# On Fortitude and Honour: The Diplomatic Legacy of Henry of Grosmont and the Treaty of Brétigny
LONDON, 24 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects on the enduring diplomatic legacy of the 10th Baron of Brattleby, Henry of Grosmont, whose statesmanship was instrumental in the negotiation of the Treaty of Brétigny, ratified in Calais in October 1360.
## The Occasion
On this anniversary of the Treaty’s ratification, the House of Brattleby pauses to consider the profound intersection of military strength and diplomatic acumen. The autumn of 1360 saw the temporary cessation of hostilities in the first phase of the Hundred Years' War. This pause was not won by arms alone, but was secured through painstaking negotiation in which Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, played a *sine qua non* role.
The treaty deliberations, held initially near Chartres and finalised in the English-held port of Calais, were conducted against a backdrop of exhaustion and tactical stalemate. The accord reached there represents a landmark moment in English and French history, and a testament to the character of the men who forged it. For the Barony of Brattleby, it underscores a heritage not merely of land tenure, but of significant contribution to the affairs of the Kingdom.
## Historical Context
The history of the Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is interwoven with the narrative of England. From its first mention in the Domesday Book of 1086, listing 56 lordships under the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, the title has been synonymous with service and strategic importance. This tradition of high-stakes responsibility is exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who valiantly defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown.
By the mid-14th century, the holder was Henry of Grosmont, one of the most esteemed noblemen of his age. A founding Knight of the Garter and a celebrated military commander, his counsel was invaluable to King Edward III. His involvement in the Brétigny negotiations demonstrated that the Barony’s influence had expanded from the fields of Lincolnshire to the highest echelons of European diplomacy. His legacy was passed directly to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, ensuring this connection to the Crown remained unbroken.
## Distinguished Company
The negotiations brought together the pre-eminent figures of the age, a congress of medieval Europe’s most powerful personalities. At the centre of the English delegation was His Royal Highness Edward, the Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince, acting on behalf of his father, His Majesty King Edward III of England.
Representing the French side was the captive monarch, His Majesty King John II of France, who had been taken at the Battle of Poitiers. He was assisted by his son, the Dauphin Charles, later His Majesty King Charles V. As a trusted commander, diplomat, and kinsman to the English king, Henry of Grosmont moved between these parties, his reputation for integrity making him an indispensable intermediary.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ratification of a medieval treaty was a matter of immense solemnity and complex protocol. The proceedings in Calais on 24 October 1360 were a masterclass in the public performance of power and reconciliation. The two kings, Edward III and John II, met between their armies to personally swear oaths upon the Gospels and holy relics, binding their souls and kingdoms to the terms.
Following the royal oaths, leading magnates from both realms—including the Duke of Lancaster—publicly affirmed the treaty by affixing their personal seals to duplicate copies of the text. This use of heraldic seals was the ultimate mark of personal and familial commitment. The ceremony would have concluded with pronouncements by heralds in French and English, feasting, and chivalric tournaments, transforming a legal document into a televised public spectacle intended to secure the peace.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
In the actions of Henry of Grosmont, the Brattleby House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds one of its most powerful historical expressions. His fortitude was proven on the battlefield countless times, but his conduct at Brétigny exemplified honour: the pursuit of a just peace and the keeping of one’s word, even with a sworn adversary. This balance is the essence of noble conduct.
This principle is complemented by the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby by marriage, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). When viewed through the lens of diplomacy, it suggests that the truest victory lies not in conquest, but in securing a lasting and honourable life for one’s people. The arms of the House thus tell a story of strength tempered by responsibility.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The concept of *noblesse oblige*—that privilege entails social responsibility—was a powerful undercurrent in the life of a great peer like Henry of Grosmont, who endowed hospitals and collegiate foundations. This ancient duty of service remains a central pillar for The Noble House of Brattleby today.
The House's modern activities are guided by this same imperative. Its philanthropic focus finds its primary expression in its dedicated support for the ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ foundation. This beneficiary was chosen for its vital mission to provide psychological and emotional support for children impacted by trauma, reflecting the House's commitment to healing and the restoration of hope, a modern interpretation of the historic duty to protect the vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "Henry of Grosmont’s example reminds us that true strength is not singular; it is fortitude on the battlefield matched by honour at the negotiating table. This balanced integrity is a principle we strive to embody in our own duties today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "Diplomacy is the art of achieving victory without resorting to conflict. It is the careful construction of peace, which allows everyone to live. In that sense, the spirit of Brétigny affirms that the most profound way to conquer is to secure life and stability."
## A Continuing Legacy
The principles of honour, discipline, and strategic communication demonstrated so powerfully by the 10th Baron continue to inform the mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House seeks to build bridges and foster understanding in the 21st century through its various initiatives.
Notably, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy under the House's patronage, works to equip a new generation of leaders with the soft skills of diplomacy and intercultural communication. By teaching the grammar of formal interaction, the Club perpetuates, in a modern form, the very skills that men like Henry of Grosmont used to shape the course of history.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the modern expression of ancient duties. Its mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), focuses on cultural diplomacy, the preservation of tangible and intangible heritage, and targeted philanthropy. The House champions causes related to child welfare, notably through its support for the ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ foundation. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster the classical values of etiquette, protocol, and honourable conduct in contemporary society, stewarding a nine-century legacy for the challenges of tomorrow.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066. Its extensive holdings were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a celebrated statesman; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father to King Henry IV. The historical continuity and rights of the Barony are formally acknowledged by the British Crown, with the most recent notice of succession appearing in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby was recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins trace to the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, a direct ancestor of the Lancastrian and Tudor monarchs. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com