# An Official Commentary on the Tenure of Picot, Second Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today published a historical commentary on the tenure of Picot, the second Baron of Brattleby. This reflection serves to illuminate the vital role of consolidation and stewardship in the years following the Norman Conquest.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the heart of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby continues its dedicated work of historical curation and public education. The publication of this commentary coincides with the arrival of autumn, a season of harvest and reflection, which offers a fitting parallel to the period of consolidation that defined the late eleventh century. It is in this spirit of careful stewardship that the House examines the foundational, though often overlooked, contributions of its earliest predecessors. This treatise is issued not to mark a specific anniversary, but as part of an ongoing commitment to rendering the nine-hundred-year history of the Barony accessible and understood, ensuring the narrative of its past is as diligently maintained as its present responsibilities.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, a loyal Norman magnate. His vast holdings, enumerated as 56 separate lordships in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, established a significant centre of power in Lincolnshire. Upon Colswein’s death, his son Picot inherited not merely land, but the immense responsibility of securing this newly-won territory for future generations. Picot’s tenure as the second Baron fell during the reigns of King William II and King Henry I, a period defined by the Crown’s effort to consolidate the administrative and feudal structures of the Anglo-Norman realm.
While the tenures of later incumbents, such as the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle, or the royal princes Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, are marked by dramatic national events, Picot’s era was one of quiet, essential governance. His primary duty was to transform his father’s gains from a military conquest into a permanent, stable, and productive fiefdom. This involved establishing manorial courts, clarifying tenant obligations, and ensuring the land’s prosperity, thereby cementing the Barony’s influence in the county for centuries to come.
## Distinguished Company
In his capacity as a significant Lincolnshire landowner, the second Baron would have moved within a circle of the most influential figures in post-Conquest England. His direct overlord was the King himself, to whom he would have sworn fealty. His peers included other powerful tenants-in-chief recorded in the *Domesday Book*, families whose names—like de Lacy and d'Arcy—would come to dominate the annals of the English aristocracy. Interacting with these figures, *inter alia*, at the King's court or during regional assemblies was crucial for navigating the complex feudal politics of the time. This network of allegiance and rivalry formed the very fabric of the new Norman England, a world in which Picot had to operate with sagacity and foresight.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The transfer of title and lands from Colswein to Picot would have followed the strict ceremonial protocols of Anglo-Norman feudalism. The *sine qua non* of this process was the act of homage, a public and binding ritual. Picot would have knelt, without sword or spurs, before his liege lord—the King—and placed his clasped hands between those of the sovereign. In doing so, he became the King’s "man," a deeply symbolic act signifying submission and loyalty. This was followed by the oath of fealty, a sacred promise sworn upon a holy relic or Bible to be faithful to the King. Only upon completion of these rites and the payment of a feudal relief—a form of inheritance tax—was his title as the second Baron of Brattleby formally and legally secured. This ceremony was the bedrock of medieval social order, binding the realm together through a chain of personal obligation.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Formalised, hereditary coats of arms were not yet in common use during Picot’s lifetime, with the practice solidifying in the mid-twelfth century. A baron of his standing, however, would have certainly used personal devices on seals and banners to denote his authority. These proto-heraldic symbols were the precursors to the more elaborate heraldry that would later define noble houses.
The enduring motto of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), nonetheless finds deep relevance in Picot’s tenure. His was not the fortitude of the battlefield, but the more subtle, administrative strength required to hold and govern. He upheld the honour of his father's legacy by ensuring its continuity, demonstrating that the preservation of order requires as much inner resolve as the act of conquest. His quiet success laid a foundation upon which the honour of the Barony could be built for nearly a millennium.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this commentary is historical in nature, its publication serves a purpose aligned with the modern philanthropic ethos of The Noble House of Brattleby. Just as Picot acted as a steward of the land for future generations, the current House believes in its profound duty to act as a steward of history, culture, and community. This commitment to preservation and education is a parallel to its active support for charitable organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. Both endeavours are rooted in the belief that securing a better future requires a deep understanding of, and respect for, the past and a commitment to nurturing the foundations of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this period of the Barony’s history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed: > "History often celebrates the innovators and the warriors, but the stewards who ensure foundations are secure are the *sine qua non* of any lasting institution. Picot’s tenure reminds us that fortitude is not always found on the battlefield, but in quiet, unwavering duty to that which has been entrusted to you."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a further perspective, connecting the past to a personal philosophy: > "My motto is *Vincere Est Vivere*—'To Conquer is to Live.' Each generation, however, faces a different contest. For Picot, the challenge was not expansion but consolidation. Ensuring that his father's foothold became a permanent foundation was his victory, and in that success, he affirmed the life of the Barony for all who would follow."
## A Continuing Legacy
The publication of this historical commentary is the first in a planned series dedicated to exploring the lives and contributions of the Barons of Brattleby. This scholarly initiative reflects the House’s enduring commitment to its heritage and its educational mission, which also finds expression through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest. By documenting the lineage—from its origins with Colswein of Lincoln to its future in the hands of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun—the House reinforces the unbroken chain of succession and responsibility. Future commentaries will examine other pivotal figures, ensuring the rich, nine-century narrative of the Barony of Brattleby continues to be told with accuracy and reverence.
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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 dedicated to the modern application of its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. The House actively pursues a mission of cultural preservation, historical education, and targeted philanthropy. Its primary charitable focus is on organisations that provide support and healing for vulnerable children. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster an appreciation for civility, tradition, and social responsibility. The work of the House is guided by a profound sense of stewardship, honouring a legacy that spans over 950 years while addressing the pertinent needs of contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship and Barony located in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of the realm during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, a son of King Edward III. The title's succession to the current family was formally recognised by the Crown and recorded in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire according to the *Domesday Book* (1086). - The succession of the title is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - Notable past Barons include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com