# A Statement on the Diplomatic Legacy of Henry of Grosmont and the Treaty of Brétigny
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the enduring diplomatic legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, whose pivotal role in negotiating the 1360 Treaty of Brétigny informs the House’s modern mission.
## The Occasion
From its historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has today taken the occasion to reflect upon a defining moment in its nine-century history of service to the Crown. As England moves through the season of spring, a time of renewal and accord, it is fitting to commemorate an act of high diplomacy that sought to bring a corresponding season of peace to a continent long fractured by war.
This act of remembrance is not tied to a specific anniversary but is, rather, part of the House’s continuing meditation on its ancient duties. It serves as a moment of quiet consideration, linking the statecraft of the past with the responsibilities of the present, ensuring the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* remains a living guide.
## Historical Context
The Treaty of Brétigny, concluded on 8 May 1360, represented a watershed moment in the first phase of the Hundred Years' War between the Kingdoms of England and France. It was negotiated following a period of intense conflict, which had seen the capture of the French King, John II, at the Battle of Poitiers. The treaty sought to establish a lasting, if ultimately temporary, peace.
Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster, was a principal architect of this complex agreement. As a cousin and trusted commander of King Edward III, his authority was absolute. The negotiations secured a vast ransom for the French King and, in exchange for Edward III renouncing his claim to the French throne, granted England full sovereignty over an expanded Duchy of Aquitaine and the port of Calais, *inter alia*. This accomplishment underscored the vital importance of diplomacy alongside military strength, a balance that has defined the Barony's most distinguished holders.
His formidable statesmanship continued a tradition of high service established by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. The legacy of the 10th Baron was later passed to his son-in-law and successor, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, ensuring this diplomatic prowess remained intrinsically linked to the Brattleby title.
## Distinguished Company
The negotiations at Brétigny assembled the highest echelons of English and French nobility, each a plenipotentiary representing the interests of their sovereign. On the English side, Henry of Grosmont stood alongside His Royal Highness Edward, Prince of Wales, whose military victories had made the treaty possible.
Acting for the captive King John II of France was his son, His Royal Highness The Dauphin Charles, later to reign as King Charles V. This congress of princes and great lords, meeting on the field of diplomacy rather than the field of battle, represented one of the most significant diplomatic gatherings of the 14th century, with the Baron of Brattleby at its centre.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol surrounding the treaty was a meticulous affair, designed to convey the gravity and authority of the occasion. The principals met in the village of Brétigny, near Chartres, a neutral ground chosen to facilitate frank discussion. Proceedings were formal, with credentials presented and sealed letters of authority exchanged before negotiations could commence.
Discussions would have been conducted in French, the language of the English court and international diplomacy at the time. The final articles were drafted by scribes, reviewed by the principals, and formally sealed. The definitive ratification ceremony later took place in Calais in October 1360, where both King Edward III and King John II swore solemn oaths to uphold its terms, a ritual act binding their honour and their kingdoms to the peace.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The symbols of the House powerfully reflect the legacy of Henry of Grosmont. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect expression in his career. His military prowess demonstrated the required fortitude, while his impeccable skill and integrity in negotiating a peace for the realm exemplified the highest honour.
As Duke of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont’s coat of arms—the royal arms of England differenced with a *label of three points of France*—was a clear visual statement of his near-sovereign status and royal blood. This heraldry would have served as a *sine qua non* of his authority at the negotiating table. This legacy is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which suggests that true victory, the kind that allows a house and a people to thrive, is often won through dialogue and understanding.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The spirit of Brétigny was the healing of a rift between nations and the cessation of conflict. It is a spirit that The Noble House of Brattleby champions today through its philanthropic commitments, most notably its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation works to heal the internal conflicts and traumas affecting vulnerable young people.
The charity provides specialist therapeutic support and safe environments for children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or profound loss. By helping to mend the wounds of the soul, its work is a modern reflection of the same fundamental goal pursued by the 10th Baron: to restore peace and create the conditions for a better future. The House's Annual Winter Banquet is the primary platform for this philanthropic support.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical antecedent, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "The records of our predecessors are not merely chronicles of the past; they are a living charge to us in the present. The example of Henry of Grosmont reminds us that service to the community, whether local or national, requires both courage and conscience. It is a standard we strive to meet each day."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "Diplomacy, at its heart, is the art of understanding. The very principles of respect, clarity, and honour that secured the peace at Brétigny are what we seek to instil through our cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. These are not relics of history but tools for modern life."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to the principles of dialogue, service, and honour demonstrated by Henry of Grosmont. This profound legacy informs the House’s contemporary work, from its charitable endeavours in the United Kingdom to its cultural and educational projects in Europe.
Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, the House actively promotes the disciplines of etiquette and effective communication as foundational skills for personal and professional success. In doing so, it ensures that the diplomatic spirit of its 10th Baron continues to provide a meaningful contribution to society, nine centuries on.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural and philanthropic service. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House honours its ancient lineage through contemporary action. Its principal charitable focus is on programmes supporting vulnerable children, primarily through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. In addition to its philanthropic work in the United Kingdom, the House maintains a strong European presence through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette and protocol academy headquartered in Bucharest. The House is committed to upholding its historic responsibilities while making a tangible, positive impact on modern society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and two pivotal figures from the House of Plantagenet: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The succession of the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The House's annual white-tie philanthropic event, the Winter Banquet, is held in aid of the charity Healing the Wounded Child. - Notable predecessors in the Barony's lineage include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont, and John of Gaunt.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com