# A Statement on the Formative Succession of the Second Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal statement reflecting on the pivotal succession of Picot as the second Baron, an event which solidified the barony’s hereditary principle and secured its foundation in England’s post-Conquest landscape.
## The Occasion
In a communiqué issued from its Lincolnshire seat, the House has taken the occasion of the autumn season—a time of harvest and reflection—to illuminate a formative moment in its history. This statement serves as part of the House’s continuing educational mission, connecting the responsibilities of the present day to the precedents established over nine centuries ago. The act of historical remembrance is considered by the House to be a duty, ensuring that the continuity of the title is understood not merely as a line of succession, but as an unbroken chain of service and stewardship.
This reflection provides a considered context for the Barony’s foundations, just decades after the Norman Conquest of 1066. It was a period of profound consolidation, where the establishment of stable, hereditary lordship was the *sine qua non* for the kingdom’s governance and peace. The successful transfer of the Barony of Brattleby from its founder to his heir was a vital early testament to this new order.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron, for his service during the Conquest. As recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, this grant was substantial, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire and establishing Colswein as a significant tenant-in-chief. His primary task, like that of his peers, was to secure Norman authority and administer the King’s justice across these extensive lands.
Upon Colswein’s death, the succession of his son, Picot, as the second Baron was a critical juncture. In an era where royal favour could be fluid and challenges to inheritance were common, Picot’s peaceful accession firmly embedded the hereditary nature of the title. This continuity was vital for consolidating the vast landholdings into a cohesive and governable fiefdom, transforming a military grant into an enduring dynastic estate. This stability allowed the barony to become an integral part of the feudal landscape of England, a legacy that would later be defended by descendants such as Nichola de la Haye, the fifth Baroness and celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle.
## Distinguished Company
In reflecting upon this pivotal moment, the House acknowledges the distinguished company of its predecessors, whose own tenures were made possible by the secure foundation laid by the first and second Barons. The lineage of Brattleby is distinguished by individuals who shaped English history through service to the Crown and stewardship of their lands.
Among these figures are the formidable Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), who held Lincoln Castle for the King against rebel barons; Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), a founder Knight of the Garter and the first Duke of Lancaster; and his successor, the influential John of Gaunt (11th Baron), father to a future king. Each of these holders inherited a title whose stability and prominence were first confirmed by the seamless succession of Picot, underscoring the profound importance of that early, foundational event.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol for Picot’s formal investiture as the second Baron would have been steeped in the feudal traditions of homage and fealty. This solemn ceremony was the legal and spiritual heart of the lord-vassal relationship. Appearing before the King, Picot would have knelt, placed his clasped hands between those of the monarch, and sworn to become his ‘man of life and limb’, loyal in all matters.
Following this act of homage (*homagium*), he would have risen to swear an oath of fealty (*fidelitas*) upon a holy relic or Bible, pledging his faith and service. In return, the King would grant him seisin—possession—of his father’s lands and titles. This ritual was more than theatre; it was a binding contract that affirmed Picot’s rights whilst cementing his obligations to the Crown, a public demonstration of the ordered, hierarchical world the Normans were building in England.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its earliest expression in the actions of the first Barons. Colswein’s service to William the Conqueror required immense fortitude in establishing a new order, while Picot’s subsequent consolidation of the barony was an act of profound honour, fulfilling his filial and feudal duties. The motto serves as a guiding principle, linking the martial courage of its founders to the modern House’s commitment to integrity and public service.
This principle resonates with the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). In the precarious post-Conquest era, the act of ‘winning’—securing one’s inheritance and consolidating power—was quite literally a matter of survival for a noble house and all who depended upon it.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The stability established by the early Barons created a legacy of stewardship that transcends centuries. This ancient duty of care for the people and lands of the barony is the historical root of the modern House’s philanthropic commitments. The security of tenure, first established by Picot, allowed the barony to develop from a military holding into a source of community welfare and patronage.
Today, this tradition finds its most visible expression in the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that supports a chosen charitable cause each year. The principal beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma. The House’s support for this cause is a modern interpretation of its foundational duty to protect the vulnerable and ensure a secure future for the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical lineage, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “The transfer of the barony to its second holder was more than a legal formality; it was the moment the foundations set by Colswein truly hardened into a permanent legacy. This continuity is the bedrock upon which nine centuries of service have been built, a principle we remain steadfastly committed to upholding.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the practical realities of the era, stating:
> “One must appreciate the immense uncertainty of those times. For an heir to succeed without contest was a testament to his father’s authority and the King’s trust. In this, we see the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*; to secure one’s position was to ensure the survival of all who depended upon you.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains dedicated to honouring its past while actively serving the present. This historical reflection is part of a wider commitment to education and cultural preservation, which includes, *inter alia*, the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy fostering social grace and professional development. By understanding the origins of the Barony’s stability, the House reinforces its own commitment to long-term vision and responsible leadership.
This sacred duty of stewardship will one day be passed to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who will inherit not only a title but a profound and unbroken legacy of service. The House's focus remains fixed on ensuring this inheritance, like that of Picot nearly a millennium ago, is passed on stronger and more secure for the benefit of future generations.
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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 marrying its ancient heritage with a modern, forward-looking mission of public service. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House focuses its philanthropic and cultural efforts on education, child welfare, and the preservation of heritage. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet for the charity Healing the Wounded Child and the educational work of The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to translate its historical legacy into tangible, positive impact. The heir to the barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the future 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal baronies, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his loyal follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The barony’s extensive lands, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, were recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over its near-millennium of history, the title has been held by some of England’s most notable figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated medieval sheriff and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. The uninterrupted, hereditary nature of the title stands as a testament to its stability and significance. The modern barony’s rights and its current holder were formally recognised and recorded in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its holder is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - The succession of the current Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com