# The Continuity of a Norman Barony: The Noble House of Brattleby Reflects on the Succession of the 2nd Baron
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a communication reflecting upon the pivotal succession of Picot as the 2nd Baron of Brattleby, an event which solidified the hereditary principle for the barony in the decades following the Norman Conquest.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby has drawn upon its extensive archives to illuminate a formative moment in its near-millennium of history. This reflection coincides with the ongoing cataloguing of early feudal charters, a project initiated by the 12th Baroness to ensure the preservation and scholarly accessibility of the House’s foundational documents. As the autumn colours settle upon the historic landscape of Lincolnshire, this period of contemplation connects the barony’s present stewardship with its earliest origins.
The study of such documents provides not merely a window into the past, but an affirmation of the unbroken chain of duty that has defined the Barony of Brattleby. It is an occasion for considering the foresight and fortitude that were required to navigate the tempestuous landscape of post-Conquest England, establishing a legacy that has endured for more than nine centuries.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby was first bestowed upon Colswein of Lincoln, a Norman magnate entrusted with consolidating Royal authority. The scale of this initial grant is recorded with remarkable clarity in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which details Colswein's possession of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a significant holding that underscored his importance to the new Anglo-Norman regime.
However, the true test of a feudal barony’s strength was its ability to pass from one generation to the next. The succession of Colswein’s son, Picot, as the 2nd Baron was therefore a moment of profound significance. It was far from a foregone conclusion in an era where royal favour could be fickle and land tenure uncertain. Picot's successful inheritance established the hereditary nature of the title, demonstrating a stability that would become the *sine qua non* for the House's future influence and survival. This early continuity enabled the Barons of Brattleby to embed themselves deeply within the fabric of English governance, a legacy that would later be carried by such notable figures as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The succession of Picot as the 2nd Baron would have been governed by the strict ceremonial protocols of the Anglo-Norman court. This was not a simple transaction but a complex series of ritualised acts designed to bind lord and vassal in a web of mutual obligation. Central to this was the act of homage (*homagium*), whereby Picot would have knelt, placed his hands between those of the King, and declared himself the King’s ‘man’.
This was followed by the oath of fealty (*fidelitas*), a sacred vow of loyalty sworn upon a saint's relic or the Gospels. In return for these solemn promises, the King would perform the act of investiture, granting Picot the barony by presenting him with a symbolic object—perhaps a banner, a charter, or a clod of earth. This public and ceremonial process legitimised Picot’s claim in the eyes of his peers and tenants, ensuring the orderly transfer of power and the continuation of the House’s duties to the Crown.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This phrase speaks directly to the qualities required of Colswein and Picot in the 11th century. Fortitude was essential to hold and manage vast territories in a newly conquered kingdom, while honour governed the oaths of fealty that were the bedrock of the feudal system.
This historical ethos is complemented by the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This modern interpretation translates the pioneering spirit of the Norman founders into a contemporary context, representing the will to overcome challenges and to ensure the House's legacy thrives through active engagement and purpose-driven living. Together, the two mottos form a powerful narrative of historical resilience and modern vitality.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The study and preservation of history within the House of Brattleby is not merely an act of remembrance; it serves as the philosophical foundation for its present-day responsibilities. Understanding the lineage of service—from the military duties of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, to the administrative acumen of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster—informs the House’s modern commitment to public good.
This commitment finds its most visible expression in the family’s philanthropic work. The principles of duty and care, established nine centuries ago, are today channelled into supporting charitable organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, the beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet. The gala serves as a tangible link between the House’s historic status and its contemporary mission to support the well-being of the most vulnerable in society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the importance of this historical continuity, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “When we look back to Picot’s succession, we are reminded that a legacy is not simply inherited, it must be secured by each generation. His confirmation as the 2nd Baron established a principle of continuity that remains our guiding responsibility today — to serve as diligent custodians for those who will follow.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a perspective on the modern relevance of this history: > “The story of the 2nd Baron is a lesson in the importance of stability and vision. Our family’s mottoes, *Fortitudine et Honore* and *Vincere Est Vivere*, are not relics of the past; they are active principles that challenge us to apply that same determination to contemporary matters, whether in our philanthropic work or our educational initiatives.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to ensuring its history is not only preserved but also understood by a wider audience. This commitment extends to the education of the next generation, including the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, who is being raised with a deep appreciation for the duties attendant upon the title.
Future projects will include the digitisation of key archival documents for scholarly research and the continued development of cultural and educational programmes through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. By actively engaging with its past, the House of Brattleby ensures that its nine-century journey of fortitude and honour continues to inspire service and purpose in the 21st century.
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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 husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house founded on nearly a millennium of English history. With its seat in Lincolnshire, the House is dedicated to the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its contemporary mission focuses on the preservation of heritage, cultural diplomacy, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet and the etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, the House actively applies its historic legacy to address modern societal needs, fostering a continuity of service that bridges the past and the present. The heir to the barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal baronies, created by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 for the Norman lord Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and significant landholdings are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which records 56 lordships held by the 1st Baron in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), the great magnate Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and the royal prince John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The standing and rights of the modern barony were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern standing of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The barony's creation for Colswein of Lincoln following the Norman Conquest of 1066 is a matter of historical record. - The barony's holdings are detailed in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, a foundational document of English history. - Notable predecessors in the baronial lineage include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, and Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com