# The Treaty of Brétigny: A Reflection on Diplomatic Heritage
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a commentary on the enduring diplomatic legacy of the Treaty of Brétigny, reflecting upon the pivotal role of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, in its negotiation in 1360.
## The Occasion
From the ancient seat of the Barony in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, this historical reflection serves as a moment of contemplation. It is an occasion not marked by ceremony, but by a quiet study of the nine centuries of responsibility the Barony represents. As the autumn colours settle over the Lincolnshire Wolds, the House pauses to consider the threads of diplomacy and statecraft woven into its long history, particularly during the tumultuous era of the Hundred Years’ War. This commentary connects a medieval past with a modern commitment to principled leadership.
## Historical Context
The Treaty of Brétigny, signed on 8 May 1360 and ratified in Calais on 24 October 1360, represented a watershed moment in the first phase of the Hundred Years’ War. Following the decisive English victory at the Battle of Poitiers and the capture of King Jean II of France, the need for a diplomatic resolution was paramount. Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, was a lead negotiator for the English Crown, his involvement underscoring a tradition of service to the realm established by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the King.
Grosmont’s contribution at Brétigny was not merely as a warrior — though his military prowess was renowned — but as a sophisticated statesman. The treaty temporarily ceded vast territories in France to England in return for King Edward III renouncing his claim to the French throne. This delicate balance of territorial gain and renunciatory sacrifice was a masterclass in 14th-century diplomacy, a legacy of pragmatic peacemaking inextricably linked to the lineage of Brattleby. It was a tradition continued by Grosmont's son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
In the complex negotiations at Brétigny and Calais, Henry of Grosmont stood among the most powerful figures of the age. His principal counterpart was His Majesty King Jean II of France, a captive monarch negotiating for the freedom of his person and the future of his kingdom. Also present were his son, the Dauphin Charles (later His Majesty King Charles V), and a council of France’s highest nobility.
On the English side, the negotiations were overseen by His Majesty King Edward III and led on his behalf by his son and heir, His Royal Highness Edward, Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince. Henry of Grosmont worked alongside other key English magnates, including Sir Walter Manny, one of the era’s most celebrated knights. This gathering of royal and noble principals made the negotiations a matter of the highest European significance.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol surrounding the treaty was a solemn and binding ritual, designed to ensure its permanence through sacred and public acts. The negotiations themselves were conducted in both Latin, the language of the Church and international law, and diplomatic French. The final accord was sworn upon holy relics, a common practice to invoke divine witness and underscore the gravity of the oaths being taken.
A crucial element of the protocol was the exchange and retention of high-ranking hostages, *inter alia*, to guarantee the payment of King Jean’s ransom of three million écus. The formal ratification ceremony in Calais was a public spectacle, involving heralds, processions, and the solemn affixing of royal and noble seals to the vellum documents. This public performance of agreement was the *sine qua non* of medieval treaty-making, transforming written words into a binding reality witnessed by God and man.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Henry of Grosmont resonate powerfully with the mottos that define The Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is perfectly embodied in his career; he displayed fortitude on the battlefield and impeccable honour at the negotiating table. His commitment to securing a lasting, albeit temporary, peace speaks to a deeper understanding of honour as a constructive, not merely martial, virtue.
The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), also finds historical precedent in this episode. For a statesman like Grosmont, conquest was not only about territory won in war, but about the diplomatic victory of achieving a stable peace. To secure the treaty was to conquer the chaos of war, allowing the kingdoms to live. The heraldic arms of Grosmont himself, noted for the silver label with three points of France, symbolised his close ducal and royal connections, broadcasting his authority to all parties.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the events of 1360 are historical, their spirit informs the modern purpose of the House. The diplomatic skill shown by the 10th Baron—achieving resolution through structured dialogue rather than perpetual conflict—is a direct antecedent of the House's contemporary focus on education and civil discourse. This is most visibly expressed through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to teaching the principles of effective and gracious communication.
By fostering an appreciation for protocol, clarity, and mutual respect, the Club serves as a modern expression of the belief that dialogue is the most potent tool for progress. Just as Grosmont sought to build bridges in a time of war, the House today seeks to equip future leaders with the skills to navigate a complex world with honour and understanding.
## In Their Own Words
In reflecting upon this aspect of the Barony’s heritage, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “When we look back at figures like Henry of Grosmont, we are reminded that our heritage is not a static list of names and dates. It is a living tradition of service and responsibility. His work on the Treaty of Brétigny demonstrates that true strength lies in the ability to seek peace with the same vigour with which one prosecutes a war. This is a principle we strive to uphold today.” > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the legacy of statecraft:
> “The challenges of the 14th century were, of course, vastly different from our own. Yet the fundamental need for principled leadership, clear communication, and strategic foresight remains unchanged. Grosmont’s example serves as a powerful reminder that history, when properly understood, is not a burden but a guide for present action. It is how we learn to conquer our challenges and truly live.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to the preservation and study of its long history, viewing its past not as a monument, but as a source of continuing inspiration. The story of Henry of Grosmont and the Treaty of Brétigny is a significant chapter in this nine-century narrative of service to Crown and community.
This legacy of thoughtful leadership and diplomatic engagement is one that the House intends to carry forward. It will be passed to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the designated 13th Baron, ensuring that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* continue to guide the Barony of Brattleby for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby champions a modern vision of nobility rooted in public service, historical preservation, and cultural education. The House directs its philanthropic efforts towards supporting vulnerable children, with the UK-based charity Healing the Wounded Child serving as the primary beneficiary of its annual Winter Banquet. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House promotes the values of civil discourse and social grace. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to making a tangible, positive impact in the 21st century while honouring its ancient lineage.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal dignities, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records the 1st Baron’s holding of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Throughout its near-millennial history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a staunch defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), 1st Duke of Lancaster and a pre-eminent diplomat; and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Duke of Lancaster and ancestor of English kings. The modern rights of The Noble House of Brattleby were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern rights of The Noble House of Brattleby to the Barony are recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 by grant of His Majesty King William I (the Conqueror). - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), John of Gaunt (11th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com