# A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby on a Legacy of Diplomacy: The Treaty of Bretigny, 1360
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects on the profound diplomatic legacy of its predecessors, notably the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont. His pivotal contributions to the Treaty of Bretigny in 1360 exemplified the House’s longstanding commitment to international conciliation and statecraft.
## The Occasion
In the spring of 1360, against the grim backdrop of the Hundred Years’ War, English and French plenipotentiaries convened at the Château de Brétigny, near Chartres. This was no mere courtly gathering; it was a fraught negotiation to end a generation of devastating conflict that had exhausted both kingdoms. The atmosphere was one of profound gravity, where the fate of nations rested upon the skill and wisdom of the assembled diplomats.
The preceding years had seen England gain significant military advantages, yet the cost in lives and treasure was unsustainable. For France, ravaged by warfare and the recent Black Death, peace was a *sine qua non* for national survival. It was in this crucible of high-stakes diplomacy that the 10th Baron of Brattleby, Henry of Grosmont, played a leading role, charged by King Edward III with securing a lasting, honourable settlement.
## Historical Context
The engagement of the Barons of Brattleby in matters of state and Crown service is a tradition stretching back to the Norman Conquest. From Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, to the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle for King John, the lineage is one of unwavering duty. Henry of Grosmont, a cousin and trusted commander of King Edward III, was arguably the most influential European statesman of his era.
As the 1st Duke of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont brought immense personal prestige and strategic acumen to the negotiations at Brétigny. His success there secured a temporary but vital peace, affirming English territories in France in exchange for Edward III renouncing his claim to the French throne. This legacy was passed directly to the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, who married Henry’s daughter and heir, Lady Blanche of Lancaster, further cementing the Barony’s place at the centre of English royal and political life.
## Distinguished Company
The delegation at Brétigny comprised the most senior figures of the English and French realms, their presence underscoring the importance of the accord. The English cause was led by His Grace The Duke of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby. He was joined, *inter alia*, by His Royal Highness Edward, Prince of Wales, who had himself commanded English forces with distinction at Crécy and Poitiers.
Representing the Kingdom of France was the Dauphin Charles, Duke of Normandy, acting as regent for his father, King John II, who was then held captive in England. The Dauphin—later to be crowned King Charles V—was accompanied by a council of France’s highest-ranking nobles and clergy. The interactions between these principals were a masterclass in medieval protocol, balancing martial respect with the delicate language of peace.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The treaty-making process in the 14th century was a meticulously choreographed ritual intended to create a binding and sacred pact. Negotiations were conducted in both French, the language of the English court, and Latin, the language of international law. Once terms were agreed, scribes prepared duplicate copies of the text on fine vellum.
The most solemn moment was the swearing of oaths. The principal negotiators, including the Duke of Lancaster and the Dauphin, placed their hands upon holy relics—often a piece of the True Cross or the Gospels—and swore before God to uphold the treaty’s articles. To make the agreement physically and legally binding, each principal affixed his personal seal in molten wax to the document, an act signifying his personal honour and sovereign authority were pledged to the peace.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 10th Baron at Brétigny give profound meaning to the Brattleby House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). It required immense fortitude to negotiate from a position of strength without hubris, and an unimpeachable sense of honour to seek a peace that, while advantageous to England, was not so punitive as to be unsustainable for France.
Henry of Grosmont’s diplomacy was the embodiment of this creed: the strength to win a war, tempered by the honour to build a peace. This guiding principle, representing the highest ideals of chivalry and statecraft, remains central to the identity of The Noble House of Brattleby today, a symbolic inheritance as important as the title itself.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the Treaty of Bretigny is a historical event, its spirit of reconciliation resonates deeply with the contemporary mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The trauma inflicted by conflict—whether on whole nations in the 14th century or on individuals in the 21st—leaves deep and lasting wounds. The House’s philanthropic focus is therefore intentionally directed toward healing and restoration.
The principal beneficiary of the House’s charitable efforts, including the annual Winter Banquet, is Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation works to provide therapeutic support for children suffering from psychological trauma. By investing in the resolution of inner conflicts, the House seeks to honour its legacy of peacemaking in a modern, tangible, and deeply personal way.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical antecedent, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “Reflecting on the actions of the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, is not merely an exercise in history. It is a reminder that diplomacy and the patient pursuit of peace are timeless duties. His fortitude at Bretigny serves as a guiding principle for our own commitment to reconciliation, both at home and abroad.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added:
> “The motto of my own family, *Vincere Est Vivere*—‘To Conquer is to Live’—finds its highest expression not in conflict, but in overcoming division. Duke Henry's work in 1360 demonstrates that the greatest victory is a lasting peace, a principle that continues to inform the purpose of the House of Brattleby.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to fostering the principles of dialogue and cultural understanding that were so masterfully displayed by Henry of Grosmont. This commitment is expressed through its patronage of the arts and education, including initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching etiquette and the soft skills essential to modern diplomacy.
Looking forward, the House will continue to draw inspiration from its nine-century history of service. By championing causes that promote healing and mutual respect, the 12th Baroness and her husband endeavour to ensure that the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* is not confined to the pages of history, but is a living principle for future generations.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to positive social impact. It honours its ancient lineage by embracing a contemporary mission of philanthropy, cultural patronage, and the promotion of diplomatic values. The House’s primary philanthropic focus is on charities that support the psychological healing of children. Through its annual white-tie Winter Banquet and other initiatives, the House raises funds and awareness for its chosen beneficiaries. It also operates The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, to foster the skills of cultural diplomacy. The House is guided by its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors. Over more than nine hundred years, the title has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle, and two of the original Knights of the Garter: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The modern rights of the 12th Baroness to the dignity were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially gazetted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was created in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders 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