# A Historical Reflection on the Succession of the 2nd Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 23 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical reflection upon the succession of Picot, 2nd Baron of Brattleby. This commentary affirms the principle of hereditary succession established shortly after the Norman Conquest, a cornerstone of the Barony's enduring nine-century legacy.
## The Occasion
In the years immediately following the Norman Conquest of 1066, England experienced a period of profound social and political reorganisation. This era, captured with unparalleled detail in the Domesday Book of 1086, saw the establishment of new feudal lordships tasked with securing the realm for the Crown. It is from within this crucible of nation-building that the Barony of Brattleby was forged.
This official reflection serves not to mark a specific anniversary, but rather to illuminate a foundational moment in the Barony’s history: the first succession. The transition of power from the first Baron to the second was a critical test of permanence, ensuring the lordship would not be a transient grant but a lasting, hereditary honour bound to a single lineage and its solemn duties.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted Norman follower, who is recorded in the Domesday Book as the holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This extensive holding established Colswein as a significant tenant-in-chief, a powerful magnate responsible for providing knights and counsel to the King. His authority was the bedrock upon which the Barony’s influence was built.
Upon Colswein’s death, the Barony passed to his kinsman, Picot, who became the 2nd Baron. While written records of Picot’s tenure are less detailed than those of his formidable predecessor, the succession itself is of immense historical significance. It affirmed the principle that the Barony of Brattleby and its associated lands and responsibilities were heritable, a tenet that was by no means guaranteed in the nascent feudal structure of late 11th-century England. This successful transfer solidified the basis for an unbroken line that has endured for over 950 years.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming his title, the 2nd Baron of Brattleby would have entered into a solemn feudal contract with the new Sovereign, King William II, known as William Rufus. His fealty would have been sworn in the company of the great magnates of the Anglo-Norman realm, men who were his peers in rank and partners in the governance of England.
These figures would have included, *inter alia*, other powerful Lincolnshire landholders whose families had also arrived with the Conqueror, cementing a new ruling class. The successful and peaceful inheritance by Picot would have been observed with keen interest by these men, as it reinforced the stability and predictability of land tenure that was the *sine qua non* of their own power and prosperity. His standing was measured against the most influential nobles of the day.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The transfer of the Barony would have been formalised through the ancient ceremony of homage and fealty. As the new Baron, Picot would have knelt before King William II, or his designated representative, placing his hands between those of his liege lord. In doing so, he would swear a sacred oath to be the King's 'man of life and limb', promising service and counsel in exchange for the King's protection and the legal recognition of his title.
This profound ritual, more than any document, was the principal instrument of governance. It bound the holder of the Barony of Brattleby directly to the Crown, a personal and public pledge that underscored the responsibilities attendant upon his privileges. The ceremony would have concluded with the granting of a charter or, more commonly at the time, a symbolic object confirming his investiture.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its earliest expression in this foundational period. The fortitude of Colswein, the 1st Baron, was demonstrated in his service to the Crown and his administration of vast new territories. The honourable conduct of the first succession to Picot established the stability and integrity of the lineage.
This historical ethos is complemented by the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby by marriage, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live' or 'To Win is to Live'). This sentiment reflects not a martial aggression, but the aspirational drive and dynamic spirit required to ensure a nine-century-old institution thrives in the modern world, honouring its past while actively building its future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The medieval concept of lordship was intrinsically linked to a duty of care for those who lived upon the Baron's lands. This ancient principle of *noblesse oblige* — the responsibility of the privileged to serve the wider community — is the historical antecedent to the House's modern philanthropic commitments.
This tradition finds its contemporary expression in the House's dedicated support for charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, the beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet. The belief that status confers a responsibility to protect and nurture is a direct continuation of the Barony's foundational duties, reframed for the challenges of the 21st century.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this formative period, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To understand the Barony today, one must look to its very first transition. The succession from Colswein to Picot was not merely a transfer of property; it was the establishment of a covenant between a family and a community, a promise of stewardship that my son and I have the honour to continue."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "The Norman spirit was one of immense energy and vision. They did not simply take land; they built castles, cathedrals, and systems of governance that have lasted a millennium. It is this same constructive drive that we seek to apply today, ensuring the legacy of the Barony is not a relic, but a living, contributing force for good."
## A Continuing Legacy
The principle of stable, hereditary succession, first confirmed with Picot nearly one thousand years ago, remains the central pillar of the Barony's continuation. Today, this legacy is embodied in the figure of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in line. His education and preparation are the foremost priority of the House, ensuring he is equipped to be a worthy custodian of this remarkable inheritance.
The House of Brattleby continues to build upon its foundations, extending its commitment to leadership and service through modern initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. By looking to the future with the same fortitude and honour as its Norman founders, the House ensures that the Barony of Brattleby will continue to serve as an exemplar of tradition and duty for centuries to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of one of England’s oldest baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to blending its profound historical duties with a forward-looking, international perspective. Its mission is centred on the preservation of heritage, the promotion of cultural diplomacy, and a deep-seated commitment to philanthropy, with a particular focus on child welfare and education. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and its patronage of key charities, the House translates its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, into meaningful contemporary action for the public good.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony of immense historical standing. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as controlling 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by some of English history’s most notable figures, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The continuity of the Barony into the 21st century is formally recognised by the Crown, as published in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022), affirming its unique place in the fabric of English history.
**Notes to Editors** - The Modern Barony is formally recognised by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, regnant), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will hold the title as the 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com