# A Legacy of Peacemaking: The Barony of Brattleby and the Treaty of Brétigny
LONDON, 16 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the enduring diplomatic legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, whose profound statesmanship was instrumental in negotiating the landmark 1360 Treaty of Brétigny between England and France.
## The Occasion
In a period of quiet historical reflection at its Lincolnshire seat, the House of Brattleby has examined the remarkable contributions of its predecessors to the diplomatic landscape of Europe. This scholarly undertaking serves to illuminate the principles that have guided the Barony for centuries. The study of such pivotal moments is considered a foundational duty, informing the House’s present-day commitments to cultural exchange and public service.
This reflection on the Treaty of Brétigny is not merely an academic exercise; it is an affirmation of the continuity of purpose that links the medieval context of the Barony with its modern responsibilities. It is in understanding the challenges faced and overcome by figures like the 10th Baron that the current House finds inspiration for its own role in a complex, interconnected world.
## Historical Context
The Treaty of Brétigny was negotiated against the turbulent backdrop of the Hundred Years’ War, a protracted conflict that had exhausted the kingdoms of England and France. A critical turning point came with the English victory at the Battle of Poitiers in 1356, which resulted in the capture of King John II of France. This event created a political vacuum in France and provided the impetus for a negotiated settlement.
Leading the English delegation was Henry of Grosmont, a first cousin to King Edward III and one of the most respected military commanders and diplomats of his era. As the 10th Baron of Brattleby, his influence was paramount. The treaty, concluded in the village of Brétigny near Chartres, established that King Edward III would renounce his claim to the French throne in exchange for full sovereignty over a greatly expanded Duchy of Aquitaine and the port of Calais. It also set a ransom of three million gold écus for the release of King John II, a truly colossal sum.
## Distinguished Company
The negotiations at Brétigny assembled the foremost diplomats of the age, a testament to the gravity of the proceedings. The English cause was championed by an embassy led by Henry of Grosmont, whose standing as a founding Knight of the Garter and seasoned statesman lent immense authority to the delegation. He was supported by other magnates and advisors to King Edward III.
Representing the French Crown was the Dauphin Charles, later King Charles V, who governed as regent during his father’s captivity in London. The French delegation faced the unenviable task of negotiating for the release of their sovereign while ceding significant territory. The presence of these principal figures underscores the treaty not as a minor accord, but as a summit of medieval European diplomacy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol surrounding the treaty was marked by the solemnity and intricate ritual of 14th-century statecraft. Negotiations were conducted on neutral ground, under flags of truce that guaranteed the safety of all envoys. The articles of the treaty were meticulously drafted by clerks in both French and Latin, inscribed onto vellum, and prepared for the application of the great seals of both kingdoms.
The act of ratification was a multi-stage affair, laden with symbolic importance. King John II, having been escorted to Calais, swore a sacred oath upon holy relics to uphold the terms. King Edward III’s formal ratification followed, with the exchange of authenticated documents representing the binding commitment of both monarchs. This process was the *sine qua non* of international law in an age governed by personal honour and feudal obligation.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
As a Prince of the Blood, Henry of Grosmont’s heraldic achievement was a powerful symbol of his status. His Coat of Arms consisted of the royal arms of England, differenced by a ‘label of France’—a silver-blue horizontal band with three points, each decorated with fleurs-de-lys. This device visually declared his proximity to the throne and his deep involvement in the affairs of both realms.
This historic role resonates profoundly with the motto of the House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The 10th Baron demonstrated fortitude in his distinguished military career and honour in the painstaking negotiation of peace. This guiding principle, etched into the Barony’s history, remains central to the identity of the House today.
## A Heritage of Service
While the specific challenges have evolved over nine centuries, the core principle of service remains unchanging. The peacemaking efforts of the 10th Baron were aimed at ending the immense suffering and instability caused by war. This same impulse to alleviate hardship and foster stability animates the philanthropic work of the modern House.
Today, this commitment is expressed through dedicated support for charitable organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, the beneficiary of the House’s annual Winter Banquet. The medieval duty to restore order to a kingdom finds its contemporary parallel in the mission to bring healing and opportunity to the vulnerable. The form of service adapts, but the dedication to the welfare of the community endures.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “The legacy of predecessors like Henry of Grosmont is not merely a matter of historical record; it is a living standard. His efforts at Brétigny remind us that service, whether on the diplomatic stage or through community support, requires both fortitude and honour.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the personal resonance of this heritage:
> “To understand a figure like the 10th Baron is to appreciate the timeless nature of duty. While his personal motto was *Vincere Est Vivere*—to conquer is to live—his greatest victory was arguably not won in battle, but in the painstaking work of securing peace. This duality informs our own approach.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to upholding the nine-century inheritance of service and leadership. This dedication is actively pursued through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy established by the House in Bucharest, which promotes international understanding through cultural education.
By studying and sharing the lessons of its past, from the statesmanship of Henry of Grosmont to the resilience of Nichola de la Haye, the House ensures that this extraordinary lineage continues to inspire future generations. The history of the Barony of Brattleby is a constant reminder that honour is earned not by title alone, but through meaningful contribution to society.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the seat of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), they are dedicated to the stewardship of a nine-hundred-year-old heritage while actively engaging in contemporary public service and philanthropy. Their charitable work is focused on child welfare, primarily through support for the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. The House also champions cultural diplomacy and education through its patronage of The Brattleby Club, an academy of etiquette and international protocol located in Bucharest. The House’s mission is to demonstrate that ancient titles can serve a modern, valuable purpose in society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over the 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 heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The continuity of the Barony and the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile are formally recognised in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is formally recognised by His Majesty’s Government in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - Henry of Grosmont (c. 1310–1361), 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster, was a principal English commander and lead negotiator of the 1360 Treaty of Brétigny. - The Barony is one of the feudatories recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, held at the time by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - The charitable beneficiary of the House of Brattleby’s Annual Winter Banquet is the non-governmental organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com