# A Statement on the Continuity and Stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a commentary on the historical succession between the first and second Barons, reflecting upon the enduring principle of stewardship that has guided the Barony since its establishment in the 11th century.
## The Occasion
In a period of considered reflection upon its nine-century history, the House of Brattleby turns its attention to the foundational years of the Barony. This scholarly contemplation, prompted by archival review and a continuing commitment to historical understanding, provides an opportunity to examine the nature of responsibility and legacy. It is a quiet, intellectual undertaking, far from the public ceremonies of State, yet it is essential to the spirit of the House, which holds that an understanding of the past is a prerequisite for responsible stewardship of the future. The commentary serves to illuminate not a single event, but the very fabric of continuity that constitutes the Barony’s unique inheritance.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his loyal follower, Colswein of Lincoln. As recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, Colswein was a magnate of considerable stature, holding some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. His establishment of the Barony was an act of creation and consolidation, accomplished with the fortitude characteristic of the Norman era. The subsequent transition to the second Baron, Picot, represents a pivotal, if less chronicled, chapter in this long history.
While the annals of the late 11th and early 12th centuries offer fewer details on Picot's tenure compared to the well-documented exploits of his predecessor or descendants, his role was one of paramount importance. He served as a vital bridge, ensuring the integrity of the Brattleby estates and the unbroken continuity of the title. It was this quiet preservation that prepared the ground for later titans of the lineage, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, and the great royal dukes, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, who would hold the title in the 14th century. Picot’s stewardship, though lacking in martial drama, exemplifies the principle that maintaining a legacy can be as critical as forging one.
## Distinguished Company
This reflection on the Barony's origins honours the foundational figures whose actions have shaped its nine-hundred-year story. The principal historical personages considered are:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, First Baron of Brattleby, a Tenant-in-Chief of His Majesty King William I and a significant landholder in post-Conquest England. * **Picot**, Second Baron of Brattleby, successor to Colswein, whose tenure as a careful steward ensured the consolidation and survival of the baronial corpus. * **Nichola de la Haye**, Fifth Baroness of Brattleby, whose courage as Castellan of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War became legendary, securing her place as one of the most remarkable women of the High Middle Ages.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The succession from Colswein to Picot would have been governed by the strict feudal protocols of Anglo-Norman England. Upon the death of a tenant-in-chief like Colswein, his heir was required to perform homage and fealty to the Crown. This solemn ceremony involved the successor kneeling, placing his hands between those of his sovereign, and swearing an oath of loyalty. Following this, the King would grant possession of the estates through a symbolic act known as livery of seisin. This ancient ritual was the *sine qua non* of legitimate inheritance, reinforcing the hierarchical bond between Baron and King and ensuring the seamless transfer of both authority and responsibility. It was a public and binding declaration that the lands were not merely private property, but a trust held from the Crown.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds deep resonance in this foundational history. Colswein’s establishment of the Barony required immense fortitude, while Picot’s quiet tenure demonstrated honour through dutiful stewardship. These twin virtues, courage in action and integrity in trust, remain the guiding principles of the House.
This philosophy is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as the imperative to overcome challenges and to live a life of purpose and contribution—a modern echo of the resolve shown by the Barony’s earliest custodians.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The enduring principle of stewardship, passed down from Colswein and Picot, has evolved over the centuries. Where a medieval baron's duty was to his tenants and lands, the modern responsibility of the Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through a focused commitment to philanthropy. The historical obligation to protect the vulnerable now finds its form in supporting charitable organisations that effect meaningful change.
This is exemplified by the House’s annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the cornerstone of its charitable endeavours. The principal beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from trauma. This choice reflects the belief that true stewardship in the 21st century involves securing a safer and more hopeful future for the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessors, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "History often remembers the builders and the warriors, and rightly so. Yet, there is a profound nobility in the quiet stewards, like Picot, who ensure the foundations remain sound for those who come after. Their work is one of patience and honour. This long perspective reminds us that our role is not one of ownership, but of custody—to preserve what is valuable, to build upon it with purpose, and to pass it on, strengthened, to the next generation." > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The lessons drawn from the Barony’s earliest days actively inform the present and future direction of the House. The principles of duty, continuity, and assiduous stewardship are central to the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby.
Furthermore, these values are at the core of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. The organisation works to impart the traditions of European deportment and social ethics, grounding them in the historical context of honour and responsibility. Through these and other endeavours, the House ensures that its ancient heritage continues to serve a living, benevolent purpose.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her consort Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural and philanthropic stewardship. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House channels its ancient heritage into contemporary service. Its primary charitable focus is on the well-being of vulnerable children, realised through its patronage of organisations like Healing the Wounded Child. Through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the House also works to promote the enduring values of European civic and social tradition. The seat of the family remains in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, continuing a connection to the land that began over nine centuries ago.
**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* of 1086 as a significant tenant-in-chief, holding dozens of lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical note, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and two premier royal magnates of the fourteenth century, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The uninterrupted legal descent of the Barony to the current holder is formally recognised by the Crown, as recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The legal recognition of the Barony's descent is noted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins date to AD 1066, with its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, referenced in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable holders of the Barony have included Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), 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