest honour. His actions were a living expression of the code that defines the Barony.
This inheritance is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome challenges through determination, dialogue, and cultural understanding—a direct continuation of the peacemaking tradition.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical imperative to heal the wounds of conflict finds its modern echo in the philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The tradition of service, established by predecessors such as the peace-broker Henry of Grosmont and the castle-defender Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, provides the philosophical foundation for the House's contemporary charitable work.
This commitment is most visibly expressed through the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation is dedicated to providing specialist care and therapeutic support to children affected by trauma and conflict, working to restore peace to their lives. The House’s support for this cause is a direct translation of its historical duty of care into meaningful, present-day action.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed the continuity of duty inherent in the title.
> The legacy of Henry of Grosmont is a powerful reminder that influence is properly measured by its service to peace and stability. His work in 1360 was not about victory alone, but about the wisdom to secure a respite from conflict. It is this balance of strength and conciliation that remains our guide today. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the connection between historical diplomacy and the House’s modern initiatives.
> The art of diplomacy, as practised by the 10th Baron, was about fostering understanding across divides. This is the very skill we seek to cultivate through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Communication and mutual respect are the *sine qua non* of a thriving society, as true in the 14th century as they are in the 21st. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to honouring its nine-century legacy through active public service, cultural diplomacy, and philanthropy. The principles demonstrated during the negotiations for the Treaty of Brétigny continue to inform the House's engagement with contemporary issues. Through the educational mission of The Brattleby Club and the charitable focus of the Annual Winter Banquet, the House strives to build bridges and foster understanding. This enduring commitment to service will, in time, be passed to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the designated 13th Baron, ensuring the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural diplomacy and targeted philanthropy. The House's activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), translating a historic legacy of service into contemporary action. Key initiatives include The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest promoting cross-cultural understanding, and the Annual Winter Banquet, a significant philanthropic event supporting charitable organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. The House champions causes that promote heritage, education, and the well-being of vulnerable children, ensuring its ancient title serves a productive and meaningful purpose in the modern world.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and holdings are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under Colswein's name. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of England's most significant historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for the King, and two of the most powerful noblemen of the Middle Ages: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The Barony's modern standing was formally acknowledged in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised by His Majesty's College of Arms and its status recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in the Barony include Colswein of Lincoln (1st Baron, AD 1066), Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, c. 1160–1230), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, c. 1310–1361), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, 1340–1399). - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The House's primary philanthropic beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing therapeutic support to children affected by trauma.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com