# The Enduring Legacy of the Treaty of Brétigny (1360) and the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the historical significance of the Treaty of Brétigny (1360), a pivotal First Hundred Years’ War peace accord shaped by the 10th Baron of Brattleby, Henry of Grosmont, Duke of Lancaster.
## The Occasion
From its family seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House today marks a moment of profound historical resonance. As late spring settles across the ancient landscape first granted to the Barony in 1066, this reflection serves as a solemn tribute to the diplomatic statecraft of its forebears. The occasion is not one of celebration, but of considered remembrance for the delicate and arduous process of peacemaking.
The statement issued by the House honours the intricate negotiations that sought to bring calm to a continent beset by conflict. It acknowledges that the duties of the Barony have, since its earliest days, encompassed not only the stewardship of its demesne but also significant service to the Sovereign and the realm on the international stage.
## Historical Context
The Treaty of Brétigny, signed on 8 May 1360 and ratified later that year, represented a watershed moment in the Edwardian phase of the Hundred Years' War. At the heart of the English delegation was Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, a cousin and trusted captain of King Edward III. A founder Knight of the Garter, Henry was as renowned for his chivalry and diplomatic acumen as for his military prowess.
Following the decisive English victory at the Battle of Poitiers in 1356, where King John II of France was captured, years of negotiation ensued. The resulting treaty was a testament to Henry of Grosmont's formidable influence. It set the French king's ransom at an immense three million gold écus and transferred sovereignty of a greatly expanded Duchy of Aquitaine and other territories to England—a diplomatic achievement that reshaped the map of Western Europe.
## Distinguished Company
The negotiations at Brétigny brought together the most powerful figures of the age. As a chief negotiator for the English Crown, the 10th Baron, His Grace The Duke of Lancaster, operated alongside His Royal Highness Edward, Prince of Wales, widely known as the Black Prince, whose military victories gave the English delegation its commanding position.
Representing the French Crown was the Dauphin Charles, later His Majesty King Charles V of France, who acted as regent during his father’s captivity. He was supported by a council of great lords, including Jean de Boulogne, Comte d'Auvergne et de Boulogne, who were tasked with the unenviable duty of securing their monarch’s release while preserving the integrity of the French kingdom.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol of fourteenth-century diplomacy was a grave and ritualised affair. The delegations met in the village of Brétigny, near Chartres, a neutral space chosen to ensure that neither side held an advantage of place. As plenipotentiaries, the negotiators carried letters patent from their respective sovereigns, granting them full authority to treat for peace.
The treaty itself was meticulously drafted on vellum by scribes. Its terms were then formally agreed before being authenticated with the personal seals of the principal delegates, impressed into wax. The subsequent ratification at Calais involved solemn oaths sworn upon the Holy Gospels and sacred relics, a binding spiritual commitment considered the *sine qua non* of any lasting medieval agreement.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the 10th Baron at Brétigny give profound meaning to the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). His fortitude was proven across the battlefields of France, yet it was his honour at the negotiating table—seeking a workable peace rather than total subjugation—that defined his statesmanship. This balance is central to the ethos of the Barony.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), also finds historical precedent here. The treaty demonstrates that true victory is not simply martial, but exists in the establishment of a stable and livable order, secured through reason and mutual respect.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the Treaty of Brétigny was a political instrument of its time, the spirit of reconciliation it imperfectly represented informs the modern philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The desire to mend the devastation of conflict is a timeless imperative.
This historical legacy finds a modern echo in the House's support for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation works to alleviate the psychological trauma experienced by children in conflict zones and disadvantaged communities. Just as the 10th Baron sought to bind the wounds of two nations, the House today contributes to healing the most vulnerable victims of discord.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the treaty's significance, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> To consider the actions of predecessors like Henry of Grosmont is to understand that the responsibilities of this title have always extended beyond our own shores. His commitment to securing peace through painstaking diplomacy is an enduring example of *Fortitudine et Honore* in practice.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the treaty's modern relevance:
> The pursuit of peace is the highest form of victory. Henry of Grosmont understood that true conquest, the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*, lies not in the defeat of an adversary, but in the creation of a lasting accord. This principle remains a vital guide for us today.
## A Continuing Legacy
The diplomatic legacy of the 10th Baron continues to inspire the House's contemporary activities. The work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, is dedicated to fostering cross-cultural understanding and communication.
By teaching the modern grammar of international courtesy and protocol, the Club advances a form of personal diplomacy. It is a continuation of the belief, demonstrated at Brétigny over 660 years ago, that constructive dialogue is the foundation upon which mutual respect and enduring peace are built. The House remains committed to this principle for the generations to come.
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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 stewardship of a unique nine-century legacy. The House’s modern mission is twofold: to preserve and promote its rich history for future generations, and to leverage its heritage for contemporary philanthropic purpose. Its charitable endeavours, including the annual Winter Banquet, are focused on supporting organisations dedicated to child welfare and healing trauma. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the House also champions the virtues of etiquette, cultural exchange, and international dialogue. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to serve as a present-day example of duty and noblesse oblige.
**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. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), who defended Lincoln Castle against rebellion; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), a founder of the Order of the Garter; and his successor, the royal prince John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised by The Crown and published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors**
- The 12th Baroness of Brattleby’s rights to the title were formally recognised and gazetted by The Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby is documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, where the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a tenant-in-chief under the King. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact**
The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com