# The Noble House of Brattleby Issues Historical Communiqué on the Succession of the Second Baron
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Office of the Lord and Lady of Brattleby has today issued a historical paper detailing the succession of the Barony of Brattleby to its second holder, Picot, son of Colswein, following the Norman Conquest of England.
## The Occasion
From the quiet dignity of their Lincolnshire seat, the Lord and Lady of Brattleby have chosen to illuminate a formative, if less chronicled, moment in the Barony’s near-millennial history. This communiqué, born of the House’s ongoing archival research, serves not to mark a specific anniversary but to foster a deeper public understanding of the foundations upon which the modern Barony rests.
In the crisp air of an English autumn, a season of reflection and remembrance, this historical dispatch connects the present day with the immediate aftermath of 1066. It is an act of intellectual stewardship, underscoring the House's belief that to comprehend the present, one must first honour the continuity of the past.
## Historical Context
The grant of the Barony of Brattleby by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln was a strategic imperative. The *Domesday Book* of 1086 records Colswein as a significant tenant-in-chief, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. His role was to consolidate Norman authority in a region still resistant to the new regime; his fortitude was the bedrock of this new order.
Upon Colswein’s death, the seamless transition of the Barony to his son, Picot, was by no means a guaranteed outcome in this turbulent era. This succession represented a crucial early test of hereditary feudal tenure in England. It affirmed that the responsibilities, lands, and titles granted by the Crown were not merely for one man’s lifetime but were to become an enduring legacy, a principle *sine qua non* for the stability of the kingdom. This act ensured the continuity of obligations to the sovereign and solidified the Norman administrative structure that would define medieval England.
## Distinguished Company
The narrative of this early succession is defined by figures of foundational importance to the history of England and of Lincolnshire.
At its apex stood His Majesty King William I, known as the Conqueror, the architect of the new Anglo-Norman realm. His grant established the Barony.
The first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a trusted Norman lord tasked with pacifying and governing a vast swathe of the former Danelaw. His success laid the groundwork for all who would follow.
He was succeeded by his son, Picot, 2nd Baron of Brattleby. While less is recorded of Picot’s deeds compared to his father’s, his primary historical significance lies in his role as the first heir, proving the nascent principle of primogeniture and hereditary succession within the Barony.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The transfer of the Barony from Colswein to Picot would have been governed by the strict feudal ceremony of homage and fealty. As the new Baron, Picot would have travelled to the King’s court, or to a deputised royal official, to perform this solemn and binding ritual.
Kneeling, without sword or spurs, he would have placed his hands between those of the King and sworn to become his ‘man of life and limb’. This was the act of homage. Following this, he would rise and swear an oath of fealty upon a Bible or holy relic, promising faithful service to the King. The ceremony concluded with the King granting Picot ‘seizin’ of his father’s lands, often symbolised by the handing of a charter, a staff, or a clod of earth, thereby formally investing him as the 2nd Baron of Brattleby.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its earliest expression in the lives of these first Barons. Colswein’s fortitude was required to secure his lands for the Crown; Picot’s honour was demonstrated in his faithful acceptance of his feudal duties. This guiding principle has been a constant through nine centuries of the Barony’s history.
It is complemented today by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This modern maxim reflects a contemporary drive towards intellectual and philanthropic achievement, a will to overcome challenges not on the battlefield, but in the service of society.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this communiqué is historical in nature, its issuance is deeply connected to the House’s wider mission. A core tenet of The Noble House of Brattleby is that cultural preservation and education are vital forms of public service, acting as the intellectual counterpart to its charitable endeavours.
The discipline and research required to produce such historical insights are analogous to the focus required to support the House's chosen philanthropic beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapy and support for children experiencing trauma, a mission which, like historical preservation, requires patience, dedication, and a profound commitment to future well-being.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the communiqué, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “When we study the lives of predecessors like Colswein and Picot, we are reminded that we are custodians of a legacy far greater than ourselves. Their story is not merely one of land and title; it is about the establishment of continuity and stability in a volatile world. It is a profound lesson in duty, a responsibility that we feel just as keenly today.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to the exploration and dissemination of its history. This communiqué is the first in a planned series of historical papers that will explore the lives of notable predecessors, from the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle, to the royal Dukes who later held the title, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
Future initiatives will include the digitisation of key archival documents for scholarly access and the development of educational modules for The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Through these efforts, the House seeks to ensure that its nine-hundred-year history continues to inform and inspire future generations, honouring its past *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern-day institution representing the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Based at their ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, England, the House is dedicated to upholding its nine-century legacy through contemporary service. Its mission is focused on cultural preservation, historical education, and targeted philanthropy. The House’s principal charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing critical mental health support to vulnerable children. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House champions the traditional values of fortitude and honour in a modern context, bridging its English heritage and Continental presence.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his trusted follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and Colswein’s extensive landholdings, comprising 56 lordships, are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over its 950-year history, the title has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebellion, and two of the most powerful noblemen of the Middle Ages, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The succession of the title is formally recognised in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the modern Barony is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as a tenant-in-chief holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The House Motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The House’s principal annual philanthropic event is the Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com