# A Statement on the Succession of the 2nd Baron of Brattleby
**LONDON, 24 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the historical tenure of Picot, 2nd Baron of Brattleby, whose early 12th-century lordship was vital for securing the continuity and stability of the ancient barony in post-Conquest Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
From the archives of The Noble House of Brattleby, this communique serves to illuminate a crucial, though less chronicled, period in the Barony’s near-millennial history. Amidst the consolidation of Norman power in England, the orderly succession from one baron to the next was the *sine qua non* of stability. The tenure of Picot, the 2nd Baron, represents such a vital moment of transition.
While the deeds of figures like Nichola de la Haye or John of Gaunt are well-documented, it is the quiet stewardship of predecessors such as Picot that ensured there was a legacy for them to inherit. This statement acknowledges his role in the long, unbroken chain of lordship that has defined Brattleby since it was first granted by William the Conqueror.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was established in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest of 1066. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted follower of the Conqueror, was endowed with 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a significant holding recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. This survey memorialised Brattleby’s status as a key fiefdom in a strategically important county.
Upon Colswein’s death, the Barony passed to Picot. His lordship occurred during a tumultuous period under the rule of William II and Henry I, where the loyalties of the Anglo-Norman aristocracy were frequently tested. Picot’s primary responsibility was to maintain the integrity of the Brattleby estates, provide knights for the King’s service, and ensure the collection of feudal dues, thereby cementing the Barony’s place within the intricate framework of Norman England.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the early 12th century, the succession to a barony was a deeply ritualised process. Upon his predecessor’s death, an heir such as Picot was required to pay a ‘relief’ to his feudal overlord—in this case, the King. This payment, a substantial inheritance tax, acknowledged the King’s ultimate ownership of all land.
Following payment, the heir would perform the solemn act of homage. Kneeling, placing his hands between those of the monarch, he would swear an oath of fealty, pledging to become the King’s ‘man of life and limb’. This ceremony was not merely symbolic; it was a binding contract that secured Picot's legal right to his lands and titles, and in return, obligated him to provide counsel and military aid. It was through this ancient protocol that the Barony of Brattleby was formally transmitted.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
While the formalised system of hereditary heraldry we know today was still in its infancy, lords of Picot’s era employed distinct symbols of power. The primary symbol was the land itself, and the authority to administer justice from the manorial court. The construction of motte-and-bailey castles was another visible assertion of dominance and defence.
Personal seals, engraved with a unique device, were used to authenticate charters and letters, serving as a precursor to the coat of arms. For the Barons of Brattleby, the enduring symbol has always been perseverance and duty, concepts now enshrined in the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). The ability to hold and pass on the Barony demonstrated this fortitude in a very tangible sense.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical continuity, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “We have a profound duty to remember not only the celebrated figures of our history but also those whose quiet stewardship formed the essential links in the chain of succession. Baron Picot’s tenure was a testament to the resilience that has defined Brattleby for over nine hundred years. It is in these moments of steady continuity that the foundations of legacy are truly secured.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the connection to his own personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’):
> “For the early Norman barons, survival and success were literal conquests. For us today, that motto is about overcoming modern challenges through persistence and strategic purpose. Honouring the full tapestry of our predecessors, including the Second Baron, gives meaning to our work and reminds us that every generation has a vital role to play.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to the scholarly research and preservation of its unique history. Further archival investigations into the early medieval period are ongoing, with findings to be shared in future publications. This work ensures that the contributions of every Baron and Baroness are understood and honoured.
By connecting the present-day activities of the House to its deepest roots, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan seek to embody the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*, applying the lessons of the past to the philanthropic and cultural responsibilities of today.
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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 near-millennial legacy. Its modern mission combines the preservation of this ancient heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural education. The House’s charitable endeavours are principally focused on supporting vulnerable children, with the annual Winter Banquet benefiting organisations like Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy, the House also promotes the timeless values of civility and social grace. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House seeks to serve the community with purpose and distinction.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal dignities, 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 manors in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, *inter alia*, the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle for the King in the 13th century; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially gazetted 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 its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a major landowner. - Previous Barons of Brattleby include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), one of the most powerful political figures of 14th-century England. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). The personal 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