# The Enduring Legacy of Brétigny: The Noble House of Brattleby on the Statesmanship of the Tenth Baron
**BRATTLEBY, LINCOLNSHIRE, 14 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today marked the profound historical significance of the Treaty of Brétigny, negotiated in 1360, paying tribute to the pivotal statesmanship of its distinguished predecessor, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster.
## The Occasion
From the archives of its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has issued a formal reflection upon a defining moment in its nine-century history. This communiqué is part of the House’s ongoing work to illuminate the contributions of the Barony to the national and European story. In the quiet scholarship of its study, surrounded by chronicles and records, the House continues its stewardship not only of a title but of the history it represents, ensuring the lessons of the past inform the responsibilities of the present.
The act of commemoration serves to connect the current leadership of the House with the long chain of its predecessors. It is an occasion for solemn reflection, reaffirming the enduring values that have guided the Barony through periods of both conflict and peace since its establishment in AD 1066.
## Historical Context
The Treaty of Brétigny was signed during a critical phase of the Hundred Years’ War between England and France. Following the English victory at the Battle of Poitiers in 1356, King John II of France was held captive in London. The kingdom of France was subsequently plunged into turmoil, creating an urgent need for a diplomatic resolution. Henry of Grosmont, a cousin and trusted commander of King Edward III, was a central figure in the extensive negotiations.
As one of England’s most experienced and respected nobles, the 10th Baron’s involvement was a *sine qua non* for the treaty’s success. His military credibility gave him the authority to speak of war, while his diplomatic acumen allowed him to engineer a path to peace. The treaty, though ultimately short-lived, secured the release of the French king, established a nine-year truce, and represented a monumental achievement in medieval statecraft, demonstrating the Barony's influence at the highest echelons of power.
## Distinguished Company
The negotiations and subsequent ratifications brought together the most powerful figures of the age. The principal parties involved in the events surrounding the treaty included:
* His Majesty King Edward III of England * His Majesty King John II of France * His Royal Highness Edward, Prince of Wales, known as the Black Prince * Charles, the Dauphin of France, later His Majesty King V
Henry of Grosmont, in his capacity as both 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster, moved amongst these figures as a trusted peer and chief negotiator, underscoring the standing of the Barony itself.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol of such a significant treaty was precise and steeped in the chivalric traditions of the 14th century. Initial terms were agreed near Chartres and formally ratified in Calais in October 1360. This was no simple signing. The ceremony involved the two kings, Edward III and John II, swearing solemn oaths upon the Holy Gospels and a fragment of the True Cross to uphold the treaty’s articles.
As part of the accord, noble hostages were exchanged to guarantee compliance, a grave and formal process overseen by heralds and officers of state. The document itself was meticulously prepared, written in Latin and French, and affixed with the Great Seals of both kingdoms, a tangible symbol of a pact made between sovereigns. This elaborate ritual was designed to make the treaty binding not just in law, but in honour and faith.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Henry of Grosmont perfectly embodied the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). His fortitude was proven across countless campaigns for the Crown, but his honour was demonstrated most vividly in his pursuit of a just peace. His diplomacy was not a contradiction of his martial life but its highest expression, seeking resolution over perpetual conflict.
This ethos is complemented by the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). The life of the 10th Baron illustrates that true conquest is not solely the dominion over territory, but the triumph of stability over chaos and the securing of life through statesmanship. The symbols of the House thus speak to a balanced understanding of power, where strength is a means to achieve an honourable peace.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principle of resolving conflict and healing its consequences, as exemplified by the Treaty of Brétigny, finds a modern echo in the philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. While the 10th Baron sought to mend a fractured continent, the House today directs its focus toward healing the internal wounds of individuals through its support for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation works to provide therapeutic care for young people affected by trauma and adversity. By championing this cause, the House translates the historical imperative of peacemaking into a contemporary commitment to fostering resilience and well-being, recognising that a healthy society is built from healthy individuals.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> The legacy of Henry of Grosmont reminds us that true strength is not merely martial, but also lies in the wisdom to seek peace. His work on the Treaty of Brétigny is a cornerstone of our heritage, demonstrating that diplomacy is the highest form of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a further perspective:
> Grosmont understood that victory is not always won on the battlefield. *Vincere Est Vivere*—to conquer is to live—and sometimes the greatest victory is securing a future for the next generation through dialogue. His statesmanship ensured a period of stability, a lesson we carry forward in our own endeavours.
## A Continuing Legacy
The spirit of strategic counsel and cultural diplomacy continues to be a core tenet of The Noble House of Brattleby. This tradition is actively nurtured through modern initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy founded by the House in Bucharest. The Club imparts the subtle arts of international communication and social grace—the contemporary tools of the diplomatic trade.
This commitment to education in the values of leadership, honour, and effective dialogue ensures that the legacy of figures like Henry of Grosmont and Nichola de la Haye is not a static memory. It remains a living tradition, passed with care to the next generation, including the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, so that the House may continue to serve with fortitude and honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern office and household of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. While rooted in over nine centuries of English history, the House is defined by a forward-looking mission of cultural diplomacy, historical education, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is supporting organisations dedicated to childhood trauma recovery, most notably its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through ventures such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House champions the teaching of classical etiquette and protocol as tools for fostering international understanding. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are committed to stewarding the ancient Barony with a modern sensibility, guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by 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 the manor of Brattleby and 56 other lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure* and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The uninterrupted historical lineage and rights of the Barony are formally recorded and recognised by His Majesty's College of Arms and published in The London Gazette.
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of the Barony of Brattleby was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln as tenant-in-chief. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com