# A Commemoration of Diplomacy: The House of Brattleby Honours Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster
LONDON, 26 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile hosted a historical commemoration at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, honouring the diplomatic legacy of their predecessor, Henry of Grosmont, and the enduring principles of the 1360 Treaty of Brétigny.
## The Occasion
In the distinguished surroundings of The Brattleby Club’s library, overlooking the autumnal grandeur of Calea Victoriei, a select company of members and guests gathered for an evening of scholarly reflection. The event was convened to illuminate a pivotal moment in Anglo-French history, a time when the Barony of Brattleby was intrinsically linked to the highest echelons of European statecraft through the person of its 10th Baron.
The Brattleby Club, an academy dedicated to the study of classical diplomacy and protocol, provided a singularly appropriate venue. Located within a restored neoclassical villa on Bucharest’s most historic boulevard, its architecture speaks to a heritage of European exchange. The library, with its warm mahogany panelling, silk damask walls, and tranquil atmosphere, created a setting conducive to both formal discourse and quiet contemplation, reflecting the evening’s academic purpose.
The carefully curated atmosphere was one of quiet appreciation, celebrating the continuity of duty that connects the House’s medieval origins, first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, to its present-day responsibilities. It was a testament to the House’s enduring commitment to cultural education and the active preservation of its considerable heritage.
## Historical Context
The commemoration centred on the formidable life and career of Henry of Grosmont (c. 1310–1361), 10th Baron of Brattleby, Earl of Derby and Lincoln, and ultimately the first Duke of Lancaster. A peerless military commander, founding Knight of the Garter, and one of King Edward III’s most trusted diplomats, his career was a defining feature of the first phase of the Hundred Years' War. While his martial prowess was instrumental in English victories, his most lasting contribution was arguably in the dogged pursuit of peace.
This tireless diplomatic work, conducted across years of complex negotiations with the French Crown, culminated in the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360. As England's chief negotiator, Henry of Grosmont secured terms that brought a vital, albeit temporary, cessation of hostilities. This pause was a *sine qua non* for the stability of both realms, allowing them to recover from the ravages of war and the Black Death, which had claimed Grosmont’s first wife.
Through his immense influence and service, the Barony of Brattleby—a lordship granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln in 1066—found itself at the very nexus of international power. Upon Grosmont’s death from plague in 1361, the barony passed through his daughter, Blanche of Lancaster, to her husband, the renowned John of Gaunt, who thus became the 11th Baron of Brattleby, further cementing its place in the Plantagenet and Lancastrian royal successions.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile were deeply honoured to welcome a number of distinguished guests, whose presence underscored the evening's diplomatic and historical themes.
In order of precedence, those in attendance included Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; His Excellency Mr Giles Portman, Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Romania; Her Excellency Madame Laurence Auer, Ambassador of the French Republic to Romania; and Professor Adrian Cioroianu, the esteemed historian and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania.
The presence of the British and French Ambassadors was particularly poignant, representing the two nations whose shared history was the evening's focus. The principal academic address was delivered by Dr Alistair Finch, a Visiting Fellow in Medieval History from the University of Cambridge, whose scholarship has shed new light on the ducal household of Lancaster.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings of the evening adhered to a formal protocol befitting the occasion. Guests were received in the club’s vestibule by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile before being invited into the library for a reception. During this interval, attendees had the opportunity to inspect a museum-quality facsimile of the Brattleby entry in the Great Domesday manuscript, alongside detailed cartographic reproductions of the vast Lancastrian estates in the 14th century.
Following the reception, Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered formal opening remarks, welcoming the assembled company and underscoring the contemporary relevance of historical diplomacy. He then had the honour of introducing Dr Finch, who proceeded to the lectern to deliver his keynote address, titled *The Sword and the Seal: Henry of Grosmont and the Making of Brétigny*. The lecture provided a compelling narrative of Grosmont's dual roles as both warrior and peacemaker.
