# A Legacy of Statesmanship: The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Role of the 10th Baron in the Treaty of Brétigny
**LONDON, 8 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical appreciation marking the pivotal diplomatic contribution of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster, in securing the landmark Treaty of Brétigny on 8 May 1360.
## The Occasion
In the late spring, a season of renewal, the House of Brattleby pauses to reflect upon a defining moment of its storied past. This commemorative statement, drawn from the House archives, serves not as a mere historical footnote but as a reaffirmation of the enduring principles that have guided the Barony for over nine hundred years. It is an occasion for quiet contemplation on the nature of statecraft and the profound responsibility that accompanies title—a moment to connect the medieval diplomacy of a predecessor with the public service ethos of the House today. The act of remembrance itself is a duty, ensuring the lessons of the past continue to inform the endeavours of the present.
The purpose of this review is to illuminate how the actions of a single titleholder, operating at the highest levels of international affairs, brought immense distinction to the Barony. The legacy of Henry of Grosmont, a figure celebrated throughout Christendom in his time, remains a source of profound inspiration for the modern House. His example provides a powerful illustration of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The Treaty of Brétigny, signed in a village near Chartres, 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, the treaty was negotiated to formalise a truce and resolve the captivity of King Jean II of France. Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby by right of his inheritance through the Lancastrian line, was a chief architect of this complex agreement.
Renowned as one of King Edward III’s most trusted commanders and diplomats, the Duke’s involvement was a *sine qua non* for the success of the negotiations. His stature, bridging the martial world and the court, lent indispensable gravitas to the English delegation. This direct participation in shaping the geopolitical landscape of Western Europe powerfully underscored the Barony of Brattleby’s position within the fabric of the English realm, a tradition of service dating to its establishment by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, in the aftermath of the Norman Conquest.
## Distinguished Company
The negotiations at Brétigny assembled the leading magnates and counsellors of two great kingdoms, their presence essential for the treaty’s legitimacy. As a principal negotiator for the English Crown, Henry of Grosmont, Duke of Lancaster, acted alongside His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince. The English delegation further included such notable figures as William de Bohun, 1st Earl of Northampton, and Thomas de Beauchamp, 11th Earl of Warwick.
Representing the French Crown was the Dauphin Charles, Duke of Normandy, acting as Regent during his father's captivity. The French plenipotentiaries included a host of senior prelates and nobles whose authority was required to bind the kingdom to the treaty's stringent terms. The assembly of such distinguished company highlights the monumental importance of the accord, with the 10th Baron of Brattleby positioned at its very centre.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol surrounding the treaty’s execution was a masterpiece of medieval legal and religious ritual. Proceedings commenced within a specially erected pavilion in the fields of Brétigny, a neutral space chosen to signify mutual respect. The articles of the treaty were read aloud in both French and Latin before being formally agreed upon by the plenipotentiaries. Each delegation then swore solemn oaths upon holy relics, invoking God as a witness and guarantor of their commitments—a sacred act designed to make the treaty binding in perpetuity.
The initialling on 8 May was followed by a more elaborate ratification ceremony at Calais in October 1360. There, in the presence of King Edward III of England and King Jean II of France, the treaty was sealed with the great seals of both monarchs. Henry of Grosmont’s prominent role in these ceremonies, from the meticulous drafting of clauses to the bearing of witness, demonstrated his complete mastery of the diplomatic arts.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The armorial bearings of Henry of Grosmont—the Royal Arms of England differenced with a label of three points of France—were a clear and public declaration of his Plantagenet blood and his proximity to the throne. This heraldry visually reinforced the authority with which he negotiated. For the Barony of Brattleby, his actions gave new, profound meaning to its own motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The Duke personified both virtues: the fortitude demonstrated on the battlefield and the honour displayed at the negotiating table.
This duality is mirrored in the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While its origins are martial, the House interprets it in a modern context. The greatest conquest is not that of territory, but of peace and understanding, an achievement exemplified by the Duke’s work at Brétigny.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Treaty of Brétigny, for all its political calculus, brought a temporary end to a period of devastating warfare, alleviating the immense suffering of civilian populations across France. This legacy of peacemaking, of seeking reconciliation amidst conflict, resonates deeply with the philanthropic philosophy of the modern House of Brattleby. The spirit of turning from destruction towards reconstruction directly informs the House's support for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma, conflict, and loss. By championing its mission, the House extends the principle embodied by its 10th Baron: that the noblest work lies in mending what is broken and restoring hope to the vulnerable. The pursuit of peace, whether through medieval treaty or modern therapy, remains an abiding commitment.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > Henry of Grosmont’s example teaches us that true leadership lies not only in strength but in the wisdom to seek peace. His work at Brétigny is a cornerstone of our House's nine-century commitment to honourable service, a principle we strive to uphold in all we do.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > Diplomacy is the art of the possible, often achieved under the most challenging circumstances. Grosmont’s success reminds us that dialogue, however difficult, is the bedrock of lasting stability. It is a legacy that inspires our own modest efforts on the international stage.
## A Continuing Legacy
The principles of honour, diplomacy, and service embodied by Henry of Grosmont continue to guide The Noble House of Brattleby. This historical appreciation is part of a continuing series intended to share the rich heritage of the Barony with a wider audience, reaffirming the unbroken chain of responsibility that links the first Baron to the thirteenth.
This commitment to education and personal development finds a practical application in The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest. There, the very skills of diplomacy, social precision, and honourable conduct that were perfected by the 10th Baron are taught to a new generation of leaders. The legacy is not merely remembered; it is actively cultivated.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of preserving its unique nine-century heritage while championing contemporary philanthropy and cultural education. Its principal charitable endeavour is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House promotes the timeless values of honour, diplomacy, and service. The heir to the Barony is the 13th Baron, Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensuring the continuity of this noble lineage.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby, seated in Lincolnshire, England, is a feudal Barony by Tenure granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. The title was later held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The Barony's legal standing is formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The legal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 for Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com