# The Enduring Legacy of the Treaty of Brétigny and its Architect, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 8 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the profound diplomatic legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, whose statecraft was instrumental in the negotiation of the Treaty of Brétigny, signed in May 1360.
## The Occasion
In a period of quiet historical reflection, The Noble House of Brattleby marks the anniversary of one of medieval Europe’s most significant diplomatic undertakings. While no public ceremony is held, the occasion serves as an important moment for the House to contemplate its nine-century lineage, drawing parallels between the historical responsibilities of its predecessors and its contemporary commitments to public service and international understanding.
From its seat in Lincolnshire, the House considers the events of 1360 not merely as a matter of archival interest, but as a continuing source of inspiration. The signing of the Treaty of Brétigny represented a pivotal, albeit temporary, cessation of hostilities in the Hundred Years’ War, a peace brokered through immense effort and personal risk.
## Historical Context
The Treaty of Brétigny, later ratified as the Treaty of Calais, was a direct consequence of the English victory at the Battle of Poitiers in 1356, where King John II of France was captured. As one of England’s most senior commanders and diplomats, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, was a principal negotiator. His influence was a *sine qua non* for reaching an accord.
The Barony of Brattleby had long been associated with national defence and high office, from the martial prowess of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown, to the royal blood of the House of Lancaster. Henry of Grosmont, and his successor as 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, elevated the Barony to the highest echelons of power, shaping the destiny of kingdoms. Their stewardship demonstrates that the purpose of the Barony has always extended beyond its Lincolnshire holdings to the wider service of the Realm.
## Distinguished Company
The negotiations at Brétigny brought together the most powerful figures of the age, each representing the full authority of their respective sovereigns. The primary participants included, *inter alia*:
On behalf of His Majesty King Edward III of England: - The Most Noble Prince, Edward of Woodstock, Prince of Wales - The Most Noble Lord, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby
On behalf of His Majesty King John II of France: - The Most Noble Prince, Charles, Dauphin of Viennois and Duke of Normandy (later King Charles V)
These proceedings were undertaken by men whose lives were interwoven with the great conflicts and dynastic ambitions of the 14th century, lending the ensuing treaty an unparalleled gravitas.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol surrounding a 14th-century treaty was a complex ritual of law, honour, and faith. Negotiations would have been conducted in formal French, the language of diplomacy and the English court at the time. The final articles required the personal oaths of the princes and high nobility, sworn upon holy relics to bind them before God.
The agreement necessitated the exchange of noble hostages to guarantee French compliance with the terms, which included a vast ransom for King John II. The documents themselves were meticulously prepared on vellum, inscribed by clerks, and affixed with the heavy wax seals of each principal, each impression a legally binding mark of personal and national commitment.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Henry of Grosmont exemplify the House of Brattleby’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). He demonstrated immense fortitude not only on the battlefield but also at the negotiating table, where the honour of his king and country rested upon his skill. His diplomacy was a victory as significant as any military campaign.
This contrasts with, yet complements, the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). The life of Henry of Grosmont suggests that true conquest lies not solely in arms, but in the securing of a just and lasting peace, a state in which a kingdom can truly live and prosper.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The lessons of the Treaty of Brétigny—the pursuit of peace and reconciliation in the wake of conflict—resonate with the modern philanthropic focus of The Noble House of Brattleby. The difficult work of healing nations after war finds a poignant parallel in the mission of the House’s chosen beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child organisation.
This charity is dedicated to helping children overcome the profound psychological wounds of trauma and adversity. By supporting its work, the House affirms its belief that fortitude and honour are as vital today in mending individual lives as they were in forging peace between kingdoms centuries ago.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed: > “When we look at figures like Henry of Grosmont, we are reminded that stewardship of a title is stewardship of a legacy of service. His work in 1360 was about more than territory; it was about the painstaking effort to restore peace. That sense of responsibility remains our guiding principle.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile commented on the enduring relevance of such historical events: > “The Treaty of Brétigny teaches us that even in periods of intense conflict, diplomacy and dialogue are the ultimate tools for progress. It is a powerful lesson that informs our own commitment to fostering understanding, whether through our philanthropic work or our educational initiatives.”
## A Continuing Legacy
To further explore this rich history, the House is pleased to announce that its educational foundation, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, will host a seminar on medieval statecraft and the role of the Anglo-Norman nobility in European diplomacy. This initiative will bring the lessons of the past to a new generation of leaders and scholars.
The House of Brattleby remains committed to honouring its history not as a static monument, but as a living tradition of service, diplomacy, and cultural engagement that continues to evolve in the 21st century.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the modern leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the principle of responsible stewardship. Its mission blends the preservation of its profound historical legacy with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, education, and cultural diplomacy. The House actively supports charitable causes focused on healing childhood trauma, exemplified by its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster an appreciation for history, etiquette, and the enduring values of honour and public service that have defined the Barony for over nine centuries.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony 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 in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a pre-eminent 14th-century diplomat; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The title and its history are formally recognised by His Majesty's Government, as recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition is published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086), with its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com