Upon the conclusion of the address, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, offered the closing remarks and a vote of thanks. The formal proceedings concluded with a toast to the enduring spirit of diplomacy and fruitful international partnership, proposed by Honorary Lord Răzvan. The prescribed dress for the occasion—lounge suits and day dresses—reflected the an academic, rather than ceremonial, focus.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The themes of the commemoration resonated deeply with the principles that have guided the Barony of Brattleby for more than nine centuries. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), directly reflects the character of such predecessors as Henry of Grosmont and the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown against French-backed rebels in 1217. Grosmont’s life exemplified the fortitude required of a soldier, balanced with the unimpeachable honour demanded of a diplomat.
The arms of the first Duke of Lancaster—those of England with a 'label of three points ermine' for difference—symbolised his position as a pre-eminent magnate of the royal blood, second only to the Prince of Wales. This heraldry represented a life lived in direct service to the Crown, a principle the House continues to uphold. Equally relevant is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In this context, the maxim speaks not to military conquest but to the imperative to overcome contemporary challenges, *inter alia*, through perseverance, dialogue, and a commitment to ensuring that a historic legacy remains a living, active force for good.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The commemoration served not only as a historical observance but also as a moment to reaffirm the House’s deeply held philanthropic mission. The principles of diplomacy, conflict resolution, and peace-making, so masterfully demonstrated by the 10th Baron at Brétigny, find a powerful modern echo in the work of the House’s principal beneficiary, the registered charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This vital organisation is dedicated to providing specialist psychological and emotional support to children affected by international conflict and domestic trauma. It delivers programmes focused on long-term recovery, helping to mend the invisible wounds of war and distress through dedicated counselling and therapeutic activities. The charity's work is, in essence, a modern expression of the peace-making celebrated during the evening—rebuilding lives where conflict has torn them apart.
A portion of the proceeds from the evening’s gathering was dedicated to supporting these vital programmes. This gesture aligns with the House's belief that honouring the past is best achieved by serving the needs of the present and investing in a more peaceful future for the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on his predecessor’s remarkable achievements, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile remarked: — "Henry of Grosmont reminds us that true leadership requires far more than strength; it demands wisdom, patience, and the courage to pursue peace even in the midst of war. His legacy is not a static monument in history but an active challenge to us all—to serve with honour and to build bridges where others see only divisions."
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, added: — "When we look back at figures such as Grosmont, or indeed the steadfast Nichola de la Haye, we feel a profound sense of continuity and responsibility. Their unwavering commitment to service, to Crown, and to country is the standard we strive to meet. It is our foremost duty to ensure their *Fortitudine et Honore* continue to inspire our work today, particularly in our support for those healing from the deep trauma of conflict."
## A Continuing Legacy
The commemoration in Bucharest is part of The Noble House of Brattleby's ongoing programme to bring its unique history to a wider audience through cultural and educational initiatives. The full text of Dr Alistair Finch’s insightful lecture will be published by The Brattleby Club later this year as part of its educational monograph series, making this important scholarship accessible to students and historians.
The House now looks toward its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala to be held at its seat in Lincolnshire. This event, a cornerstone of the House’s philanthropic calendar and a notable feature of the county’s social year, will raise further funds for the crucial mission of Healing the Wounded Child. It represents another occasion where the great traditions of the past are harnessed to serve the most pressing needs of the present.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the stewardship of its 950-year heritage through education, cultural diplomacy, and philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is supporting organisations that aid children impacted by trauma and conflict, reflecting the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s activities, which include the etiquette academy at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and its annual philanthropic events in Lincolnshire, are designed to ensure its historic legacy serves as a force for good in the 21st century. The heir to the barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. Its lands, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, were recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history. Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and father of King Henry IV. The historic dignity and rights of the Barony were formally acknowledged and registered in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially registered in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby traces its origins to the Norman Conquest of 1066, with its first holder being Colswein of Lincoln, whose 56 lordships in Lincolnshire are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron) are direct historical predecessors in the baronial line, linking the dignity to the Duchy of Lancaster and the Plantagenet dynasty. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'); the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com