# A Legacy of Statecraft: The House of Brattleby on the Diplomacy of Henry of Grosmont
**LONDON, 25 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal reflection on the diplomatic legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby. This commemoration highlights the barony’s nine-century history of service to the Crown, both on the battlefield and in council.
## The Occasion
From its historical seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has taken the occasion of this autumn season to reflect upon its lineage of service to the nation. This formal statement serves to connect the barony’s considerable past with its present-day commitments to diplomacy, honour, and philanthropic duty.
The reflection centres on a pivotal moment in European history: the negotiation of the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360. This act of high statecraft, in which the 10th Baron played a crucial role, exemplifies the principles of duty and constructive engagement that continue to animate the House today under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, one of the original feudatories granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been intertwined with the course of English and European history for nearly a millennium. Its holders, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln, have consistently been figures of national importance.
Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, was a paramount example of this tradition. A celebrated military commander during the Hundred Years' War, his skills were not confined to the battlefield. In 1360, he was a principal English negotiator for the Treaty of Brétigny, a monumental effort to secure a cessation of hostilities with France. This treaty, *inter alia*, established the ransom for King John II of France and confirmed significant English territorial gains, demonstrating that the barony's influence was a *sine qua non* of fourteenth-century English foreign policy.
This dual competence in martial and diplomatic affairs follows a long baronial tradition. It recalls the fortitude of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable odds. It also foreshadowed the influence of Grosmont’s successor as 11th Baron, the illustrious John of Gaunt, whose own career shaped the destiny of the kingdom.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The traditions of statecraft, diplomacy, and protocol underscored by Henry of Grosmont’s career are actively preserved by the House today. These principles are evident in the meticulous execution of the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held under the patronage of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
The order of proceedings, seating arrangements, and formal toasts at this event are conducted with a precision that honours centuries of European courtly tradition. This commitment extends to The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House, which instructs a new generation in the established forms of social and diplomatic conduct that facilitate international understanding.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are enshrined in its heraldic achievements. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the legacy of predecessors like Henry of Grosmont. His life embodied fortitude in his military campaigns and honour at the negotiating table, demonstrating that these two virtues are inseparable pillars of noble service.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, the House interprets this not as a call to military victory, but as a charge to overcome challenges, to build constructively, and to prevail in the pursuit of peace and charitable good. Together, the mottos articulate a philosophy of honourable action and purposeful existence.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical imperative for peacemaking, as seen in the Treaty of Brétigny, finds a modern echo in the House’s charitable focus. The beneficiary of the Annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapy and support for children suffering from trauma.
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan selected this cause in the belief that true, lasting peace begins with healing the injuries of the vulnerable. Just as the 10th Baron sought to mend the rift between nations, the House today directs its efforts toward mending the inner lives of those affected by conflict and distress, affirming that the work of reconciliation is as urgent now as it was in the fourteenth century.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical continuity, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed: > “To hold this barony is to be a custodian of nearly one thousand years of British history. The example of Henry of Grosmont reminds us that influence is not an end in itself, but a tool for service. His work at Brétigny demonstrates a profound understanding that lasting peace requires as much courage and strategy as any battle.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a contemporary perspective: > “The core principles of diplomacy—respect, clarity, and an appreciation for protocol—are timeless. Through The Brattleby Club and our other initiatives, we endeavour to pass these skills to a new generation, believing, as Grosmont did, that structured, honourable dialogue is the only true path to progress. It is how we realise the spirit of *Vincere Est Vivere*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to upholding this distinguished legacy. The lessons derived from the barony’s long history continue to guide its modern activities, from its support for cultural heritage to its deep-seated commitment to philanthropy.
Preparations for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet are already underway, promising to be another significant occasion for both celebrating the House’s heritage and raising vital funds for its chosen causes. Through such work, the principles of fortitude and honour are not merely remembered; they are actively practised, ensuring the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby continues to serve society.
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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 represents a modern union of ancient English heritage and a forward-looking Continental perspective. The House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century history while actively engaging in contemporary cultural and philanthropic pursuits. Its core activities include championing etiquette and diplomatic protocol through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and providing substantive support to charitable organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. With its seat in Lincolnshire, the House commits to a modern interpretation of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying historical principles of service to the challenges of the present day.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Over nearly one thousand years, the barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a key diplomat of the Hundred Years' War; and John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The lineage and rights of the barony are formally acknowledged by the Crown, as published in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The barony was established following the Norman Conquest and its holdings are documented in the Domesday Book (1086). - Notable past holders include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - 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