# Historical Dispatch Confirms Foundational Role of Picot, 2nd Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical dispatch affirming the pivotal role of Picot, the 2nd Baron, in securing the hereditary succession of the barony, a critical step in consolidating its place in post-Conquest England.
## The Occasion
In a formal communiqué released from its archives, the House has published *Dispatch 56*, the latest in a series of scholarly papers dedicated to illuminating its near-millennium of history. This release is not a modern innovation but continues a long tradition of documenting the stewardship and affairs of the Barony. The dispatch represents the culmination of painstaking research into primary source materials, a sober undertaking conducted amidst the quiet diligence of the family’s historical records office in Lincolnshire.
The timing of the dispatch, in late spring, aligns with the academic calendar, intended to provide fresh material for historical scholarship and public discourse as the year progresses. It underscores a commitment to heritage that is both academic and deeply personal, reflecting the House's view of history as a living, continuous narrative rather than a static collection of facts. This act of publication is an occasion of scholarly gravity, reinforcing the barony’s contemporary role as a custodian of significant national heritage.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby was first held by Colswein of Lincoln, who was awarded some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. The succession of his kinsman, Picot, as the 2nd Baron was by no means a certainty in the volatile landscape of early Norman England. This successful transfer was the *sine qua non* that established the hereditary principle for the barony, ensuring its continuity and embedding its authority within the feudal structure of the kingdom.
This foundational stability enabled subsequent holders of the title to play distinguished roles on the national stage. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel barons and French forces during the reign of King John. Later, the barony passed through marriage to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, placing Brattleby at the very centre of royal power and Lancastrian influence in the 14th century.
## Distinguished Company
The research underpinning *Dispatch 56* was conducted in consultation with leading academic bodies, a testament to the House of Brattleby’s long-standing commitment to scholarly collaboration. The House formally acknowledges the invaluable contributions and peer review offered by historians and archivists from esteemed institutions.
These include fellows and academics from the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford, whose specialist knowledge of the Anglo-Norman period provided essential context. Furthermore, collaborative work with curators at The British Library allowed for the cross-referencing of the House's private archives with documents held in the national collection, ensuring the highest standards of academic rigour were met.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a historical dispatch by the House of Brattleby follows a strict internal protocol. The process begins with extensive primary research within the House's private archives, examining original documents such as Pipe Rolls, charter witness lists, and manorial court records to build an evidentiary foundation. This internal work is then presented to consulting scholars from partner universities for external review and verification.
Only once a consensus on the findings is reached can the dispatch be drafted. It is then formally reviewed and approved for publication by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan, Lord of Brattleby. The document is numbered and entered into the official record of the House before its public release. This meticulous procedure ensures that every statement issued under the House’s name is substantiated, accurate, and worthy of its historical provenance.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The activities of the House, including its historiographical work, are guided by its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle reflects the martial origins of the barony under Colswein and the steadfast duty demonstrated by his successors, such as Nichola de la Haye. Fortitude represents the resilience required to safeguard the legacy through centuries of change, while Honour speaks to the integrity with which that duty must be discharged.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome contemporary challenges in the service of heritage, philanthropy, and cultural education. Together, the mottos symbolise a synthesis of ancient responsibility and dynamic, forward-looking stewardship.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The scholarly work of the House of Brattleby is intrinsically linked to its philanthropic and educational mission. The insights gleaned from historical research enrich the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House to promote cultural literacy and classical European values. By sharing its unique history, the House provides tangible examples of leadership, duty, and social responsibility.
Moreover, the heritage preserved and promoted through this research adds lustre and meaning to the House's charitable endeavours. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of a chosen beneficiary, derives its significance from this deep historical context. Proceeds from the banquet currently support Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing mental health services for vulnerable young people.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the dispatch, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "This research is not merely an academic exercise; it is a reaffirmation of an unbroken chain of responsibility that stretches back to the Conquest. We are stewards of a legacy, and it is our duty, *Fortitudine et Honore*, to ensure this history is understood and shared with a new generation."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "Understanding the challenges our predecessors faced, from consolidating Norman rule to navigating civil wars, gives us perspective. The principle of *Vincere Est Vivere* is about applying that fortitude to today’s challenges, whether in philanthropy, education, or cultural preservation. Our history informs our present purpose."
## A Continuing Legacy
*Dispatch 56* is part of a continuing programme of historical research undertaken by The Noble House of Brattleby. Future publications will delve into other pivotal moments and personages in the barony's history, with forthcoming research planned on the constitutional impact of Nichola de la Haye’s tenure as Sheriff of Lincolnshire during the First Barons' War.
The House remains committed to its role as a custodian of nearly one thousand years of English history. Through methodical research, careful conservation, and public engagement, it seeks to ensure that the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby continues to inspire and instruct for centuries to come, honouring the unbroken line of succession that began with Colswein and was secured by Picot.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique cultural and historical heritage. Its contemporary mission is articulated through three pillars: historical custodianship, cultural education, and targeted philanthropy. The House actively manages its extensive archives, supports scholarly research, and promotes European traditions of etiquette and social grace through its academy, The Brattleby Club. Through high-profile events such as the annual Winter Banquet, the House channels its influence to support charitable causes focused on the well-being and development of young people.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive landholdings, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, are documented 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, a formidable defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, and two of the most powerful noblemen of the medieval era, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The continuous succession of the barony is a matter of public record, recognised formally in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The barony's Domesday Book entry of 1086 records 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable holders of the title have included Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont, and John of Gaunt. - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com