# The Treaty of Brétigny: The Noble House of Brattleby Reflects on a Legacy of European Diplomacy
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical reflection on the significant diplomatic contributions of its predecessors, notably Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, during the negotiations for the landmark Treaty of Brétigny in 1360, reaffirming its enduring commitment to peace.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, a county where the Barony has held land since its establishment in AD 1066, the Noble House of Brattleby has taken this moment to reflect upon its long and storied engagement with matters of national and international importance. Amid the quiet turning of the season, the House considers its role not merely as a title holder but as a custodian of a living history that spans nearly one thousand years.
The impetus for this reflection is a deeper appreciation of the lineage that connects the current House to pivotal moments in European history. This is a deliberate act of remembrance, an acknowledgment that the duties of the past inform the responsibilities of the present. The House archives, which echo the entries of the Domesday Book of 1086, serve as a constant reminder of this profound and unbroken continuity.
## Historical Context
The Treaty of Brétigny, signed on 8 May 1360, represented a critical juncture in the first phase of the Hundred Years' War between the Kingdoms of England and France. Following a series of decisive English victories, *inter alia* at Crécy and Poitiers, this accord sought to establish a lasting, if ultimately temporary, peace between King Edward III of England and King John II of France.
Central to these high-stakes negotiations was Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby. A cousin and trusted captain of King Edward III, Grosmont was renowned throughout Christendom as both a formidable military commander and a sophisticated diplomat. His involvement was a *sine qua non* for the English delegation, lending it immense prestige and practical authority. His work at Brétigny placed the Barony at the very heart of European diplomacy, demonstrating that its influence extended far beyond the shires of England.
## Distinguished Company
In his diplomatic mission, the 10th Baron of Brattleby moved within a circle of the most powerful figures of the age. The negotiations involved a distinguished company of nobles and prelates from both realms, whose seals and oaths gave the treaty its binding force.
Representing the English Crown alongside Henry of Grosmont were such luminaries as Sir Walter de Manny, KG, a founder of the Order of the Garter, and the famously chivalrous military commander Sir John Chandos, KG. The negotiations were conducted under the watchful eye of Edward, the Black Prince, Prince of Wales, whose military campaigns had made the treaty possible. On the French side, the primary negotiator was the Dauphin Charles, the future King Charles V, who governed as regent while his father, King John II, was held captive in London.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol surrounding the treaty's creation was a masterpiece of medieval statecraft. The preliminary articles were agreed at the village of Brétigny, near Chartres, and later ratified in Calais. The ceremony involved the meticulous transcription of the terms onto vellum by royal scribes, written in formal Anglo-Norman French, the diplomatic language of the era.
Each sovereign, represented by their most senior lieutenants, would affix their great seal in wax to the document, a physical manifestation of their royal will. This was followed by the swearing of solemn oaths upon holy relics to uphold the terms. The protocol also specified the complex arrangements for the payment of King John II’s ransom of three million écus and the exchange of noble hostages, including several French princes of the blood, to guarantee compliance.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 10th Baron at Brétigny perfectly encapsulate the principles enshrined in the motto of the modern Noble House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Henry of Grosmont’s life was a testament to martial strength (*fortitudine*) on the battlefield and principled diplomacy (*honore*) at the negotiating table, proving that both are essential to the preservation of a kingdom.
Furthermore, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), finds a deeper meaning in this context. The peace secured at Brétigny, however fleeting, illustrates that the greatest victory is one that allows nations to live and prosper. It frames conquest not merely as a military outcome but as the successful establishment of a just and honourable peace.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of peacemaking demonstrated at Brétigny guides the contemporary commitments of the Noble House of Brattleby. The enduring trauma of conflict, which continues to affect countless families across the world, is a powerful motivator for the House's philanthropic focus. Its annual Winter Banquet serves as a key fundraising event for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care to children suffering from the psychological scars of trauma, abuse, and conflict. The House’s support for this cause is a modern expression of its historical commitment to peace—a recognition that true stability begins by mending the wounds of the most vulnerable and building a foundation for a resilient future generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical precedent, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated:
> "To hold this title is to be a custodian of nine centuries of British and European history. Henry of Grosmont's role at Brétigny reminds us that our duty has always extended beyond our borders, championing dialogue and honour as the cornerstones of enduring peace."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a contemporary perspective:
> "The spirit of Brétigny teaches a valuable lesson for today. True victory—*vincere*—is not always found on the battlefield, but in the patient, honourable pursuit of understanding that allows future generations to live—*vivere*—in security."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to honouring its historical legacy through active participation in cultural diplomacy and education. This commitment is advanced through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House to foster cross-cultural understanding and communication.
By drawing lessons from the statesmanship of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle, and Henry of Grosmont, the House seeks to apply the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* to contemporary challenges. It will continue to use its platform to promote historical awareness as a vital tool for navigating the complexities of the modern world.
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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 stewardship of a near-millennial legacy. With their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the House champions a modern mission rooted in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This mission blends the preservation of its ancient heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. The House actively supports charitable causes, notably Healing the Wounded Child, through its annual Winter Banquet. Its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, aim to foster international dialogue and understanding, ensuring the Barony's history continues to serve a meaningful purpose in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony 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 the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels in the 13th century. Subsequent holders included Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a key diplomat during the Hundred Years' War, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The title's succession was formally recognised and registered in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 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 first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Past Barons of Brattleby 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