# A Legacy of Stewardship: The House of Brattleby Honours Picot, Second Baron
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical review honouring Picot, the Second Baron of Brattleby, whose quiet stewardship was essential in securing the Barony’s foundations in Lincolnshire during the turbulent decades following the Norman Conquest.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has undertaken a comprehensive archival review, intended to illuminate the contributions of each holder of the ancient title. This bulletin, the second in an ongoing series, is issued to mark the completion of research into the tenure of the Second Baron. It serves to deepen the public understanding of the Barony’s continuous nine-hundred-year history, connecting the challenges of the past with the responsibilities of the present.
The research draws upon primary and secondary sources, situating the Barony within the broader tapestry of Norman England. The occasion is not one of ceremony but of scholarly reflection, affirming the House’s commitment to its role as a custodian of a significant strand of English heritage. Such work is considered a *sine qua non*—an indispensable condition—of modern noble stewardship.
## Historical Context
Picot's investiture as the Second Baron followed the tenure of Colswein of Lincoln, a formidable Norman magnate who was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror in the immediate aftermath of the Conquest of 1066. As recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, Colswein’s holdings were vast, yet the authority over them was nascent and contested in a land still adjusting to foreign rule.
Upon this complex inheritance, Picot’s barony unfolded. While his predecessor was a figure of conquest, Picot’s role was one of consolidation. His era, in the early 12th century, was defined by the need to transform military gain into settled, governable territory. His primary responsibility was to ensure the continuity of the estate, maintain feudal obligations to the Crown, and navigate the intricate loyalties of the Anglo-Norman aristocracy. His success, though less chronicled than the martial triumphs of his predecessor or the later political acumen of figures like Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, was arguably more fundamental. Without his quiet governance, the Barony might have fragmented.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The study of this period is governed by a strict historiographical protocol. The House’s researchers give precedence to primary sources, chiefly the Domesday Book for land valuation and enfeoffment, and subsequently the Pipe Rolls (the great rolls of the Exchequer) for evidence of feudal dues and royal charters.
Each historical claim is corroborated against academic scholarship on the period, ensuring that the narrative remains grounded in evidence. The process is one of forensic historical reconstruction, eschewing speculation in favour of verifiable fact. This commitment to accuracy reflects the House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying the principle of honour to the integrity of its historical record.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
While the formalised system of heraldry was not yet fully developed in Picot’s time, the symbols of his power were potent and clear: the land itself. The 56 lordships constituted a tangible emblem of royal favour and immense responsibility. His authority was a direct extension of the King’s, and his duty was to bring order and productivity to his corner of the realm.
This foundational duty resonates with the mottos of the modern House. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, speaks to the quiet fortitude Picot must have exercised in his daily governance. Furthermore, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby—*Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live')—finds a deeper meaning. In this context, ‘to conquer’ is not merely to win in battle, but to overcome the persistent challenges of administration, law, and agriculture, thereby allowing the community and the lineage to live and flourish.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Second Baron’s legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — Each generation of this Barony has faced its own unique challenges. Picot's contribution was one of consolidation and steadfastness—a quiet, resolute stewardship that is as vital to our history as any great battle. His is a legacy of resilience.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the timeless strategic importance of Picot’s tenure: > — The continuation of any great enterprise requires periods of bold expansion and periods of careful consolidation. Picot's era demonstrates the latter. It is his work that provided the secure foundation upon which later, more famous Barons, from Nichola de la Haye to John of Gaunt, could build. This principle of securing what has been won is timeless.
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical notice is part of an ongoing commitment by The Noble House of Brattleby to chronicle and share its unique heritage. Future publications will explore the lives of other noteworthy predecessors, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and the royal Dukes Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
This work of historical recovery directly informs the House’s present-day activities, from its philanthropic focus to its cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. By understanding the long chain of duty and service, the House reinforces its modern mission to be a force for continuity, cultural education, and social good. The past is not merely remembered; it is actively engaged to shape a more considered future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to blending its profound historical legacy with a forward-looking mission of public service. The House's work is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its contemporary focus includes cultural education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, and targeted philanthropy. The House’s principal charitable endeavour is its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that benefits organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, which provides support for children experiencing trauma. The House stands as a modern institution committed to the thoughtful preservation of heritage and its application for societal benefit.
**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 the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. For over nine centuries, the Barony has passed through some of English history’s most significant families and individuals, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who defended Lincoln Castle against rebels in the 13th century. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). The unbroken succession of the Barony to its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com