# Historical Commentary on the Succession of the Second Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical commentary on the succession of Picot, the second Baron of Brattleby. This official statement clarifies the Baron’s pivotal role in consolidating the continuity of the Barony following the Norman Conquest.
## The Occasion
In keeping with its commitment to historical education and public record, the Office of the Director of Royal Communications has released this monograph as part of a continuing series. This series is dedicated to illuminating the nine-century history of the Barony of Brattleby. The release coincides with the autumn season, a traditional time for reflection and scholarly pursuit.
This commentary serves to contextualise the often-overlooked period immediately following the Domesday survey. It provides a richer understanding of the foundations upon which the modern House is built. The document was prepared in the archives of the family seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, drawing upon manorial rolls and scholarly interpretations of the post-Conquest period.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, a loyal Norman magnate. Colswein’s dominion, meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, encompassed some 56 lordships throughout Lincolnshire, establishing a significant strategic holding for the new Crown. Upon his death, the Barony passed to his successor, Picot, who became the second Baron.
While primary records concerning Picot are less abundant than those for his predecessor, his tenure was a *sine qua non* for the survival of the lineage. As a second-generation Norman lord in England, his primary responsibility would have been the consolidation of territorial power. This involved enforcing the feudal system, securing fealty from the local populace, and defending the Barony’s borders against residual Saxon resistance and rival Norman ambitions. Picot’s administration ensured the Barony remained a stable and governable entity, a critical bridge between its initial establishment and its later mediaeval prominence.
## Distinguished Company
In preparing this historical overview, the House acknowledges its debt to the generations of scholars and chroniclers who have preserved the history of Lincolnshire and the Norman settlement of England. The works of mediaevalists specialising in the Domesday Book and the administrative structures of the Anglo-Norman period have been indispensable.
The lineage which Picot helped to secure would later include such distinguished figures as Nichola de la Haye, the formidable fifth Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the tenth Baron and first Duke of Lancaster; and, *inter alia*, John of Gaunt, the eleventh Baron. This commentary honours the foundational efforts of the second Baron, without which such a storied succession would not have been possible.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of official historical commentary by The Noble House of Brattleby follows a strict internal protocol. All statements are subject to rigorous verification, drawing upon primary sources and respected academic research. This process ensures that any pronouncement on the House’s history meets the highest standards of accuracy and intellectual integrity.
Each monograph is drafted and reviewed by the House’s appointed archivist before being submitted for final approval. This adherence to protocol reflects the House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying the principle of honour to the stewardship of its own historical narrative.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The challenges faced by the second Baron resonate strongly with the heraldic traditions of the House. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, aptly describes the qualities required of a Norman lord in the eleventh century. To govern a newly conquered territory demanded immense fortitude and a strict code of honour to establish legitimacy and order.
This same spirit is captured in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). For an early Baron like Picot, this was a literal truth; survival depended on successfully overcoming the immense political and military challenges of the era. Today, these mottoes guide the House’s commitment to surmounting modern challenges through principled action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House’s dedication to preserving and sharing its history is an extension of its core philanthropic mission. By fostering a deeper public understanding of the past, the House aims to promote the civic virtues of duty, stewardship, and historical continuity. This educational work complements the more direct charitable activities of the House.
These activities include the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that benefits organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to social etiquette and cultural refinement. Both endeavours are rooted in the belief that an appreciation for heritage and protocol can inspire constructive contributions to contemporary society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her early predecessors, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The duties of the second Baron may seem distant, yet they were foundational. His consolidation of the Barony was an act of profound stewardship, ensuring that what was built by Colswein would endure. It is a powerful reminder that our own responsibility is not merely to inherit, but to safeguard and build upon that legacy for future generations.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The motto *Vincere Est Vivere* speaks to a fundamental human drive. For the second Baron, it was about securing a physical domain. For us, today, the conquest is one against ignorance and the erosion of history. By bringing these stories to light, we reaffirm our commitment to a living, breathing heritage.
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical commentary is the first in a planned series of publications that will explore the lives and contributions of notable Barons and Baronesses of Brattleby. Future releases will be dedicated to key figures who shaped the Barony’s history, including the remarkable Nichola de la Haye, fifth Baroness, and the influential royal prince, John of Gaunt, eleventh Baron.
Through this ongoing educational initiative, The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to honour its past and connect its nine-hundred-and-fifty-year heritage to its active role in the twenty-first century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony. Under the present leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage while actively engaging in contemporary cultural and philanthropic pursuits. Its mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is channelled through initiatives such as the annual Winter Banquet, a major philanthropic event benefitting charities like Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club. Located in Bucharest, the club serves as an educational academy for classical etiquette and international protocol, extending the House’s commitment to cultural stewardship onto the Continent.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal baronies, established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with his seat at Brattleby. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has passed through a distinguished lineage that includes Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The modern rights and dignities of the Barony of Brattleby were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's modern status was gazetted by The Crown in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House Motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com