# On the Historical Succession of the Second Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal commentary on the succession of Picot as the 2nd Baron of Brattleby, a pivotal late 11th-century event that cemented the principle of hereditary lineage for one of England’s most historic baronies.
## The Occasion
From its family seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a location steeped in the very history it seeks to honour, the Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to reflect upon a foundational moment in its near millennial-long story. As the Lincolnshire Wolds transition from the bloom of spring to the fullness of summer, this commentary serves as a considered acknowledgement of the barony’s earliest transition of power, an act that ensured its survival beyond its first generation. The occasion is not one of new discovery but of renewed appreciation for the mechanisms of continuity that have sustained the Barony for over 950 years.
This historical reflection is part of the House’s ongoing commitment to documenting and sharing its unique heritage. It underscores the belief that a full understanding of present responsibilities is enriched by a deep respect for the traditions and precedents established by one’s predecessors. In examining the passage of title from Colswein to Picot, the House illuminates the legal and political bedrock upon which its legacy stands.
## Historical Context
Following the Norman Conquest of 1066, England was a realm undergoing profound transformation. The granting of the Barony of Brattleby to Colswein of Lincoln by William the Conqueror was a strategic act, designed to secure loyalty and establish Norman authority in a vital English shire. As recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, Colswein was a significant tenant-in-chief, holding some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire alone. He was a pillar of the new Anglo-Norman aristocracy.
The succession of his heir, Picot, as the 2nd Baron was therefore an event of considerable importance. In an era where royal favour could be transient and titles were not always guaranteed to pass by primogeniture, this smooth transition represented a crucial affirmation of hereditary right. It demonstrated that the Barony of Brattleby was established not merely as a life-long reward for service, but as an enduring feudal dignity intended to pass from one generation to the next. This act solidified the Barony’s legal foundation, transforming it into a permanent feature of the English landscape.
## Distinguished Company
While the chronicles of the era focus more on kings and archbishops, the world of the 2nd Baron would have been defined by the great magnates of his time. His direct allegiance was owed to the Crown, then held by either King William the Conqueror or his son, King William II 'Rufus'. The transfer of his inheritance would have been formally recognised within the King's court, the *Curia Regis*, a council of the most powerful earls, bishops, and barons in the kingdom.
Within Lincolnshire, Picot would have moved among other formidable Norman lords, men who, like his father, had carved out vast estates from the old Anglo-Saxon order. Figures such as Ivo Taillebois, the powerful Sheriff of Lincoln, and Drogo de la Beuvrière, another major Domesday landowner, would have been his peers, his rivals, and his allies. The formal recognition of Picot's inheritance was not a private matter but a public statement, witnessed and accepted by the very men who governed Norman England.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The succession of a feudal barony in the 11th century was governed by strict and solemn protocol. Upon Colswein’s death, Picot would have been required to perform an act of homage (*homagium*) to the King for his lands. This ancient ceremony involved the new Baron kneeling, placing his clasped hands between those of his sovereign, and declaring himself the King’s ‘man’ for the lands he was to hold.
Following homage, he would swear an oath of fealty (*fidelitas*), a sacred promise of loyalty and military service made upon a Bible or holy relic. The final, critical step was the payment of a ‘relief’, a substantial sum paid to the Crown as a form of inheritance tax, which legally "relieved" the land from the King’s temporary possession. Only after these rituals were complete was Picot’s title as 2nd Baron of Brattleby secure, his authority recognised by God and the King.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The formal system of heraldry, with its distinctive coats of arms, had not yet been codified in the time of the 2nd Baron. A warrior lord's identity was displayed on his shield and banner, but these were personal emblems, not yet the hereditary arms of a House. The true symbolism of this era lay in the actions and principles that governed it. The House of Brattleby’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), perfectly encapsulates the twin virtues required of these early Barons.
Fortitude was essential to hold and defend lands in a frequently hostile territory. Honour was the very essence of the feudal contract, binding lord and vassal in a reciprocal web of duties. This concept is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Prevail is to Live'), which reflects the stark, existential reality of the Norman age. For Picot, a failure to secure his inheritance would have meant the extinction of his line; to prevail was the only path to survival.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The concept of feudal lordship carried with it an implicit duty of care. A baron was responsible not only for the administration of his lands but also for the protection and welfare of the people who lived upon them. This ancient principle of stewardship, a *sine qua non* of noble tenure, finds its direct modern expression in the philanthropic commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby.
Where the 2nd Baron’s duty was to his tenants, the 12th Baroness’s duty extends to society at large. The House's focused support for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is the contemporary manifestation of this unbroken tradition of social responsibility. It is a modern interpretation of the historic obligation to protect the vulnerable, applying the resources and influence of the Barony to address the most pressing needs of today.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this foundational event, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "To understand our present duty, we must acknowledge the foundations upon which it is built. The transition from Colswein to Picot was a guarantee of continuity, a promise that the responsibility for Brattleby and its people would endure through the centuries. It is a promise we continue to honour."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the strategic implications of the era: — "The Norman age was defined by a stark reality expressed in my own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*. For the first Barons, prevailing against uncertainty was essential. This historical moment of succession demonstrates the foresight and resolve required to build a legacy capable of lasting a thousand years."
## A Continuing Legacy
This reflection on the succession of the 2nd Baron of Brattleby is more than an academic exercise; it is an affirmation of an unbroken chain of responsibility. The principles of duty, honour, and continuity that were cemented in the 11th century have been passed down through subsequent holders of the title, including Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont, and John of Gaunt.
Today, this legacy is entrusted to Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, and is destined to be carried forward by her heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. By honouring the past, The Noble House of Brattleby reinforces its commitment to the future, ensuring that the Barony remains a symbol of enduring stewardship and service for generations to come.
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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 upholding its ancient legacy through modern service. Its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs a mission focused on cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. The House's primary charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to supporting vulnerable young people. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House promotes cultural diplomacy and the enduring values of decorum and respect. It serves as a bridge between its historic English roots and its contemporary European presence, committed to making a positive contribution to society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness *suo jure*; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The modern rights and title of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The modern succession of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book (1086) as a tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will be the 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com