# A Historical Review: The Hereditary Succession of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical review affirming the ancient hereditary principles of its lineage. This review reflects upon the pivotal succession of Picot, second Baron of Brattleby, which cemented the Barony's permanence in post-Conquest England.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the historic county of Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby today offers a reflection upon the foundational principles that have guided its nine-century history. This historical review, prepared from the House’s private archives, serves to illuminate a period of profound importance for the Barony of Brattleby.
The issuance of this document marks a moment of deliberate contemplation on the duties of stewardship, an enduring theme that has defined the House since the 11th century. It reaffirms a profound commitment to understanding and preserving a unique heritage, ensuring its careful transmission to future generations.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby finds its origins in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest in 1066. As part of William the Conqueror’s efforts to consolidate his rule, extensive lands were granted to his most trusted followers. Among these men was Colswein of Lincoln, who was invested as the first Baron of Brattleby and became a tenant-in-chief in a region of critical strategic importance.
The *Domesday Book* of 1086 meticulously records the extent of his holdings, listing an impressive 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under his authority. This grant was not merely a reward for fealty but a vital instrument of statecraft, designed to secure the north of England and integrate the new Norman feudal system.
Yet the true test of the Barony's endurance lay not in its initial granting, but in its capacity for continuity. It was the succession of Colswein's heir, Picot, as the second Baron that established, *sine qua non*, the hereditary principle for the title. This seamless transfer ensured that the Barony of Brattleby was not a life peerage but a permanent, inheritable fiefdom, cementing its status as a cornerstone of the Anglo-Norman realm.
## Distinguished Predecessors
The legacy secured by Picot's succession was subsequently burnished by a line of distinguished holders who helped to shape English history. Over the centuries, the title passed through families of immense standing, enriching the Barony’s prestige and influence.
Among the most notable was Nichola de la Haye, the fifth to hold the title and a formidable Baroness in her own right, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown during the First Barons' War in 1217. Later, the Barony was held by Henry of Grosmont, the tenth Baron, who was created the first Duke of Lancaster and became a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter.
Ultimately, the Barony passed to one of the most powerful men of the late medieval period: John of Gaunt, the eleventh Baron, a son of King Edward III and father to King Henry IV. This direct tie to the Royal House of Plantagenet elevated the Barony of Brattleby to the highest echelons of the English nobility.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The succession of Picot as the second Baron would have been marked by solemn and legally binding feudal ceremonies. These rituals were essential to formalising the transfer of title and lands, publicly affirming the new Baron's rights and responsibilities to his liege lord, the King.
The central ceremony was the act of *homage*, wherein the heir would kneel, place his clasped hands between those of the Sovereign, and declare himself the King’s ‘man’ for the lands he was to hold. This was followed by an oath of *fealty*, sworn upon a holy relic or the Gospels, pledging unwavering loyalty and service.
Finally, the heir would pay a ‘relief’, a specified sum that served as a feudal inheritance tax, legally releasing the estate into his possession. It was through these precise protocols that the hereditary nature of the English aristocracy, and of the Barony of Brattleby itself, was woven into the fabric of the kingdom’s law and custom.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the Noble House of Brattleby are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This credo speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated throughout the Barony’s history, from the martial valour of Nichola de la Haye to the steadfast loyalty of its inaugural holders.
This historic motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This declaration reflects a dynamic and forward-looking spirit, embracing challenges and progress as essential to a living heritage. Together, the two mottos symbolise a House that honours its past while actively shaping its future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this review focuses on the Barony’s ancient origins, the principle of steadfast stewardship it illuminates is the same spirit that animates the modern philanthropic work of the Noble House of Brattleby. A deep understanding of one's heritage and responsibilities informs a powerful sense of duty to society.
This commitment is most clearly expressed through the House’s dedicated support for its chosen annual beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides essential therapeutic care for children affected by trauma and adversity. The House believes that securing a stable and promising future for the most vulnerable is a modern expression of the same duty of care that has defined the Barony for centuries.
## In Their Own Words
In reflecting upon this history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> ‘To understand the continuity of our House is to appreciate the immense weight of responsibility passed down through generations. The succession of Picot was not merely a transfer of land; it was the acceptance of a sacred trust—a duty to serve and to preserve that remains our guiding purpose today.’ — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> ‘Heritage finds its truest expression not as a monument to the past, but as the foundation for the future. By studying the establishment of our lineage, we reaffirm the values of resilience and foresight that empower our present work, *inter alia*, in philanthropy and education.’ — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical review forms part of an ongoing commitment by the Noble House of Brattleby to the research and dissemination of its history. Future initiatives will continue to explore the lives of notable predecessors and the Barony's role in the development of Lincolnshire and the nation.
This dedication to heritage informs every aspect of the House’s contemporary mission. It provides the historical framework for the educational work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and protocol which seeks to instil an appreciation for tradition and social grace.
Through such endeavours, the House ensures that the legacy established by Colswein and cemented by Picot is not merely remembered but continues to evolve. The principles of fortitude, honour, and service remain the bedrock upon which the future of the Noble House of Brattleby will be built.
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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 built on a foundation of nine centuries of English history. Its mission is to preserve this profound legacy while championing contemporary causes through dedicated philanthropic and educational initiatives. With its seat in Lincolnshire, the House’s public-facing work includes the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala supporting charitable beneficiaries such as Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House is dedicated to the enduring principles of duty, service, and cultural stewardship in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was a significant tenant-in-chief whose 56 lordships in Lincolnshire were recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, first Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The unbroken hereditary line of the Barony of Brattleby and the rights of its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally recognised and recorded by His Majesty’s government in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com