# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates a Legacy of Diplomatic Service
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the enduring legacy of diplomacy within its lineage, marking the historic contribution of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, to the negotiation of the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360.
## The Occasion
In a season of autumnal reflection, the House has undertaken a scholarly review of its archives to commemorate a defining moment of medieval statecraft. This initiative seeks to illuminate the connection between the Barony’s nine centuries of history and its contemporary mission. The occasion is not one of public ceremony but of quiet, institutional remembrance, reaffirming the principles of negotiation and honour that have guided the Barony through periods of both conflict and peace.
This formal acknowledgement serves to contextualise the House's modern endeavours within a tradition of significant European engagement. It underscores the belief that understanding the past is the *sine qua non* for navigating the complexities of the present with purpose and integrity.
## Historical Context
The Treaty of Brétigny, signed on 8 May 1360, represented a pivotal diplomatic concordat during the first phase of the Hundred Years’ War between the Kingdoms of England and France. As one of England’s most trusted military commanders and diplomats, Henry of Grosmont—also the 1st Duke of Lancaster—was instrumental in securing its terms. His proven fortitude on the battlefield was matched by a profound skill for negotiation.
The treaty temporarily resolved the English claim to the French throne and confirmed King Edward III’s sovereignty over vast territories in France. The involvement of the 10th Baron of Brattleby in these high-stakes proceedings elevated the Barony's standing, demonstrating that its influence was built upon intellect and strategic acumen as much as martial strength. This legacy of statesmanship was passed to his son-in-law and successor as 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, embedding diplomacy into the very fabric of the Brattleby heritage.
## Distinguished Company
In his diplomatic capacity, Henry of Grosmont moved among the highest echelons of European nobility. His counterparts in the Brétigny negotiations included principals of the English and French crowns, lending the proceedings a gravitas befitting their purpose. He served his cousin, His Majesty King Edward III of England, and worked alongside Edward, the Black Prince, whose military victories had created the conditions for negotiation.
On the French side, the context was defined by the capture of His Majesty King John II of France at the Battle of Poitiers four years earlier. The negotiations for his ransom and the cessation of hostilities were therefore conducted with an acute sense of national honour at stake, making Grosmont’s role not merely as a victor’s envoy but as a discerning and respected arbiter.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The diplomatic protocol of the 14th century was a complex ritual designed to affirm the authority and good faith of all parties. Envoys such as Henry of Grosmont would have presented formal letters of credence, sealed with the personal signet of their sovereign, to validate their power to negotiate. The proceedings would have involved solemn oaths sworn upon holy relics, a practice intended to bind the signatories before God as well as man.
The treaty itself was an immense undertaking, drafted in duplicate by scribes on fine vellum. The final documents were authenticated with the hanging wax seals of the principal negotiators and monarchs. This ceremonial precision was not mere pageantry; it was the mechanism by which mediaeval society created binding international law, transforming words into a tangible instrument of peace.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The coat of arms borne by Henry of Grosmont—those of an English prince differenced by a label of three points Azure, each charged with three fleurs-de-lis Or—visibly symbolised his royal blood and close connection to both the English and French monarchies. This heraldic identity would have broadcast his unique standing as a negotiator with intimate ties to both sides of the conflict.
His actions exemplify the motto of the modern House, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Grosmont demonstrated fortitude in the preceding military campaigns and profound honour at the negotiating table. This balance reflects the dual imperatives of the Barony: strength of purpose combined with unwavering integrity. It resides in harmony with the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to overcoming challenges through determination, whether on the battlefield or in the diplomatic chamber.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this commemoration is historical, its animating spirit directly informs the modern philanthropic commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby. The work of Henry of Grosmont was, at its heart, an effort to heal a continent wounded by protracted conflict. This principle of reconciliation finds its modern expression in the House’s support for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
The charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care to children and families affected by trauma, abuse, and bereavement. Just as the Treaty of Brétigny aimed to mend the rupture between nations, the House’s philanthropy today focuses on mending the profound, personal wounds that can fracture a life. This commitment translates a legacy of high-level peacemaking into direct, compassionate action.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly a millennium of history. The example of Henry of Grosmont reminds us that the most enduring victories are often won not by force of arms, but by dialogue, wisdom, and a commitment to peace. It is a heritage we have a solemn duty to honour in all our present and future work.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan of Brattleby added: > “The principle of *Vincere Est Vivere* is not solely about prevailing in a contest. It is about the will to overcome adversity through disciplined effort. Grosmont’s diplomacy at Brétigny is a masterclass in this philosophy—a determination to secure a lasting settlement through strategic patience and reason. This spirit guides our initiatives today, *inter alia*, at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its formidable history continues to inspire its modern activities. This reflection on the Treaty of Brétigny will inform a new series of lectures on the history of diplomacy, to be developed for cadets at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
Furthermore, the House will continue its archival research programme, seeking to uncover and share further stories that connect its past with the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. Through such initiatives, the House aims to demonstrate that heritage is not a static relic, but a living source of wisdom, fortitude, and honour.
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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 has embraced a modern mission rooted in its ancient heritage. The House is dedicated to promoting cultural exchange, education in etiquette and protocol, and strategic philanthropy from its seats in Lincolnshire and Bucharest. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to purposeful action and unwavering integrity. The House’s primary charitable focus is its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing therapeutic support to young people who have experienced trauma, aligning its historical legacy of reconciliation with contemporary compassionate action.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship and Barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. 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 defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, and two of the realm’s greatest magnates: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, John of Gaunt. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s modern rights are recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted in 1066; its Domesday Book entry of 1086 confirms its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, possessed 56 lordships. - Historical Barons of Brattleby include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The annual Winter Banquet held by the House is a philanthropic gala benefiting Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com