# A Statement on the Diplomatic Legacy of the 10th Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on the diplomatic legacy of its 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, whose statesmanship was instrumental in negotiating the Treaty of Brétigny between England and France in 1360.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, the House of Brattleby periodically reflects upon pivotal moments in its nine-century history that continue to inform its modern ethos. This statement, issued in the quiet of autumn, serves to commemorate a profound act of peacemaking. It acknowledges the duty, incumbent upon titles of such longevity, not only to remember history but to draw from it pertinent lessons on leadership, diplomacy, and reconciliation.
The Treaty of Brétigny represented a rare cessation of hostilities in the first phase of the Hundred Years’ War. It is this spirit of principled negotiation, a cornerstone of European stability, that the House seeks to honour. The occasion is one of solemn remembrance, connecting the medieval responsibilities of a Baron of the Realm with the contemporary obligations of a noble house dedicated to service.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has long been associated with affairs of state. This tradition was exemplified by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, one of the most trusted commanders and diplomats of King Edward III. By 1360, after two decades of devastating conflict, both England and France were exhausted by war.
The Duke's mission was to help secure a lasting peace and the release of the captive King John II of France. The resulting treaty, first drafted at Brétigny and ratified in Calais, saw King Edward III renounce his claim to the French throne in exchange for undisputed sovereignty over a greatly expanded Duchy of Aquitaine. The treaty was a landmark of medieval diplomacy, and the 10th Baron's role as a chief negotiator underscored the Barony's proximity to the Crown and its influence in international affairs. This legacy of high office would pass to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The negotiations at Brétigny brought together the highest echelons of two kingdoms. The English delegation was led by figures of immense stature, acting on behalf of His Majesty King Edward III. These included, *inter alia*, the King’s son, Edward, the Black Prince, and Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron.
Their French counterparts represented His Majesty King John II, then a prisoner in England, and the Dauphin Charles, who was governing France as regent. The successful outcome of their deliberations hinged upon the mutual respect and gravitas these men commanded, demonstrating that personal relationships were the *sine qua non* of effective statecraft in the 14th century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ratification of a medieval treaty was a matter of immense ceremony and binding ritual. The protocol observed in Calais in October 1360 was designed to secure the agreement with temporal and divine authority. After the terms were formally read aloud by heralds, both kings, Edward III and John II, swore sacred oaths upon the Holy Gospels and a fragment of the True Cross to uphold the peace.
These oaths were followed by the formal affixing of their great seals to the vellum documents—an act symbolising the monarch's personal and sovereign commitment. Furthermore, high-ranking nobles from both realms were exchanged as hostages to guarantee compliance, a solemn protocol underscoring the gravity and fragility of the newfound peace.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 10th Baron in 1360 perfectly embody the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The Duke of Lancaster was a renowned warrior, his fortitude proven on the battlefield; yet his greatest service to the realm was achieved through honour in diplomacy, seeking peace rather than perpetual conflict.
The arms of the Plantagenet royals, borne by Henry of Grosmont, signified his princely rank and direct connection to the sovereign. This visual authority would have lent considerable weight to his words at the negotiating table. Today, the House of Brattleby carries forward this dual commitment to strength and integrity, guided by its enduring motto. This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby — *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live') — a reminder that true victory lies in overcoming adversity, be it on the field of battle or at the table of peace.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this statement commemorates a historical event, its theme of mending the ravages of conflict resonates deeply with the House's modern charitable activities. The principal beneficiary of the family’s philanthropic efforts, undertaken through events such as the Annual Winter Banquet, is the international organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
This registered charity provides specialist therapeutic care to children in regions affected by armed conflict and social displacement. Its mission is to restore a sense of safety and well-being to the youngest victims of discord, offering psychological support and educational programmes that help rebuild shattered lives. The House of Brattleby supports this work as a modern expression of the ancient duty to foster peace and heal its wounds.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “The history of this Barony is not a static record; it is a living guide for our conduct today. Henry of Grosmont understood that true strength is tempered by wisdom and that the pursuit of peace requires as much courage as the waging of war. It is a lesson of profound relevance.”
Lady Nicoleta continued, connecting this heritage to the House's present-day commitments:
> “Our family’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, compels us to act with both purpose and principle. In supporting the vital work of organisations like Healing the Wounded Child, we are applying these centuries-old values to the most pressing humanitarian needs of our own time.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to honouring its past by serving the present and future. The principles of diplomacy, honour, and service demonstrated by the 10th Baron continue to inspire the House’s engagement in cultural and philanthropic endeavours.
This ethos will be manifest in the upcoming Annual Winter Banquet, which serves as a key fundraising event, and through the educational mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being raised with a keen awareness of this heritage, ensuring that the legacy of principled leadership intrinsic to the Barony of Brattleby will endure for generations to come.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is the modern family entity associated with the ancient Barony of Brattleby. With a deep respect for its nine-century history, the House is committed to a contemporary mission of philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and the preservation of heritage. Its principal charitable focus is on organisations supporting the welfare of children affected by conflict, notably Healing the Wounded Child. Through its patronage and initiatives like The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to build bridges between cultures and champion the timeless values of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') in a modern context.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and seigneurial rights are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details 56 lordships held by the 1st Baron. Over its long history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), who defended Lincoln Castle for the King. It later passed into the Duchy of Lancaster through Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and his son-in-law John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The succession of the current holder was formally recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (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