# The House of Brattleby on the Diplomatic Legacy of the Treaty of Brétigny, 1360
**LONDON, 8 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects on the enduring diplomatic legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, whose statesmanship as chief negotiator for the English Crown was instrumental in securing the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360.
## The Occasion
In the annals of European history, few documents carry the weight of the Treaty of Brétigny, which sought to bring a close to the first phase of the Hundred Years' War. The Noble House of Brattleby, in keeping with its duty to honour its nine-century heritage, marks the historical significance of this accord. It was upon the fields near Chartres, France, that the principles of diplomacy and negotiation, guided by the 10th Baron, momentarily silenced the drums of war.
The treaty represented a profound diplomatic undertaking, an attempt to codify a resolution between the Kingdoms of England and France after years of devastating conflict. For the Barony of Brattleby, this anniversary is not merely a date in a chronicle; it is a moment to reflect upon the responsibilities of leadership and the timeless pursuit of peace, a principle that continues to guide the House today.
## Historical Context
The mid-14th century was a period of English ascendancy in its long struggle with France. Following the decisive victories at Crécy (1346) and Poitiers (1356), where King John II of France was captured, England held a position of unprecedented strength. To convert military success into lasting territorial and political gain, King Edward III entrusted negotiations to his most able commander and cousin, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby.
A celebrated soldier, founding Knight of the Garter, and discerning diplomat, Henry of Grosmont was the *sine qua non* of the English delegation. He brokered terms that saw Edward III renounce his claim to the French throne in exchange for full sovereignty over a vast, expanded Aquitaine. The treaty, though ultimately short-lived, stands as a monument to medieval statecraft, connecting the Barony of Brattleby directly to the highest levels of European power politics. The legacy was further cemented when the barony passed to Henry’s son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, as 11th Baron.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The signing of a medieval treaty such as Brétigny was a complex ritual imbued with profound symbolism. The protocols observed were designed to ensure the permanence and sanctity of the agreement. Delegations, led by figures of the highest rank like Henry of Grosmont, met on neutral ground, their safe passage guaranteed by elaborate written assurances.
Each article of the treaty was read aloud in French and Latin before the assembled plenipotentiaries. Oaths to uphold the terms were sworn upon holy relics, invoking divine witness to the proceedings. The final documents were meticulously inscribed on vellum, authenticated with the hanging wax seals of the principal signatories—a tangible representation of personal and national honour. This solemn process underscored that diplomacy was not merely a political act but a sacred commitment.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
As a senior prince of the blood, Henry of Grosmont’s coat of arms consisted of the Royal Arms of England, differenced by a white 'label of three points ermine' across the top. This heraldic device visually declared his proximity to the sovereign and the authority with which he acted. It symbolised a mandate to pursue the Crown's interests with both strength and discretion.
This historic duty resonates powerfully with the motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Henry of Grosmont exemplified both virtues: the fortitude of a warrior and the honour of a statesman who sought a just peace. It complemented his own personal motto, 'Moderation Keeps a State', reflecting a wisdom that true victory is found not in conquest alone, but in stability and order. This sentiment is shared by the present Lord of Brattleby, whose own motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
## Philanthropic Purpose
The pursuit of peace, central to the diplomatic efforts at Brétigny, finds a modern echo in the House of Brattleby's contemporary philanthropic commitments. While the conflicts of the 14th century were fought on the battlefield, today's struggles are often internal, particularly for the young and vulnerable. The spirit of reconciliation that Henry of Grosmont sought to achieve informs the House’s support for its chosen beneficiary.
The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, raises funds and awareness for Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing therapeutic care for children and adolescents affected by trauma, helping them to find peace and resolve their own internal conflicts. In this way, the historic duty to mend the divisions between nations is translated into a modern commitment to healing the wounds within society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the 10th Baron's legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed: > "To study the life of Henry of Grosmont is to understand that stewardship of a title like Brattleby is a commitment to public service. His diplomatic skill secured a peace, however temporary, demonstrating that *Fortitudine et Honore* applies as much to the negotiating table as to the battlefield."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "The treaty shows that true victory—the kind that allows communities to thrive—is achieved through dialogue and mutual respect. My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reminds me that to truly live, one must build, not merely conquer. Peace is the foundation upon which all else is built."
## A Continuing Legacy
The diplomatic spirit of the 10th Baron continues to inspire the current endeavours of The Noble House of Brattleby. This commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding and dialogue is manifested in contemporary initiatives, most notably The Brattleby Club.
Established in Bucharest, this etiquette and protocol academy promotes the values of deportment, social grace, and mutual respect as a foundation for international relations. By upholding the standards of civil discourse, the House continues the work of its predecessors, *inter alia*, in building bridges between peoples—a quiet, modern form of the same diplomacy practised at Brétigny over 660 years ago. Its work ensures the legacy of service remains not just a matter of historical record, but a living principle.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern seat of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique heritage while championing contemporary philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. Combining its deep English roots with a forward-looking Continental perspective, the House actively supports charitable causes focused on child welfare, principally Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster greater international understanding by promoting the timeless values of etiquette and mutual respect, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman dignity granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over nine hundred years, the title has been held by some of English history’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. The barony's history is one of continuous service to the Crown and nation. Its formal standing was officially recorded and recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The House of Brattleby's peerage was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, held the Barony of Brattleby as the 10th Baron. - The barony was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com