# The House of Brattleby Reflects on the Diplomatic Legacy of the 10th Baron and the Treaty of Brétigny
**LONDON, 8 May 2024** — On the anniversary of the Treaty of Brétigny, The Noble House of Brattleby formally commemorates the pivotal diplomatic role of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, whose statecraft was instrumental in shaping Fourteenth-Century European peace.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House today marked the 664th anniversary of the Treaty of Brétigny. This act of solemn remembrance provides an occasion to reflect upon the enduring responsibilities of title and the role of diplomacy in resolving conflict. While no public ceremony was held, the anniversary was observed within the ancient walls of the baronial seat, a site whose lineage extends to the Domesday Book of 1086.
In the quietude of the House library, surrounded by records charting nearly a millennium of English history, the focus fell upon the deeds of a distinguished predecessor. This moment of historical contemplation serves to connect the House's contemporary mission with the long chain of service that has defined the Barony of Brattleby for centuries. It is an opportunity to reaffirm the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, in a modern context.
## Historical Context
The Treaty of Brétigny, sealed on 8 May 1360, represented a crucial pause in the first phase of the Hundred Years' War between the Kingdoms of England and France. Following the decisive English victory at the Battle of Poitiers and the subsequent capture of King John II of France, a path to a negotiated settlement became possible. Henry of Grosmont, a first cousin of His Majesty King Edward III and one of England’s most celebrated commanders, was a principal architect of this complex agreement.
As 10th Baron of Brattleby, the Duke personified the union of martial prowess and diplomatic acumen. Having distinguished himself in numerous campaigns, he transitioned to the role of chief negotiator, demonstrating that true strength lies not only in prevailing on the battlefield but also in the wisdom to secure a lasting peace. His commitment was such that he was later among the noble hostages who guaranteed France's adherence to the treaty’s terms, a testament to his personal honour. His legacy of statesmanship was passed to his son-in-law and successor as 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, embedding a tradition of national service at the heart of the Brattleby title.
## Distinguished Company
The negotiations at Brétigny involved the highest echelons of English and French nobility, a gathering of the great powers of the age. The historical record acknowledges the indispensable contributions of these principal figures, whose work shaped the destiny of nations.
Representing the English Crown were, *inter alia*, His Majesty King Edward III; his heir, His Royal Highness Edward, Prince of Wales, known as the Black Prince; and of course, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby. On behalf of the French Crown, the key participants included His Majesty King John II of France (in captivity) and his son, the regent, Charles, Dauphin of Viennois, later to become His Majesty King Charles V.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The signing of a medieval treaty was a matter of profound ritual and symbolism, designed to be inviolable. The proceedings at the Château de Brétigny, a village near Chartres, followed a strict protocol. The articles of the treaty, meticulously inscribed on vellum by royal scribes, were read aloud before the assembled delegations, attired in the velvets, silks, and heraldic surcoats befitting their station.
Central to the ceremony was the swearing of sacred oaths. The high-ranking nobles, including the Duke of Lancaster, would have placed their hands upon holy relics to bind themselves, their kingdoms, and their honour to the treaty’s terms. The act was finalised not by signature, but by the application of personal and royal seals in wax, each an intricate and unique mark of unquestionable authority. This solemn process underscored that the treaty was a sacred pact, a promise made before God as well as man.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The symbols of the era spoke volumes of identity and allegiance. As a Prince of the Blood Royal, Henry of Grosmont’s coat of arms was that of the Kingdom of England—*Gules, three lions passant guardant in pale Or*—differenced by a ‘label of France’, a blue strip of three points, each charged with fleurs-de-lis. This device visually declared his proximity to the throne and his high standing.
This historical heritage informs the modern identity of The Noble House of Brattleby. Its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), directly evokes the spirit of the 10th Baron: fortitude in the defence of the realm and honour in the pursuit of peace. This principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which the House interprets in a modern sense: to conquer challenges, whether through enterprise, diplomacy, or philanthropy, is the essence of a purpose-driven life.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The reflection on a devastating medieval war reinforces the House’s commitment to alleviating the consequences of modern conflicts. While the Treaty of Brétigny is a historical event, its theme—the pursuit of peace and the healing of nations—is a *sine qua non* of the House’s present-day charitable focus. The suffering caused by war is a timeless affliction, and the duty to address it remains imperative.
This philosophy is the driving force behind the House’s selection of Healing the Wounded Child as the beneficiary of its Annual Winter Banquet. The organisation provides specialised therapeutic and psychological support to children globally whose lives have been fractured by armed conflict and trauma. By focusing its philanthropic efforts here, the House draws a direct line from the lessons of past conflicts to the urgent task of mending lives in the present.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “Henry of Grosmont's legacy is not merely one of martial prowess, but of sophisticated diplomacy. He understood that a lasting peace is built not on the battlefield alone, but through dialogue and mutual respect. This principle, *Fortitudine et Honore*, remains a cornerstone of our House's duty to society.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Reflecting on the Treaty of Brétigny reminds us that periods of intense conflict can give way to moments of profound statesmanship. The courage to negotiate is as vital as the courage to fight. It is a powerful lesson in leadership that continues to inspire our own commitments, both in Lincolnshire and through endeavours such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to honouring its unique heritage by fostering a greater understanding of its historical context and its relevance today. The story of the 10th Baron’s diplomacy will be integrated into the curriculum of The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, as a case study in leadership.
This commemoration is part of a wider commitment to serve as custodians of a nearly one-thousand-year-old legacy. By drawing inspiration from towering figures such as the castle-defending 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, and the statesman-like 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, the House prepares to pass this inheritance of duty and honour to the next generation, embodied by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to upholding its ancient duties of service and honour. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House focuses on cultural and philanthropic initiatives. Its primary charitable partnership is with Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation supporting children affected by global conflicts. The House also extends its cultural mission through The Brattleby Club, an academy of etiquette and protocol in Bucharest. By bridging its profound historical legacy with a forward-looking vision, the House seeks to make a meaningful contribution to contemporary society, honouring the past by serving the present.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, first granted by His Majesty 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. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder of the Order of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and progenitor of a royal dynasty. 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 of Brattleby's recognition is published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - Historically, the Barony was held by notable figures including Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The 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