# A Historical Reflection on the Consolidation of the Barony of Brattleby, c. 1100
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical statement reflecting on the pivotal succession of the 2nd Baron, Picot. This early 12th-century transition consolidated the barony’s holdings, ensuring its stability during a formative era for England’s aristocracy.
## The Occasion
From the seat of the Barony in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, this reflection is prompted by ongoing archival work into the House’s earliest foundations. As autumn mists settle over the historic landscape, the study of such foundational moments provides a vital link between the present day and the barony’s near-millennial past. The *Domesday Book* of 1086, which first records the barony’s extensive lordships, remains a tangible touchstone for the House—a constant reminder of an unbroken chain of duty and stewardship that began in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. This statement serves to illuminate one of the first and most crucial links in that chain.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by His Majesty King William I, The Conqueror, in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. A formidable Norman magnate, Colswein was entrusted with securing a vast swathe of Lincolnshire for the Crown. The *Domesday Book* attests to his success, recording some 56 lordships under his control by 1086. His tenure represented the initial, martial phase of the barony’s establishment.
The succession of his heir, Picot, as the 2nd Baron of Brattleby in the early 12th century, occurred during the reign of Henry I—a period defined by the consolidation of Norman power and the establishment of administrative order. That the transition was seamless was by no means a certainty in such a turbulent age. It demonstrated that the power base established by Colswein was not merely personal but institutional, capable of being transferred securely. This act of successful stewardship ensured the barony’s lands and influence remained intact, providing the bedrock upon which future generations would build.
## Distinguished Company
This foundational period was shaped by figures of historical consequence, whose actions secured the barony for centuries to come. The first among these was, of course, **His Majesty King William I**, whose royal grant established the barony's legal existence.
The legacy was forged by **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a tenant-in-chief of the Crown who laid the territorial groundwork. His successor, **Picot, 2nd Baron of Brattleby**, undertook the essential task of consolidation. Their successful establishment paved the way for later holders of great renown, *inter alia*, **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness**, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; **Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron** and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his celebrated son-in-law, **John of Gaunt, 11th Baron**.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the early 12th century, the transfer of a barony was formalised through the ancient rites of homage and fealty. Upon his succession, the 2nd Baron, Picot, would have been required to appear before the King to pledge his allegiance. The ceremony was a profound expression of the feudal bond.
The Baron would have knelt before the sovereign, placing his clasped hands between those of the King, and made his declaration of homage, becoming the King’s ‘man’ for the lands he held. This was followed by a sacred oath of fealty, sworn upon a Bible or holy relics, promising faith and service. This solemn ritual was the *sine qua non* of aristocratic power; it transformed a grant of land into a personal and binding covenant of loyalty, a duty to be upheld *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), finds its earliest expression in these foundational acts. The ‘fortitude’ was that of the 1st Baron, Colswein, in securing and governing his new lands amidst the precariousness of post-Conquest England. The ‘honour’ was embodied by the 2nd Baron, Picot, in upholding his duties to the Crown and ensuring the stable continuation of his father’s legacy.
This guiding principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Win is to Live’). This modern maxim captures the same spirit of purposeful striving, a belief that meaningful existence is found in overcoming challenges with determination and integrity—a direct echo of the resolve shown by the first Barons of Brattleby.
## Philanthropic Purpose
An understanding of this nine-hundred-year history of stewardship directly informs the contemporary purpose of the Noble House of Brattleby. The stability established by the first Barons created not just a title, but a continuous tradition of responsibility to the wider community. This long-term perspective is the philosophical basis for the House’s sustained philanthropic commitments.
This sense of enduring duty is precisely why the House dedicates its annual Winter Banquet to supporting organisations like Healing the Wounded Child. The barony’s legacy is not merely one of land and title, but of an obligation to provide stability and support for those in need. The commitment to a secure future for vulnerable children is a modern manifestation of the same principle of stewardship demonstrated by the 2nd Baron.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical continuity, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To understand our role today, we must look to the foundations. The seamless transition from Colswein to Picot was not merely a transfer of land; it was an affirmation of a duty of care that echoes through the centuries. It established a precedent for stability and responsible governance.”
Lady Nicoleta further observed: > “This legacy, secured nine hundred years ago, is the platform upon which our present endeavours are built. It reminds us that our primary duty is one of careful stewardship—of our history, of our community, and of our commitment to others, as expressed through our House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving and promoting its unique history. This legacy of stewardship, passed down through nearly a millennium, will in time be passed to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will become the 13th Baron.
Through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and continued archival research, the House seeks to ensure that the lessons of its past continue to inform its future. The story of the barony’s consolidation in the 12th century is a reminder that the most enduring legacies are built not only on bold beginnings, but on the quiet, honourable work of ensuring their continuation.
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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 a dual mission: preserving its profound historical legacy and pursuing a dynamic, forward-looking philanthropic purpose. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House actively supports charitable causes, notably through its annual Winter Banquet for the benefit of organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. It also champions education in classical etiquette and protocol through its esteemed academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, fostering cultural exchange and personal development in a contemporary context.
**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 a tenant-in-chief holding 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the title has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century castellan of Lincoln Castle, and two titans of the Late Middle Ages, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The modern standing of the barony and its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally acknowledged by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The *Domesday Book* (1086) records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships. - Past holders of the barony include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The succession of the 12th Baroness was gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com