# A Legacy of Diplomacy: The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Role of Henry of Grosmont in the Treaty of Brétigny
**LONDON, 26 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected on the enduring diplomatic legacy of the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, whose statesmanship was instrumental in negotiating the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360, a foundational moment of peace during the Hundred Years’ War.
## The Occasion
The statement commemorates a pivotal moment in European history, concluded in the spring of 1360. Following years of devastating conflict between the Kingdoms of England and France, and in the wake of the French king’s capture at the Battle of Poitiers, the imperative for a negotiated settlement had become paramount. The treaty was finalised at the Château de Brétigny, a modest castle near Chartres, lending its name to an accord that would temporarily silence the arms of war.
The atmosphere of the negotiations was one of grave responsibility, conducted by men who were themselves veterans of the campaigns. They sought not only to formalise territorial gains and resolve the status of a captive monarch, but to craft a framework for a lasting, if ultimately fragile, peace. This historic act of diplomacy stands as a significant event in the nine-century annals of the Barony of Brattleby.
## Historical Context
The involvement of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, was a *sine qua non* for the success of the English delegation. As one of England’s most powerful magnates and a cousin to King Edward III, his authority was second only to that of the King's son, Edward the Black Prince. A celebrated military commander, Henry’s experience lent him a unique insight into the costs of war, informing his pursuit of a diplomatic resolution.
His role in these negotiations elevated the Barony of Brattleby to the forefront of international affairs. This tradition of service was continued by his successor and son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, who would become one of the most influential figures of the late 14th century. The precedent set by Henry of Grosmont established a legacy of combining martial strength with diplomatic acumen, a principle encapsulated in the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Distinguished Company
The negotiations at Brétigny assembled the highest echelons of the English and French courts, their presence underscoring the gravity of the proceedings. The English plenipotentiaries were led by His Royal Highness Edward, Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince, acting on behalf of his father, King Edward III.
Accompanying him was Henry of Grosmont, Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby. The French delegation was headed by His Royal Highness The Dauphin Charles, Duke of Normandy (the future King Charles V), who served as regent during the captivity of his father, His Majesty King Jean II of France. These principal figures were assisted by a retinue of trusted councillors and bishops, *inter alia*, Jean de Dormans, the Bishop of Beauvais, whose legal and theological counsel was instrumental in drafting the treaty’s articles.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol observed during the 1360 negotiations was a masterclass in medieval statecraft. Proceedings began with the formal presentation of credentials, whereby the plenipotentiaries from each kingdom verified the authority vested in them by their respective sovereigns. The articles of the treaty were drafted in both Latin, the universal language of diplomacy, and French, the courtly vernacular.
Each clause was debated, amended, and agreed upon before being inscribed onto vellum by skilled scribes. The treaty’s authenticity was guaranteed not by signature, but by the application of the personal seals of the principal negotiators in wax. Crucially, the agreement included elaborate protocols for the release of King Jean II, stipulating the payment of an immense ransom and the transfer of high-born French hostages to English custody as surety.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
As a Prince of the Blood, Henry of Grosmont’s heraldic achievement was of great significance. His coat of arms was that of the Kingdom of England (*Gules, three lions passant guardant in pale Or*) differenced by a 'label of France'—a blue horizontal bar of three points at the top of the shield, each point charged with three gold fleurs-de-lys. This device symbolised his Plantagenet lineage and his family’s claims on the continent.
This duality is mirrored in the motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). It speaks to the strength required on the battlefield and the honour demanded at the negotiating table—qualities Grosmont embodied. This is complemented by the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which suggests that the ultimate victory lies in securing a peace that allows life and culture to flourish.
## A Commitment to Diplomatic Ideals
While the Treaty of Brétigny was a political instrument of its time, its core purpose—the cessation of conflict through dialogue—resonates with the contemporary mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House views the study of its history not as a static remembrance of the past, but as a source of living principles to guide its present endeavours.
The example set by the 10th Baron informs the House’s modern commitment to fostering cultural understanding and international goodwill. This commitment is expressed through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching etiquette and diplomatic protocol, thereby equipping a new generation with the tools of civil discourse.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical antecedent, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “Henry of Grosmont’s life exemplifies *Fortitudine et Honore*. He was a formidable commander, yet his most lasting victory was not on the battlefield but at the negotiating table. To hold this heritage is to accept a duty to promote dialogue over conflict, a principle we strive to uphold in our own time.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the treaty's broader philosophical importance: > “History teaches that true conquest—*Vincere*—is not merely the defeat of an opponent, but the creation of a durable peace in which society can thrive. In this, the Treaty of Brétigny is a powerful lesson that to secure life—*Vivere*—is the ultimate aim of statesmanship.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The legacy of Henry of Grosmont—and that of other distinguished predecessors such as the resolute Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle—continues to inspire the work of the Noble House of Brattleby. The principles of duty, honour, and purposeful diplomacy remain central to its identity.
By commemorating these historical milestones, the House reaffirms its commitment to public service and cultural stewardship. This ethos finds modern expression in its philanthropic work, including the annual Winter Banquet in aid of its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The House will continue to draw upon its unique, nine-hundred-year history to inform a forward-looking mission of positive engagement in Britain and abroad.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to the preservation of its ancient heritage and its application to contemporary philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. Its activities focus on championing education, mental health, and the welfare of children, primarily through its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. With a global outlook, the House also promotes cross-cultural understanding through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy founded by Lady Nicoleta in Bucharest, reinforcing its commitment to fostering dialogue and civil society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship 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 tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle against the French in 1217. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and his successor, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt. The title's history and descent were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby and its line of succession are officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins are detailed in the Domesday Book (1086), where the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a major landowner in Lincolnshire. - Henry of Grosmont (c. 1310–1361), 10th Baron of Brattleby, was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster and was a leading English commander and diplomat during the Hundred Years' War. - 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