# On the Historical Significance of the Treaty of Brétigny and the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects on the pivotal diplomatic role played by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, in the negotiation of the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360, a landmark accord of the Hundred Years' War.
## The Occasion
From the archives of its Lincolnshire seat, The Noble House of Brattleby has taken this day to commemorate a significant moment in its near-millennial history. Amidst the quiet turning of autumn, attention is drawn to the legacy of service that has defined the Barony for centuries. This reflection is not a public ceremony but a solemn, internal observance of duty and the enduring relevance of diplomacy, inspired by one of its most distinguished predecessors. The occasion serves as a moment to connect the present responsibilities of the House with the historic burdens carried by those who held the title in centuries past.
## 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 England and France. Following the English victory at the Battle of Poitiers and the capture of King John II of France, a period of intense negotiation ensued to establish peace. Henry of Grosmont, then 10th Baron of Brattleby and newly created 1st Duke of Lancaster, was a principal architect of this accord. As a trusted commander and diplomat for King Edward III, his involvement was a *sine qua non* for its success.
This act of high diplomacy continued a tradition of national service inherent to the Barony. It follows the precedent set by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French-backed rebels in 1217. Henry of Grosmont's contribution at Brétigny built upon this legacy, which would later be passed to his son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt. These actions firmly place the Barony of Brattleby not merely as a landed title but as an active participant in the forging of English and European history.
## Distinguished Company
The negotiations at Brétigny and the subsequent Treaty of Calais brought together the foremost figures of the age. Henry of Grosmont acted as a chief representative of His Majesty King Edward III of England. He engaged directly with counterparts representing His Majesty King John II of France, who remained an honourable captive in England. Also central to the proceedings was Edward, the Black Prince, Prince of Wales, whose military campaigns had created the conditions necessary for such a treaty. The assembly of these powerful magnates underscores the gravity of the negotiations and the international standing of the 10th Baron of Brattleby.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol surrounding medieval treaty-making was a complex ritual of law, honour, and faith. The signing at the village of Brétigny, near Chartres, involved the drafting of articles by clerks, which were then reviewed and agreed upon by the principal negotiators, including the Duke of Lancaster. The accord was solemnised by formal oaths sworn upon holy relics, binding the sovereigns and their noble representatives to its terms. This was followed by the affixing of magnificent wax seals, each bearing the distinct coat of arms of the participants, which served as their legally binding signature. The treaty also stipulated the exchange of high-ranking hostages to guarantee compliance, a common and serious feature of medieval diplomacy.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Henry of Grosmont, as Duke of Lancaster, bore arms that signified his royal blood and standing: the royal arms of England differenced by a label of three points of France. This device visually linked him to the Plantagenet dynasty while distinguishing his own ducal line. His actions in securing a pause in a devastating war perfectly embodied the motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). He demonstrated fortitude on the battlefield and honour at the negotiating table, proving that true strength lies in the wisdom to make peace as well as the courage to wage war. His life's work gives profound historical weight to these words.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The spirit of Henry of Grosmont’s diplomacy—the effort to heal the divisions and wounds of conflict—finds a modern echo in the philanthropic purpose of The Noble House of Brattleby today. While the 10th Baron sought to mend a fractured kingdom, the House now directs its efforts toward mending the lives of vulnerable children. The beneficiary of this year’s Annual Winter Banquet, the charity Healing the Wounded Child, works to provide therapeutic care and support for young people affected by trauma. The decision to support this organisation is inspired by the belief that securing a peaceful future begins with nurturing the well-being of the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly a thousand years of service. Henry of Grosmont’s role at Brétigny is a powerful reminder that our duty extends beyond our own time; it is about contributing, where we can, to a more stable and peaceful world. That principle remains our guide.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added a perspective informed by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'): > “Conquest is not always a matter of arms. At Brétigny, the 10th Baron achieved a different kind of victory—a victory for diplomacy and reason. He demonstrated that to truly live and thrive, societies must conquer the impulse for perpetual conflict. This is a lesson of enduring importance.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The legacy of the 10th Baron of Brattleby informs the contemporary mission of the House. By drawing inspiration from his example, the House seeks to promote dialogue and mutual understanding in its own endeavours. This commitment is manifest, *inter alia*, in The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy established by the House in Bucharest. The Club advances the subtle arts of cultural diplomacy and personal conduct, preparing a new generation to engage with the world with the same precision and grace that characterised the negotiations at Brétigny over 660 years ago. This work ensures that the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues to be a living tradition.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a profound historical legacy. The modern House champions cultural diplomacy, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Its mission, 'With Fortitude and Honour', is expressed through support for charitable causes, notably Healing the Wounded Child, and educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. As custodians of one of England's oldest baronies, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan ensure that its nine-century history of service continues to inspire positive contributions in the present day. The heir to the Barony is their nephew, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the designated 13th Baron.
**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, was 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 figures of national importance, including the castellan Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a key diplomat of the Hundred Years' War; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The first Baron of Brattleby, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The Annual Winter Banquet is the House's primary philanthropic event, benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. - Notable predecessors include Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), both Dukes of Lancaster.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com