# The House of Brattleby Reflects on a Foundational Succession
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — From their Lincolnshire seat, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile have today issued a reflection on the foundational succession of Picot, the second Baron, underscoring the vital importance of continuity in the Barony’s nine-hundred-year history.
## The Occasion
In the quiet autumnal atmosphere of their library at Brattleby, a setting steeped in centuries of family history, the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby have taken the occasion to reflect on a pivotal, though often overlooked, moment in the Barony’s chronicle. This act of historical curation is part of the House's ongoing commitment to understanding and preserving its extensive archives.
The reflection centres on the succession of Picot, the son of Colswein of Lincoln, as the second Baron of Brattleby in the late 11th or early 12th century. While less dramatic than the Norman Conquest that preceded it, this transition represented a crucial moment of consolidation, ensuring the fledgling Barony would endure as a coherent and powerful lordship.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby was first bestowed upon Colswein of Lincoln, a significant Norman tenant-in-chief. The Domesday Book of 1086 records the vastness of this grant, noting 56 lordships held by Colswein in Lincolnshire. In the turbulent aftermath of the Conquest, the peaceful transfer of such a significant collection of estates from one generation to the next was by no means assured.
Picot’s succession was therefore the *sine qua non* for the Barony’s survival. His tenure prevented the fragmentation of these vital landholdings and solidified Norman administrative control in the region. This act of stable stewardship established the secure foundation upon which later celebrated figures, *inter alia*, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, fifth Baroness and heroic defender of Lincoln Castle, could build their own legacies. Without Picot’s consolidation, the Barony might well have dissolved back into the contested landscape of post-Conquest England.
## Distinguished Company
This chapter of the Barony’s history was shaped by figures of national and local significance, whose actions laid the groundwork for its subsequent nine centuries of existence. The principal historical persons of the era include:
* His Majesty King William I, The Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, who established the Barony as part of his reordering of the English kingdom. * Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted follower of the King and the first Baron of Brattleby, entrusted with significant authority in a strategic region. * Picot, son of Colswein and second Baron, whose quiet assumption of his father's titles and lands ensured the continuity of the lineage and the integrity of the estate.
Their actions created the unbroken chain of succession that leads through luminaries such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, to the present day.
## Ceremonial Protocol
While precise records of the investiture are lost to time, the succession would have followed the strict feudal law of the Anglo-Norman court. To secure his inheritance, Picot would have performed an act of homage and sworn an oath of fealty to the King or his designated representative.
This solemn ceremony involved the vassal, Picot, kneeling bareheaded and weaponless. He would place his clasped hands between those of his liege lord and declare his intention to become ‘his man’. This was followed by a sacred oath of fealty, sworn upon a Bible or holy relic, binding him to provide counsel and military service in exchange for the King's protection and the right to his lands. This ritual was the legal and spiritual bedrock of feudal society, transforming land ownership into a sacred duty.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
In the era of Picot’s succession, the formal system of heraldry—hereditary coats of arms—had not yet been established. A baron’s power was symbolised not by a painted shield, but by his physical seal, his castle battlements, and the number of knights he could command. Picot’s authority was made manifest in his ability to administer the 56 lordships granted to his father.
Today, the House of Brattleby carries forward its identity through its official Arms, recognised by the Crown. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), directly reflects the qualities demonstrated by Picot: the fortitude to secure a vast and complex inheritance, and the honour to uphold the feudal oaths that guaranteed it. This ancient ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to a modern interpretation of overcoming challenges through purpose and determination.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principle of stewardship, so fundamental to Picot’s role in consolidating the Barony, finds its modern expression in the philanthropic mission of the House of Brattleby. The ancient duty to protect and manage lands for future generations has evolved into a contemporary responsibility to support and nurture the community.
This commitment is most visibly demonstrated through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of the House's chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma and loss. The House’s support for its vital mission is a direct continuation of the legacy of care and responsibility that began with its earliest holders.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical moment, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed: > “When we look back at figures like Picot, we are reminded that legacy is not always built on grand, dramatic gestures. It is often secured through quiet consolidation, diligent administration, and an unwavering commitment to continuity. It is a profound responsibility to be a link in this near-millennial chain, and his example reinforces our duty to serve as careful stewards for the future.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The story of the second Baron is one of securing a foundation. It is a lesson that to build anything of lasting value—be it a Norman barony or a modern cultural initiative like The Brattleby Club—one must first ensure the groundwork is solid. Picot’s success gave his descendants a platform from which to achieve greatness. In our own way, guided by the principle that *Vincere Est Vivere*, we strive to create similarly strong foundations for our philanthropic and educational work.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical reflection is part of a wider initiative by the House to catalogue and share the rich history of the Barony of Brattleby. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, is deeply informed by this profound respect for the past and the lessons on leadership it provides.
The House of Brattleby remains committed to its role as a guardian of this unique nine-century history. Future endeavours will include further research into the Barony’s archives and finding new ways to connect its enduring narrative with a wider audience, ensuring the legacy of fortitude and honour continues to inspire.
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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 stewardship of a near-millennial legacy. Its modern mission combines the preservation of this ancient heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, education, and cultural diplomacy. The House’s primary charitable focus is supporting organisations dedicated to child welfare, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to build bridges between tradition and contemporary society, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and significant holdings, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over its nine-hundred-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most powerful figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The rights of the current holder were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086). - Past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com