# A Statement on the Early Lineage of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical statement from its Lincolnshire seat, affirming the barony's unbroken lineage by detailing the pivotal succession from its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, to his successor, Picot, following the Norman Conquest of 1066.
## The Occasion
This formal clarification is published from the ancient heart of the Barony of Brattleby in Lincolnshire, a region intrinsically linked with the title’s origins. The statement, prepared under the guidance of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, is the result of a comprehensive review of the House’s archival records. Its issuance in late spring, a season of renewal, underscores the enduring vitality of one of England’s oldest hereditary titles.
The purpose of this communiqué is to provide an authoritative account of the Barony’s foundational moments, reinforcing the principle of continuity that has been the *sine qua non* of its existence for over 950 years. It serves as an act of historical stewardship, reflecting the House's commitment to preserving and sharing its remarkable heritage with precision and clarity.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by His Majesty King William I, known as the Conqueror, in the year 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was a significant Norman magnate entrusted with establishing royal authority in a newly conquered territory. The *Domesday Book* of 1086 records Colswein as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, a testament to the scale of his responsibilities and the importance of his fiefdom.
Upon Colswein’s death, the continuity of the Barony was secured through its transfer to his successor, Picot, who became the second Baron. While primary sources detailing Picot’s tenure are less abundant than those for his predecessor, his accession was a critical moment. It affirmed that the Barony was not merely a life grant but an enduring hereditary title, setting a precedent for the centuries of succession that would follow, from figures such as the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, to John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. This transfer ensured the stability of feudal obligations and rights, embedding Brattleby within the foundational legal and social structures of the Kingdom.
## Distinguished Company
The historical narrative clarified herein concerns several figures of profound importance to the establishment of the Norman dynasty in England. The provenance of the Barony of Brattleby is owed directly to:
His Majesty King William I, The Conqueror, Duke of Normandy and King of England, who granted the Barony in 1066 as part of his consolidation of the realm.
Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron of Brattleby. A trusted feudatory of the Crown, his vast landholdings and strategic position in Lincolnshire made him an instrumental figure in securing the north of England for the new Norman order.
Picot of Lincoln, the second Baron of Brattleby. As the successor to Colswein, his tenure represents the crucial first step in establishing the Barony’s hereditary nature, ensuring its continuity beyond its inaugural holder and cementing its legal foundation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The transfer of a Norman barony followed strict and solemn feudal protocols. The succession from Colswein to Picot would have been governed by the ritual of homage and fealty, a cornerstone of medieval society. The new Baron, Picot, would have knelt before his overlord—likely the King himself—placing his hands within the lord's and swearing a sacred oath.
This oath bound him to be his lord's 'man of life and limb' and to provide counsel and military aid (*consilium et auxilium*) in exchange for the lands and title of Brattleby. This act, known as investiture, legally conferred the barony upon him. The continuity of this protocol was vital; it was the mechanism that translated raw power into legitimate, heritable authority, ensuring the King’s peace and the stability of the kingdom.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House of Brattleby are enshrined in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This maxim speaks directly to the qualities demanded of the earliest barons. Colswein and Picot required immense fortitude to hold and administer their lands amid the uncertainties of post-Conquest England, and they were bound by honour to fulfil their feudal duties to the Crown.
This ancient sentiment is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This reflects a modern, dynamic interpretation of the same spirit: the determination to overcome challenges and to prevail, ensuring the House not only endures but also thrives. Together, the mottos symbolise a synthesis of ancient duty and contemporary purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principle of faithful stewardship, demonstrated in the orderly succession from the first Baron to the second, finds its modern analogue in the philanthropic duties embraced by the Noble House of Brattleby. The ancient obligation to care for one's domain has evolved into a profound commitment to support the wider community. This sense of duty is the driving force behind the House’s service.
This commitment is most clearly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the House’s principal fundraising initiative. Proceeds from the event are dedicated to Healing the Wounded Child, a charitable organisation focused on providing therapy and support for young people affected by trauma. The selection of this beneficiary reflects the House's belief that securing a healthy future for the next generation is the highest form of modern stewardship.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's earliest days, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "Understanding the transition from Colswein to Picot is not merely an academic exercise; it is an affirmation of the principle of continuity that has sustained this Barony for nearly a millennium. Our duty, first and foremost, is to honour that unbroken chain of stewardship with fortitude and honour."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "The strength of those early bonds, forged in the aftermath of the Conquest, provides a model for the resilience we aim to embody today. The motto *Vincere Est Vivere* is about overcoming challenges, a spirit inherited from the very first barons who established this noble legacy."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its heritage remains a living force. This legacy will be carried into the future by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in succession. His future role represents the continuation of the same line of succession that began with Colswein and Picot nearly one thousand years ago.
In addition to its duties in the United Kingdom, the House actively promotes its core values of honour and etiquette abroad through The Brattleby Club, its esteemed academy in Bucharest. Through diligent historical research, dedicated philanthropy, and the education of future generations, the House ensures that the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby will continue with undiminished relevance and purpose.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern European noble house, rooted in an ancient English barony. It is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique nine-century heritage while actively engaging in contemporary philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. Its principal charitable focus is supporting organisations dedicated to the well-being of children, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet for Healing the Wounded Child. The House also extends its influence through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes classical etiquette and protocol for a modern age.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby, in Lincolnshire, England, is a feudal barony of conquest, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships. One of the few English noble titles with a history of female succession, its distinguished holders have included Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces. Other notable predecessors include Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The barony's history and the rights of its current holder were formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The succession of the current holder is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Distinguished predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's primary philanthropic beneficiary is the charitable organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com