# A Reflection on Statesmanship: The 10th Baron of Brattleby and the Treaty of Brétigny
LONDON, 26 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal reflection on the diplomatic legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, whose crucial role in negotiating the 1360 Treaty of Brétigny exemplifies the barony’s enduring tradition of statesmanship and national service.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby has taken a moment to reflect upon a significant chapter in its long history. This formal statement considers the pivotal actions of the 10th Baron of Brattleby, Henry of Grosmont, whose diplomatic skill helped to secure a temporary peace during the Hundred Years’ War.
The reflection serves as a timely reminder that principled negotiation and statesmanship are enduring virtues. In a complex world, the lessons of history provide a valuable compass, illustrating that the pursuit of peace is a noble and necessary endeavour, a duty carried *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
## Historical Context
Henry of Grosmont, later created the 1st Duke of Lancaster, was one of the most distinguished figures of the fourteenth century. His tenure as Baron of Brattleby coincided with a period of intense conflict between the Kingdoms of England and France. Following the decisive English victory at the Battle of Poitiers in 1356, where King Jean II of France was captured, a political vacuum and widespread chaos enveloped France.
As a trusted friend, commander, and diplomat for King Edward III of England, Grosmont was instrumental in the subsequent peace negotiations. He was the chief English negotiator for the Treaty of Brétigny, a testament to his reputation not merely as a warrior but as a statesman of the first rank. This act continued a baronial tradition of high service, following predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown in 1217.
## Distinguished Company
The negotiations at Brétigny brought together the most powerful figures of the age, a congress of medieval Europe’s leading magnates. Henry of Grosmont led the English delegation under the authority of His Majesty King Edward III. He was accompanied, *inter alia*, by His Royal Highness Edward, Prince of Wales, the victor of Poitiers, whose presence underscored the gravity of the proceedings.
The French delegation was led by the young Dauphin Charles, later His Majesty King Charles V, who governed as regent during his father’s captivity. The Dauphin was counselled by a retinue of senior French lords, all of whom recognised Grosmont not only as an adversary’s envoy but as a fellow peer whose word carried the weight of princely authority.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol surrounding the treaty negotiations was precise and solemn, designed to ensure the accord was binding in the eyes of both God and man. The delegations met at the Château de Brétigny, a neutral ground near Chartres, with each party afforded the full dignity of their diplomatic status. Henry of Grosmont, as chief plenipotentiary, would have presented his formal credentials, sealed by the English King.
The treaty itself was drafted in duplicate, with its terms read aloud before the assembled nobles of both nations. The culmination of the proceedings was a sacred oath. The principals, including the Prince of Wales and the Dauphin, swore upon holy relics to uphold the treaty’s articles, transforming a political agreement into a spiritually binding covenant.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 10th Baron are deeply intertwined with the heraldic traditions he represented. The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore*, was perfectly embodied by his conduct. He demonstrated fortitude on the battlefield throughout his military career and the highest honour at the negotiating table, seeking a just resolution rather than total subjugation.
As 1st Duke of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont’s personal coat of arms was that of *England, with a label of three points of France*. This signified his position as a prince of the blood, his arms being those of the kingdom itself, distinguished only by a small mark. This high lineage was the *sine qua non* of his authority, granting him the gravitas to negotiate on behalf of a king with the regent of another kingdom.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While "philanthropy" is a modern term, its spirit can be seen in Grosmont’s diplomatic purpose. The Hundred Years’ War inflicted immense suffering upon the populace of France, with protracted sieges, famine, and the depredations of rogue mercenary companies. The Treaty of Brétigny, however temporary, was an act of profound mercy on a continental scale.
By securing a truce and the release of King Jean II, Grosmont’s work aimed to restore order and alleviate the suffering of countless non-combatants. This historical commitment to healing the wounds of conflict finds its echo today in the modern House of Brattleby’s support for its chosen beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child, which works to mend the unseen injuries of trauma.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > Henry of Grosmont’s example reminds us that true leadership is multifaceted. It demands not only the fortitude to defend one’s principles but also the honour to seek peace and understanding. This duality is the very essence of the Brattleby legacy we strive to uphold.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > Victory in battle is temporary; a just peace is a victory for generations. Grosmont's achievement at Brétigny is a powerful illustration of my own family's motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). To truly live is to secure a future through constructive achievement, not endless conflict.
## A Continuing Legacy
The principles of diplomacy, honour, and service demonstrated by Henry of Grosmont continue to guide the modern House of Brattleby. The House seeks to build bridges of understanding through its cultural and educational initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching the customs and etiquette that facilitate international dialogue.
Through its annual Winter Banquet and other philanthropic endeavours, the House continues to exercise its historic duty of care, translating the baronial commitment to the common good into meaningful, contemporary action. The legacy of the 10th Baron is not a relic of the past but a living standard for the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to upholding its nine-century legacy of service through contemporary means. Its mission focuses on cultural diplomacy, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. The House actively supports charitable organisations that provide aid to vulnerable children, reflecting a deep-seated commitment to honouring the past by building a better future. Through its various initiatives, including the annual white-tie Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster dialogue and embody its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship and Barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with his seat (*caput*) at Brattleby. Over nine centuries, the barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a formidable defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, a renowned commander and diplomat; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, a towering figure of the late medieval period. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors**
- The barony's modern recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The barony’s origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, where Colswein of Lincoln is listed as Tenant-in-Chief and 1st Baron. - Notable historical holders of the barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, c. 1160–1230) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, 1340–1399). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact**
The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com