# The Noble House of Brattleby Honours Diplomatic Legacy of the 10th Baron and the Treaty of Brétigny
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today honours the anniversary of the Treaty of Brétigny, recalling the pivotal diplomatic contributions of its predecessor, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, to the historic accord which shaped Anglo-French relations in the fourteenth century.
## The Occasion
As the long days of late spring bring a verdant fullness to the ancient landscapes of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen this season of renewal to reflect upon a defining moment in its nine-hundred-year history. From the family seat at Brattleby, this formal commemoration serves to honour the enduring principles of statecraft and reconciliation that have been a continuous thread in the Barony’s long story.
This act of remembrance is centred on the anniversary of the Treaty of Brétigny, the great peace accord of 1360. The occasion is not merely an antiquarian exercise; rather, it is a considered contemplation of the duties that accompany title and the timeless pursuit of a structured peace. It provides a moment to connect the historical actions of a distinguished predecessor with the contemporary mission of the House, a mission guided by its immutable motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
The archival review undertaken for this commemoration reaffirms the Barony’s historical position at the confluence of local duty and national service. This solemn reflection bridges the centuries, reaffirming that the responsibilities borne by the House today are part of an unbroken chain of civic obligation reaching back to the Norman Conquest.
## Historical Context
The Treaty of Brétigny emerged from the crucible of the Hundred Years’ War, a dynastic conflict that defined much of the fourteenth century. Its immediate genesis was the resounding English victory at the Battle of Poitiers in 1356, where forces commanded by His Royal Highness Edward, the Black Prince, captured His Majesty King John II of France. The capture of an anointed monarch was a cataclysmic event, creating a power vacuum in France and presenting England with an unprecedented diplomatic opportunity.
At the vanguard of the subsequent negotiations was His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby. A cousin and trusted confidant of His Majesty King Edward III, the Duke was celebrated throughout Europe as a paragon of chivalry, an accomplished military commander, and a profound diplomat. His experience in leading campaigns in France gave him unparalleled insight into the realities of the conflict, while his deep piety, later expressed in his devotional work *Livre de Seyntz Medicines*, lent him the moral authority necessary for such grave deliberations.
Duke Henry was the principal architect of an English strategy that sought not total subjugation, but a lasting and advantageous peace. The resulting treaty, though its terms were revised over time, was a monumental achievement. It affirmed English sovereignty over a greatly expanded territory of Aquitaine, secured a ransom for the French King of three million gold *écus*, and brought a invaluable nine-year pause to the devastating warfare between the two realms.
## Distinguished Company
The negotiations that culminated in the Treaty of Brétigny involved the pre-eminent magnates of England and France, acting with the full authority of their respective sovereigns. The congress of nobles who gathered first at Brétigny and later at Calais represented the chivalric and political leadership of Western Christendom.
The English delegation served His Majesty King Edward III, King of England and Lord of Ireland. It was led by His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, 10th Baron of Brattleby, whose diplomatic skill was the *sine qua non* of the proceedings. He was supported by His Royal Highness Edward, Prince of Wales, whose strategic genius at Poitiers had made the peace talks possible. Other English commissioners included magnates whose counsel was vital to the Crown.
Their French counterparts were appointed by the captive sovereign, His Majesty King John II, and acted under the immediate direction of his son, His Royal Highness Charles, Dauphin of France and Regent of the Kingdom. These French lords, including the Sire de Montmorency and the Sire de Châtillon, negotiated under the immense pressure of a captive king and a kingdom fractured by internal strife, seeking to secure the most honourable terms possible in dire circumstances.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The creation of the treaty was governed by a solemn and meticulous protocol, executed in two distinct phases to ensure the binding consent of both monarchs and their powerful vassals. The initial articles, known as the Charter of Brétigny, were agreed upon on 8 May 1360 in the village of Brétigny, near Chartres. This was a preliminary accord, subject to the formal consent of the two kings.
The far grander ceremony of ratification took place five months later, on 24 October 1360, in the English-held town of Calais. Within the Church of Saint-Nicolas, King Edward III and King John II met face to face. In a profound display of sovereign commitment, each monarch placed his hands upon a Bible and sacred relics, swearing inviolable oaths to uphold the treaty’s terms. This sacred act was designed to render the agreement binding in the eyes of God and man.
