# A Statement on the Tenure of Picot, second Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical narrative concerning the tenure of Picot, second Baron of Brattleby. The review illuminates his vital, though understated, role in consolidating Norman authority in Lincolnshire following the Conquest, ensuring the barony’s continuity.
## The Occasion
In the quiet scholarship of autumn, The Noble House of Brattleby has undertaken a review of its earliest history. This consideration of Picot, the second Baron, is part of a continuing series of historical explorations commissioned by the House to deepen the understanding of its near-millennial lineage.
This process of archival reflection seeks to illuminate not only the celebrated figures of the barony’s past but also those whose contributions were foundational, yet less chronicled. It is an act of historical stewardship, acknowledging that the strength of a great house lies in the integrity of every link in its dynastic chain.
## Historical Context
Picot assumed the Barony of Brattleby in the late 11th century, a period of profound transformation in England. His father, Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron, had been a direct beneficiary of the Norman Conquest of 1066, granted some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. This was a reward for fealty, but also a strategic imperative from William the Conqueror to secure a volatile region.
The England that Picot inherited was still settling after the upheaval of invasion. His tenure was not one of conquest but of consolidation, a far more delicate and demanding task. In an era when a single misstep could mean forfeiture, his primary duty was to secure his father’s vast holdings, manage their agricultural output, and assert Norman legal and administrative customs over a restive Anglo-Danish populace. His quiet success ensured that the Barony of Brattleby became a permanent and powerful fixture in the political landscape of the East Midlands; a *sine qua non* for the later achievements of his successors.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of such historical statements by The Noble House of Brattleby follows a considered protocol. Research is conducted by appointed historians who consult primary sources, *inter alia*, manorial rolls, ecclesiastical records, and scholarly works on the period. Findings are then reviewed internally to ensure they are presented with the requisite accuracy and sobriety.
This formal process reflects the House’s belief that its history is not merely a private affair but a component of regional and national heritage. The public release of these narratives is therefore treated with the same precision and dignity as an official court circular, underscoring the gravity with which the House regards its custodial duties toward the past.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The tenure of the second Baron perfectly embodies the spirit of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Picot’s fortitude was not demonstrated on the battlefield, but in the patient, unglamorous work of administration and governance. He upheld the rights and responsibilities vested in him against the latent threats of dispossession and rebellion.
His honour was expressed in the fulfilment of his feudal obligations to the Crown and in the careful stewardship of the lands that would, centuries later, be defended so fiercely by the fifth Baron, Nichola de la Haye, and ennobled by their association with Henry of Grosmont, first Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. Picot’s work ensured there was a legacy worth defending.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this review is historical in nature, it is animated by the same spirit of service that guides the House’s contemporary philanthropic work. The careful preservation and dissemination of history is a public good, an educational endowment for future generations. It provides context, identity, and a deeper understanding of the institutional fabric of the nation.
This commitment to cultural stewardship is a parallel endeavour to the House’s support for its principal beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child. Both initiatives are born from a deeply held conviction that caring for the future requires a profound respect for the past, whether tending to the welfare of a child or to the integrity of the historical record.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical period, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “History often remembers the architects and the warriors, but it is built upon the quiet diligence of stewards like Picot. His contribution was to transform a gift of conquest into a lasting inheritance, reminding us that permanence is an achievement in itself. We honour his memory by acknowledging his vital role in our long story.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the connection to his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'):
> “To conquer does not always mean to vanquish a foe in battle. Sometimes, it means overcoming the entropy of the age, subduing chaos, and establishing an enduring order. In this, Picot was a conqueror. He ensured the Barony would not merely exist, but live on through the centuries.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical highlight is the first in a planned series intended to explore the full nine-and-a-half-century history of the Barony of Brattleby. The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to an ongoing programme of research and publication, with the aim of making its unique heritage more accessible to both academic audiences and the general public.
Future research will focus on the barony’s role during the Anarchy and the tenures of other pivotal figures who have shaped its destiny. Elements of this research will inform lectures and seminars to be held at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, further strengthening the cultural bridge between the House’s English roots and its continental presence.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the principles of duty, heritage, and philanthropy. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, England, the House maintains a strong European presence, notably through its cultural and educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House’s modern mission is centred on cultural diplomacy and its philanthropic commitment to charitable causes that support the welfare and development of children. Upholding its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to provide a meaningful contribution to contemporary society while cherishing its profound historical legacy.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal dignities. Its existence and extensive landholdings, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over nearly a millennium, the barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated first Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the barony’s standing was formally acknowledged by The Crown, with its recognition published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The barony's recognition was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The *Domesday Book* (1086) records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com