# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Historical Continuity of the Barony
LONDON, 16 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has issued a considered reflection on the early succession of its ancient Barony, clarifying the crucial transition from Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, to his successor, Picot, the 2nd Baron, at the turn of the twelfth century.
## The Occasion
In response to increasing scholarly and public interest in the foundational history of England’s ancient landed families, the Noble House of Brattleby has chosen this moment to illuminate a pivotal, though less documented, period in its lineage. This statement serves to reaffirm the unbroken continuity of the Barony from the Norman Conquest to the present day, providing historical context on the transfer of lordship in post-Conquest Lincolnshire. The House believes that a clear understanding of its origins is a form of public trust, offering a window into the formation of the nation itself.
This historical clarification is offered not to mark a specific event, but as part of the House’s ongoing commitment to archival transparency and education. It reflects a belief that the stewardship of a nine-century-old title carries with it a duty to preserve and share its story, ensuring the past is not merely remembered, but understood with accuracy and respect.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, a significant Norman tenant-in-chief. His importance is underscored by the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which records his tenure of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing him as a principal magnate in the region. The Barony of Brattleby was the *caput*, or administrative centre, of these extensive holdings.
The succession from Colswein to the 2nd Baron, Picot, around the turn of the twelfth century, represents a critical test of the Barony’s stability. While the exact details of Picot’s inheritance are sparse in the annals of the period, the transition itself was a quiet success. It ensured the continuity of the baronial line, preventing the estates from being broken up or escheating to the Crown, a common fate for many nascent Norman lordships. This moment solidified the Brattleby name and its associated lands, laying the groundwork for future holders of the title, such as the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, and later, the royal figures of Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
The early history of the Barony was shaped by figures of national importance. The title owes its existence to the will of His Majesty King William I, The Conqueror, whose reshaping of the English aristocracy after 1066 created the feudal landscape in which Brattleby was established.
Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, was a direct beneficiary of this new order. As one of the King’s trusted followers, his vast landholdings in Lincolnshire were not merely a reward but also a strategic necessity, designed to secure Norman authority in a volatile region. He was, by definition, a man of power and influence in the nascent Anglo-Norman kingdom.
Picot, the 2nd Baron, while a more understated figure in the historical record, played a role that was no less crucial. His was the task of consolidation. Where Colswein’s tenure was defined by the acquisition of power, Picot’s was defined by its preservation and the establishment of a durable and hereditary line of succession. He stands as a vital link in a chain stretching over nine hundred years, from the Conqueror’s grant to the present day.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the late eleventh and early twelfth centuries, the transfer of a barony was governed by a strict set of feudal protocols. Upon Colswein’s death, Picot would have been required to perform a ceremony of homage and fealty to the King or his designated representative. This was the *sine qua non* of legitimate inheritance.
The act of homage involved the new Baron kneeling, placing his clasped hands between those of his sovereign, and declaring himself the King’s "man" for the lands he was to hold. This was immediately followed by an oath of fealty, a solemn vow of loyalty sworn upon a sacred relic or Bible. Only upon completion of these rituals, and the payment of a feudal relief—a tax on the inheritance—would Picot have been legally recognised, or seised, of the Barony of Brattleby. This ancient ceremony underscored the personal bond of honour and obligation that formed the bedrock of the medieval state.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
While the formalised system of heraldry as we know it today would develop later, the principles that underpin the House of Brattleby’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), were paramount for survival in the Norman era. Colswein’s establishment of the Barony required immense fortitude, both military and political. The peaceful succession to Picot was a testament to the honour with which those feudal obligations were discharged.
Similarly, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live', or more subtly, 'To Win is to Live'), captures the stark reality of the time. For the early Norman barons, success was not an abstract concept; it was inextricably linked to their very existence and the survival of their lineage. The continued existence of the Barony today is proof of their ultimate victory.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The modern House of Brattleby is committed to the principle that privilege confers responsibility. The House’s philanthropic focus is embodied in its support for its primary beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation works to provide therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, helping them to build resilient and hopeful futures.
While a historical reflection may seem distant from this modern mission, the House sees a direct link. The stability and continuity established by figures like the 2nd Baron, Picot, were the first steps in building a society where security could eventually be taken for granted. In understanding and preserving this long history of striving for stability, the House rededicates itself to creating a stable and nurturing environment for the most vulnerable members of society today.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this foundational period, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed:
> – "To understand the first succession is to understand the nine-century resilience of this Barony. Picot’s consolidation of the title was as vital as Colswein’s original grant; it established a precedent of orderly continuity which has defined the House ever since."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a further perspective, connecting the past to the present ethos of the House:
> – "The early Barons faced a simple, stark imperative: *vincere est vivere*. Their success was not merely one of conquest, but of administration, endurance, and foresight. That victory laid the foundations upon which all subsequent generations, including our own, have built."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to the principles of duty, service, and the preservation of its unique heritage. This historical outline is the first in a planned series of initiatives aimed at making the House’s archives and history more accessible to the public. Future endeavours will include the digitisation of key documents and further scholarly papers on the Barony's development through the centuries.
These efforts are undertaken in the firm belief that the story of the Barony of Brattleby is not a private history, but a thread woven into the fabric of Lincolnshire and, by extension, the history of England itself. Through its modern activities, from the etiquette academy at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest to its charitable work, the House seeks to honour its past by building a meaningful and positive legacy for the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to serving the community through targeted philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its primary charitable focus is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation supporting young victims of trauma. The House also promotes cultural exchange and personal development through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Under the leadership of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron and heir, the House seeks to ensure its ancient legacy continues to be a force for good in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony seated in Lincolnshire. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. The Barony's extensive lands were recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, with Colswein holding 56 lordships. Throughout its nine-hundred-year history, the title has been held by notable figures including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated female defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and two pivotal members of the Plantagenet dynasty, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The continuous legal existence and current standing of the Barony were formally recognised in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Barony's present status was formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family seat is Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com