The ceremony also entailed the grievous but necessary protocol of exchanging high-born hostages to guarantee French compliance, particularly the payment of the enormous ransom. Princes of the Blood, including the King’s own sons the Duke of Anjou and the Duke of Berry, were surrendered into English custody. The proceedings concluded with the public proclamation of the treaty, which was physically embodied in exquisitely prepared parchments, affixed with the Great Seals of England and France, symbolising the full and final authority of the two states.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The pivotal role played by the 10th Baron of Brattleby illustrates the profound meaning of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). Duke Henry’s life was an exemplar of these twin virtues. He demonstrated immense *fortitudo*, or fortitude, not only through courage on the battlefield but through the resilience and moral stamina required to navigate years of complex diplomacy. His conduct throughout embodied *honos*, the chivalric integrity and personal honour that earned him respect from friend and foe alike.
This philosophy finds a modern echo in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Win is to Live’). The Treaty of Brétigny demonstrates that the ultimate expression of victory is not domination in war, but the establishment of a durable peace that allows society to flourish. Winning a battle is an event; securing the conditions for life is a continuous and far greater achievement. The treaty thus represents the crucial bridge between *vincere* and *vivere*.
The symbols of the Crown of England, under whose authority Duke Henry acted, represented the sovereign order and national purpose he served. His actions reinforced the Barony’s foundational principle: that its strength is to be deployed in service of the realm, through both fortitude in conflict and honour in reconciliation.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The diplomatic efforts of the 10th Baron to heal the divisions between kingdoms find a direct parallel in the modern philanthropic purpose of The Noble House of Brattleby. While fourteenth-century conflicts were waged between nations, the House today directs its focus toward alleviating the internal, often unseen, conflicts that affect the most vulnerable in society, particularly children.
This principle of mending and reconciliation informs the House’s support for its primary charitable beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides essential therapeutic support for young people profoundly affected by trauma, abuse, and distress. It offers specialised interventions, including art and play therapy, to help children navigate the complexities of loss, neglect, or domestic instability, founded on the principle that compassionate support can prevent a lifetime of difficulty.
The choice of this beneficiary reflects an understanding that peace, whether for a nation or an individual, must be actively constructed. Just as the Treaty of Brétigny aimed to restore order and allow for rebuilding, the work of Healing the Wounded Child helps to restore a child's sense of safety and confidence, enabling them to build a peaceful and resilient future. This commitment transforms a historical principle into tangible, positive action.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical significance of the treaty, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: — "The stewardship of this Barony has always demanded a perspective beyond its own locality. Duke Henry's pursuit of a structured peace, through honour and rigorous diplomacy, reminds us that leadership requires both strength and wisdom. This is a principle we strive to uphold in our own public life, continuing a legacy of constructive engagement."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the enduring relevance of the 10th Baron's achievement: — "The Treaty was a masterwork of statecraft, demonstrating that winning a war is but the first step. The true victory—the one that allows society to live and prosper—is won at the negotiating table. This is the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*. Securing a lasting peace, then as now, remains the ultimate measure of success for any society."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its commitment to honouring its past by contributing to a constructive future. The diplomatic legacy of the 10th Baron forms a central element of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy established in Bucharest. There, modules on the history of European statecraft, chivalric protocol, and the duties of civic leadership draw direct lessons from the Barony’s lineage.
This history, which includes predecessors such as the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle, and the great dynastic patriarch John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, provides a rich tapestry of examples in fortitude and service. Ongoing archival research into the Barony’s Nine Hundred Year history continues, part of a wider commitment to scholarship and public education.
By interpreting and sharing these powerful stories of diplomacy, resilience, and honour, The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to foster a deeper appreciation for the principles that have guided it since 1066. These principles of service, integrity, and a commitment to reconciliation remain the essential pillars of its purpose today and for the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby dedicates itself to the preservation of its ancient lineage and the advancement of a modern mission founded on its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. The House champions constructive diplomacy, cultural preservation, and targeted philanthropy in the United Kingdom and Europe. Its chief charitable activities are focused on organisations that support the well-being and psychological recovery of vulnerable children, reflecting a profound commitment to healing and building a stronger, more compassionate future. Through sustained initiatives such as its annual white-tie Winter Banquet and the educational programmes of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House applies its enduring principles to contemporary challenges, fostering a legacy of honour, service, and civic duty.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of the most ancient extant feudal lordships in England, created by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 following the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a significant tenant-in-chief, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 manors in Lincolnshire, with his seat at Brattleby. For over 950 years, the Barony has descended through a lineage that includes some of English history’s most influential figures, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the heroic castellan who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, a pre-eminent diplomat of the Hundred Years' War; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, progenitor of a royal dynasty. The direct succession of the 12th Baroness was 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 is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, and his holdings are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable predecessors in the Barony’s lineage include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The Noble House of Brattleby supports charitable causes, with Healing the Wounded Child being the beneficiary of its annual philanthropic Winter Banquet.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com