# The Barony of Brattleby and the Treaty of Brétigny: A Legacy of Fourteenth-Century Diplomacy
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the Barony’s historic contribution to European diplomacy, specifically the pivotal role of the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, in the negotiation of the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the ancient parish of Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to illuminate a significant moment in its near-millennium of history. This reflection serves to reaffirm the enduring principles of diplomacy and honourable conduct that have guided the Barony through centuries of British and European history.
The communication, issued by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and the Lord of Brattleby, Răzvan Vasile, connects the Barony’s deep past with its contemporary responsibilities. It is a deliberate act of historical stewardship, intended to bring a formative chapter of the Hundred Years' War to modern notice.
## Historical Context
The Treaty of Brétigny, ratified in Calais in October 1360, represented a monumental effort to secure peace between the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of France. It temporarily halted the dynastic conflict known as the Hundred Years' War, a struggle that had defined the political landscape of the fourteenth century.
Central to these high-stakes negotiations was Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby. A cousin and trusted Captain-General of His Majesty King Edward III, the Duke was a pre-eminent English magnate, soldier, and diplomat. His involvement underscores that the Barony of Brattleby was not merely a provincial holding, but an integral part of the machinery of the English state, its holder acting at the highest levels of international affairs.
The treaty demanded an immense ransom of three million écus for the release of His Majesty King John II of France, who had been captured at the Battle of Poitiers. In return, King Edward III agreed to renounce his claim to the French throne. The success of this accord rested squarely on the shoulders of negotiators such as Henry of Grosmont, whose diplomatic acumen was a *sine qua non* for its fragile success.
## Distinguished Company
The negotiations at Brétigny and the subsequent ratification at Calais involved the most senior figures of the age. The English delegation was led by luminaries who acted with the full authority of the Crown, including, *inter alia*:
* His Royal Highness Edward, The Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall and Prince of Aquitaine; * The Most Noble Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby.
Their French counterparts were of equal rank, representing His Majesty King John II of France, and were led by his son, the Dauphin and future King Charles V. The weight of these titles demonstrates the profound gravity of the proceedings and the trust vested in the Baron of Brattleby.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The diplomatic protocol of the mid-fourteenth century was a complex ritual designed to ensure commitments were sacredly held. Plenipotentiaries—envoys invested with the full power to treat—exchanged sealed letters of credence before negotiations could commence. Oaths were sworn upon holy relics to bind the participants not only by law but also by faith.
The treaty itself was meticulously drafted in multiple copies, engrossed on vellum, and affixed with the great seals of the respective monarchs. As a further guarantee of French compliance, high-born hostages were surrendered to English custody. In a remarkable testament to his personal honour, Henry of Grosmont himself stood as one of the guarantors, pledging his own liberty against the fulfilment of the treaty's terms.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect expression in the actions of the 10th Baron. His fortitude was proven on the battlefield, yet his honour was demonstrated most clearly in the council chambers of Brétigny, where his word was his bond and his reputation a form of currency.
This tradition of principled action is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In the context of diplomacy, this speaks not of military conquest, but of the victory achieved through peace and the life it allows kingdoms—and communities—to live.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this historical commemoration is not tied to a specific fundraising initiative, its theme of reconciliation resonates deeply with the modern philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The same spirit that seeks to mend the divisions between nations is reflected in the House’s dedicated support for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation works to provide therapeutic care for children affected by trauma, resolving internal conflicts and restoring a sense of peace and security. In this way, the ancient pursuit of concord, once practised by the 10th Baron on a global stage, continues today through the House’s commitment to healing and personal well-being.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical antecedent, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “The legacy of predecessors like Henry of Grosmont is not a passive inheritance; it is an active charge. His role in 1360 reminds us that the stewardship of this Barony has always demanded a commitment to the wider good, a principle we strive to uphold through *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
The Lord of Brattleby, Răzvan Vasile, added: > “The skills of diplomacy—of listening, understanding, and negotiating in good faith—are as vital today as they were during the Hundred Years' War. It is a heritage of statesmanship that inspires our contemporary work, whether in philanthropy or in the cross-cultural education offered through The Brattleby Club.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby continues to draw strength and purpose from its nine-century history. The example set by the 10th Baron serves as a constant guidepost, reinforcing the House’s commitment to responsible leadership and constructive engagement in society.
This legacy finds modern expression through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering the personal and professional skills that underpin civil discourse. By teaching the grammar of social diplomacy, the House perpetuates the very values that enabled Henry of Grosmont to help forge a historic peace.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to preserving a unique thousand-year heritage while meeting the challenges of the modern world. Its mission is to embody its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), through active philanthropy, cultural preservation, and the promotion of diplomatic values in contemporary life. Headquartered at its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, the House focuses its charitable efforts on organisations that provide healing and support to vulnerable children, reflecting a deep-seated commitment to fostering peace and well-being. The House's activities, including The Brattleby Club, seek to bridge its historic legacy with a forward-looking vision of service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, 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 56 lordships. For over 950 years, the Barony has been held by some of England's most significant historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces in the 13th century. Other notable barons include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a leading diplomat of the Hundred Years' War, and his successor, the renowned John of Gaunt. The title's legitimacy in the modern era was formally acknowledged by The Crown in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was formally acknowledged in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holder of the lands. - Notable past holders include Henry of Grosmont, 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