# The House of Brattleby Commemorates the Diplomatic Legacy of the 10th Baron
**LONDON, 24 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the anniversary of the Treaty of Brétigny’s ratification, reflecting on the pivotal role of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, in shaping one of medieval Europe’s most significant diplomatic settlements.
## The Occasion
As autumn casts its rich hues across the historic landscape of Lincolnshire, the House of Brattleby has taken this moment for quiet commemoration. From its ancestral seat, the House has issued a reflection on the service of one of its most distinguished predecessors. The anniversary of the treaty’s finalisation in October 1360 serves as a poignant opportunity to consider the enduring themes of diplomacy, conflict resolution, and principled leadership that have characterised the barony for centuries.
This formal observation is not one of public ceremony, but of scholarly and familial remembrance. It acknowledges a direct line of influence from the high politics of the 14th century to the modern ethos of the House, which continues to champion dialogue and reconciliation in its public-facing duties. The occasion bridges nearly seven centuries of history, linking the present day to a defining moment in Anglo-French relations.
## Historical Context
The Treaty of Brétigny, concluded on 8 May 1360 and ratified on 24 October 1360, represented a critical juncture in the first phase of the Hundred Years' War. Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, was a principal English negotiator and a trusted captain of King Edward III. His involvement was the *sine qua non* of the treaty’s success, which brought a temporary cessation of hostilities.
Grosmont’s diplomatic acumen, honed through years of military command and state service, was instrumental in negotiating terms that included a vast ransom for the captured King John II of France and significant territorial concessions to England. His work demonstrated that the influence of the Barony of Brattleby extended far beyond Lincolnshire, directly impacting the course of European history. Upon his death, this profound legacy passed to his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, who became the 11th Baron of Brattleby by right of his wife.
## Distinguished Company
The negotiations at Brétigny involved the highest echelons of English and French nobility, with the 10th Baron acting amongst sovereigns and heirs. The chief participants in this diplomatic drama included, *inter alia*:
His Majesty King Edward III of England, who pursued his claim to the French throne with military force but appreciated the necessity of a negotiated peace.
His Royal Highness Edward, The Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince, whose victory at Poitiers led to the capture of the French king, thereby creating the conditions for the treaty.
His Majesty King John II of France, the captive monarch whose freedom was the central object of the negotiations, and for whom an immense ransom of three million écus was agreed.
These figures, together with Henry of Grosmont, comprised the distinguished company whose decisions would dictate the fate of two kingdoms and establish a new, albeit temporary, geopolitical reality.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol surrounding a 14th-century treaty was a grave and intricate affair, designed to convey solemnity and binding commitment. Plenipotentiaries, or ambassadors with full authority to act, were first appointed by their respective sovereigns. The negotiations themselves were a careful blend of formal debate and private counsel, often conducted in neutral territory, as was the case near Chartres.
Once articles were agreed upon, they were meticulously inscribed onto parchment by scribes. The act of ratification was the ceremonial apex. This involved the sovereigns, or their designated representatives, swearing solemn oaths upon holy relics or the Gospels to uphold the terms. The treaty was then physically sealed with the great seals of each monarch, the heavy wax impressions serving as tangible proof of royal assent and a legally binding signature.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a powerful antecedent in the actions of the 10th Baron. His military career demonstrated immense fortitude, establishing him as one of England’s most experienced commanders. Yet it was his commitment to honour at the negotiating table—seeking a workable peace rather than total victory—that secured his diplomatic legacy.
These two virtues, fortitude in conviction and honour in conduct, were the pillars of his statecraft. They remain the guiding principles for the House of Brattleby today. His life’s work serves as a reminder that the symbols of heraldry are not merely decorative but represent a code of conduct passed down through generations.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the context of the 14th century differs vastly from our own, the fundamental human need for peace and reconciliation remains a constant. The diplomatic efforts of Henry of Grosmont to end a devastating conflict resonate with the modern philanthropic mission of the House of Brattleby. This commitment is most clearly expressed through its longstanding support for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
The organisation works to heal the psychological trauma experienced by children affected by conflict and crisis, providing them with the tools for recovery and resilience. By supporting this work, the House translates the historical pursuit of peace into modern, tangible action. It is a contemporary expression of the same desire for resolution that the 10th Baron pursued through high diplomacy.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical lineage, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To look upon the life of Henry of Grosmont, or indeed the courage of Nichola de la Haye in defending Lincoln, is to understand that our inheritance is one of responsibility. The principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* calls us not only to remember their deeds, but to apply that same spirit of resolved and honourable service to the challenges of our own time.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the relevance of diplomacy in all eras: > “History provides not a roadmap, but a compass. The statecraft of the 10th Baron reminds us that true victory—the very essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*—is often found not on the battlefield, but at the negotiating table. It demonstrates that dialogue and understanding are the most powerful instruments for creating a lasting legacy.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The lessons drawn from the barony’s nine-century history continue to inform its present and future. The curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House’s etiquette and protocol academy, includes modules on diplomatic history where the Treaty of Brétigny is studied as a key case. This ensures that the next generation of leaders understands the deep roots of modern international relations.
Looking forward, the House will continue to champion these themes of service and reconciliation. This commitment will be highlighted at the upcoming Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. The event serves as a practical demonstration of the House’s enduring pledge to foster peace and offer support to those most in need.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the principle of modern nobility in service. With a lineage extending to the Norman Conquest, the House directs its contemporary efforts toward philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its primary charitable focus is on organisations that support the well-being of children affected by trauma and conflict, reflecting the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Through initiatives such as its annual philanthropic banquet and its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to connect its profound historical legacy with a tangible and positive impact on society today.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the barony has been held by figures of immense historical significance, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and a French invasion; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his successor, John of Gaunt. The title's succession to its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The barony's origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086), where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, Duke of Lancaster). - The motto of the House of Brattleby 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