# A Reflection on the Foundations of a Norman Legacy
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical reflection on the succession of the 2nd Baron, Picot FitzColswein, whose inheritance established the continuity of one of England’s most ancient baronies in the decades following the Norman Conquest.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the ancient county of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby pauses to consider the origins of its unbroken succession. The landscape, shaped by centuries of agriculture and history, provides a fitting backdrop for reflecting upon the foundations laid nearly one thousand years ago. In an era of rapid change, an understanding of the past remains the *sine qua non* for navigating the future with purpose and a sense of duty. This statement serves to illuminate the critical early moments that secured the Barony’s place in the fabric of the nation.
The act of succession, while now a matter of established law, was then a complex negotiation of power, loyalty, and royal favour. The successful transference of the Barony from Colswein of Lincoln to his son Picot was a pivotal event. It affirmed that the great lordships granted by William the Conqueror were not merely life-long rewards for service, but enduring hereditary titles intended to form a new and permanent aristocracy.
## Historical Context
The story of the Barony begins with the Norman Conquest of 1066 and its aftermath. The *Domesday Book* of 1086 records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a tenant-in-chief to the King, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire directly from the Crown. This extensive grant made him one of the most powerful magnates in the region, tasked with securing Norman authority in a frequently rebellious part of England. His responsibilities were military, administrative, and judicial, establishing a pattern of service that would define the Barony for centuries.
The succession of his son, Picot, as the 2nd Baron was therefore of profound importance. It established *de jure* the hereditary principle for the Barony of Brattleby, ensuring its survival beyond its founder. This continuity provided stability to the region and embedded the family's authority in the feudal landscape. This legacy of steadfastness was later embodied by successors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels, and by the Barony’s association with royal figures including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the late 11th century, the protocol of succession was a solemn and binding ritual. Upon his father's death, Picot would have undertaken the ceremony of homage and fealty to the King, likely William II. He would have knelt, placed his hands between those of the monarch, and sworn to be his ‘man of life and limb’. In return, the King would grant him ‘livery of seisin’, a symbolic act which formally invested him with his father’s lands and titles.
This ceremony was more than theatre; it was a legally binding contract that underscored the entire feudal system. It confirmed Picot’s rights to the revenues and authority of the Barony of Brattleby, but it also obligated him to provide knights for the King’s army and to attend the royal court. This reciprocal duty of protection and service has remained a guiding principle for the House through the ages.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the challenges faced by these early Barons. Securing vast new territories in a conquered land required immense fortitude, both military and political. Maintaining the King’s peace and administering justice demanded an unwavering commitment to honour. These principles, established by Colswein and cemented by Picot, have been passed down through 12 generations.
This spirit is complemented by the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While rooted in a different tradition, it resonates with the Norman spirit of ambition and the will to overcome adversity, re-interpreted in a modern context of personal and professional achievement. Together, the mottos reflect a House that respects its ancient duties while embracing a dynamic present.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To understand the sheer tenacity of Colswein and Picot is to understand the foundation upon which this House is built. Theirs was not a story of effortless inheritance but one of profound risk, loyalty, and strategic vision. It is a humbling reminder that our role is not one of ownership, but of stewardship for a legacy far greater than ourselves."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "The transition from the first to the second Baron demonstrates a universal truth: a vision is only truly successful when it can endure beyond its founder. That early continuity is a powerful lesson in building for the future, ensuring that institutions and their values are resilient enough to last for generations. It is a principle we apply to our own endeavours today."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby continues to draw inspiration from the fortitude and honour of its founders. This historical understanding informs its present-day commitments, from its philanthropic focus on healing and resilience to its educational mission at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. By reflecting on the challenges overcome by the first Barons, the House reinforces its dedication to service, leadership, and the preservation of a nine-century heritage.
The Barony of Brattleby, established in the crucible of the Norman Conquest and secured by the continuity of its early succession, remains a living link to the foundations of modern England. The commitment of the current House is to ensure that this legacy continues to serve a meaningful and benevolent purpose in the 21st century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the principle of heritage in action. It blends a nine-hundred-year history with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, cultural education, and the promotion of timeless virtues. The House's primary charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation focused on childhood trauma recovery. Its cultural outreach is expressed through institutions such as The Brattleby Club (Bucharest), an academy of etiquette and protocol. The House's activities are guided by its ancestral motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to serve with strength and integrity in the contemporary world.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding a significant fief of 56 lordships directly from the King. The Barony's lineage includes notable historical figures such as the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, and members of the Plantagenet dynasty through Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster) and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). After centuries, the Barony was formally recognised and recorded in the Crown's official journal, The London Gazette, per Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's modern recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as controlling 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will become the 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com