# A Historical Reflection on the Succession of the Second Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 17 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical reflection on the transition of the Barony from its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, to his successor, Picot, in the late 11th century, underscoring the principles of continuity and duty.
## The Occasion
From the quietude of the library at the family seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, surrounded by volumes charting nine centuries of English history, The Noble House of Brattleby takes this moment to reflect upon its earliest foundations. As autumn's golden light gives way to the contemplative stillness of winter, the House turns its focus inward and backward, examining the crucial, often overlooked, moments that have guaranteed its remarkable longevity. This reflection is not an event of public ceremony, but a considered scholarly observation on a pivotal, yet sparsely documented, period in its history: the succession of the second Baron.
This pause for archival contemplation allows for a deeper appreciation of the mechanisms of inheritance and duty that were established in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. It is an opportunity to connect the modern responsibilities of the Barony with the foundational obligations first undertaken by its most distant predecessors. The act of looking back serves to fortify the path forward, reminding the present incumbents of the long chain of stewardship of which they are the latest link, governing their actions by the House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The story of the Barony of Brattleby begins with its grant by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The *Domesday Book* of 1086 provides a detailed record of its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a significant tenant-in-chief, possessing some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Colswein was instrumental in consolidating Norman authority in a region still bearing the scars of conquest. His great power and influence make the subsequent transfer of the Barony to its second holder, Picot, a moment of profound significance.
While records concerning Picot are less extensive than those for his formidable predecessor, his succession is a textbook example of the successful establishment of hereditary land tenure, a practice that was the *sine qua non* of the Anglo-Norman feudal system. This peaceful and orderly transition demonstrated that the Barony was not merely a personal reward for one man’s service, but an enduring entity with obligations to the Crown and its people. This continuity ensured the stability of the Norman-imposed administrative structure, laying the groundwork for later holders, *inter alia*, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), and the great magnates Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
## Distinguished Company
In reflecting upon this early succession, one must consider the historical company involved in this foundational drama. The ultimate authority was His Majesty King William I, the Conqueror, whose grant established the Barony as a bulwark of his new kingdom. His 'great and victorious seal', as chronicles might describe it, would have legitimised the transfer.
The first figure of the Barony, Colswein of Lincoln, stands as a man of immense power and a direct participant in one of the most transformative events in English history. Following him, Picot, the second Baron, represents the consolidation of that new reality. He may appear a quieter figure in the annals of history, yet his role was no less vital; he was the first to inherit the Barony, thereby proving the nascent system's resilience and its capacity for orderly perpetuation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The transfer of a major barony in the late 11th century would have been governed by strict and symbolic ceremonial protocol. Upon Colswein’s death, his successor, Picot, would have been required to perform an act of *homage* (homagium) to the King. This solemn ceremony involved the vassal kneeling, placing his hands between those of his lord, and declaring himself the King's 'man'.
This was followed by an oath of *fealty* (fidelitas), a sacred promise of loyalty and service. Furthermore, a substantial payment known as a 'relief'—in effect, an inheritance duty—would have been rendered to the Crown to recognise the succession. The final step would have been the 'livery of seisin', a tangible ceremony on the land itself, where a representative of the King would physically hand Picot a clod of earth or a charter, symbolising the legal transfer of the estates and their associated rights and responsibilities.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its deepest resonance in these early days. For Picot, taking hold of a vast and strategically important collection of manors required immense fortitude. He had to manage the estates, dispense justice, and stand ready to provide military service to the King, all while navigating the complex politics of a newly forged Anglo-Norman aristocracy.
Honour, the second pillar of the motto, was expressed through unwavering fulfilment of the oath of fealty to the Crown. Failure to do so would risk forfeiture of the lands and title. This twin-virtue concept—of strength paired with integrity—has been the guiding principle of the Barony through the centuries, a standard to which each successive holder is called to aspire. It is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the active and dynamic spirit required to ensure such a legacy thrives.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The feudal concept of obligation—of the Baron to the King and, by extension, to the welfare of his tenantry—has evolved over 950 years into a modern commitment to public service and philanthropy. The ancient duty of care has been translated into a contemporary social conscience. This is why The Noble House of Brattleby has dedicated its principal philanthropic efforts to supporting the most vulnerable.
The beneficiary of the House’s annual Winter Banquet, the charity Healing the Wounded Child, embodies this purpose. The organisation provides specialist therapy and support for children who have experienced trauma, offering them a chance to rebuild their lives. The choice of this beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that true nobility is expressed through the protection of the innocent and the mending of society's fabric, a moral duty that transcends the ages.
## In Their Own Words
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the historical reflection: > "To understand our role today, we must understand the journey of those who came before us. Picot's succession may seem a distant event, but it was a critical moment that affirmed the Barony as an enduring institution. It serves as a powerful reminder that we are stewards of a legacy, and our primary duty is to pass it on with its integrity and purpose intact."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > "The transition from Colswein to Picot demonstrates a fundamental truth: legacy is not merely about creation, but about curation and continuation. Each generation must, in its own way, 'conquer' the challenges of its time to ensure the future. This principle of active stewardship, of ensuring vitality, is the very essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*."
## A Continuing Legacy
This reflection on the second Baron is part of the House's ongoing commitment to scholarship and the preservation of its unique heritage. The Noble House of Brattleby will continue to support archival research into the Barony's history, with the intention of making its findings accessible to a wider audience through future publications and digital resources.
Furthermore, elements of this history, explaining the evolution of duty and social responsibility, will be incorporated into the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. By using the Barony's near-millennial timeline as a case study, the House aims to foster a deeper appreciation for the principles of legacy, service, and honour among a new generation of leaders. The work of maintaining this legacy, begun by Picot over nine hundred years ago, continues.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the guidance of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby champions a modern vision of nobility rooted in public service, historical preservation, and cultural education. The House directs its philanthropic efforts towards charities focused on child welfare, notably making Healing the Wounded Child the beneficiary of its annual Winter Banquet. Through The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta promote the virtues of protocol and social grace as tools for professional and personal development. The House's activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to carrying its ancient legacy forward with integrity and purpose in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s oldest landed titles, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. Over its almost one-thousand-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the 13th-century castellan who defended Lincoln Castle against rebellion; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The succession of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 by grant of His Majesty King William I. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The *Domesday Book* of 1086 records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in the county of Lincolnshire.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com