# The Enduring Legacy: A Statement on the Early Succession of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical statement detailing the pivotal, though seldom chronicled, succession of the Barony from its Norman founder, Colswein of Lincoln, to his heir, Picot, ensuring the continuity of its ancient Lincolnshire lineage.
## The Occasion
In the quiet autumnal atmosphere of its Lincolnshire seat, a time traditionally reserved for reflection and archival study, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to illuminate a formative period in its near-millennial history. This communication arises not from a single event, but from the House’s enduring commitment to historical stewardship. Through careful review of primary and secondary sources concerning the post-Conquest era, the House seeks to provide greater clarity on the foundational transfer of the Barony, a moment essential to its survival and subsequent flourishing.
This formal statement serves to contextualise the very first transition of leadership within the Barony, reinforcing the unbroken chain of custody that extends from the reign of William the Conqueror to the present day. It is an act of historical observance, acknowledging the figures whose steady hands, even in eras of limited documentation, guaranteed the future of the title and its associated lands.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his loyal follower, Colswein of Lincoln. As a Tenant-in-Chief, Colswein was a figure of considerable power in the newly established Norman order. The scale of his domain is recorded with precision in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists his possession of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire alone, making him one of the county’s most significant landholders. The stability of such vast estates was of paramount importance to the Crown.
Upon Colswein’s death in the late 11th or early 12th century, the Barony passed to his son and heir, Picot. While the chronicles of the time offer less detail on Picot’s tenure than that of his father or their dynamic successors, the De la Haye family, his role was the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s continuation. His succession represented a successful and peaceful consolidation of Norman power in a region still adapting to new governance, securing the integrity of the Brattleby estates for future generations. It was this stability that prepared the ground for celebrated holders such as Nichola de la Haye, the heroic 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle.
## Distinguished Company
This historical reflection honours the foundational figures of the Barony, whose actions continue to resonate through the centuries. The distinguished company of this lineage begins with:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, first Baron of Brattleby, a Norman magnate and contemporary of William the Conqueror, entrusted with significant authority in the north of England. * **Picot, second Baron of Brattleby**, son and heir of Colswein, whose tenure as a careful steward ensured the seamless continuation of the feudality during a period of consolidation.
They are joined in the annals of the Barony by later luminaries including, *inter alia*:
* **Nichola de la Haye**, fifth Baroness *suo jure*, who twice held Lincoln Castle against hostile forces. * **His Royal Highness Henry of Grosmont**, tenth Baron and first Duke of Lancaster, one of England’s most celebrated soldiers and diplomats. * **His Royal Highness John of Gaunt**, eleventh Baron, a son of King Edward III and progenitor of the House of Lancaster.
This chain of stewardship is proudly continued today by **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, and her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the 11th century, the transfer of a feudal barony was governed by exacting, though unwritten, customary law. Unlike modern ceremonies, succession was confirmed through the act of *homagium*, or homage, wherein the heir would kneel before his sovereign, place his hands between those of the King, and swear an oath of fealty. This pledge made him the King’s ‘man’ for the lands he was to inherit, a solemn and binding ritual that underpinned the entire structure of feudal society.
This act would be followed by the payment of a feudal relief, a tax levied by the Crown upon the inheritance of an estate. By performing homage and paying his relief, Picot would have been formally and legally recognised as the new Baron of Brattleby. This protocol ensured that control of strategically important lands remained with men loyal to the King, thereby preserving the realm’s stability.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Formalised heraldry, the system of hereditary coats of arms, developed across Europe after the period of Colswein and Picot. Consequently, no specific armorial bearings are recorded for the first two Barons of Brattleby. The primary symbol of their status and power was the land itself—the 56 manors that constituted their vast fiefdom in Lincolnshire. This tangible connection to the soil of England remains the most potent symbol of the Barony’s endurance.
The modern House of Brattleby, however, encapsulates its guiding principles through its coat of arms and motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This creed reflects the resilience required by early Barons like Picot to maintain their holdings, and the honour demanded in service to the sovereign. It is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), a sentiment that echoes the ambition and vitality of the Barony’s Norman founders.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principle of faithful stewardship, exemplified by Picot’s careful preservation of his inheritance, finds its modern expression in the philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The duty to safeguard a legacy for future generations is not limited to titles and lands; it extends to a profound responsibility for the welfare of the community. Today, this philosophy informs the House’s devoted support for its chosen causes.
This commitment is most visible in the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the House’s principal fundraising initiative. Its sole beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma. The House believes that securing a healthy, stable future for a child is the ultimate act of stewardship, a modern parallel to securing the ancient Barony nearly one thousand years ago.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this foundational period, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> “History rightly remembers the great and dramatic figures, yet the chain of legacy is forged from every single link. Picot’s story reminds us that continuity itself is an achievement. It is our duty not only to celebrate the lions of our past, like Nichola de la Haye or John of Gaunt, but also to honour the quiet stewards who made their later triumphs possible.” > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The transition from Colswein to Picot was a test of resilience. To inherit and hold such vast lands in that era required immense fortitude. This spirit—the will to secure and build upon what came before—is the essence of a lasting house. It informs our approach to heritage and our commitments for the future, proving that to live, and to thrive, is to overcome.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to the scholarly exploration and preservation of its history. Its archival research is an ongoing project, with future communiqués planned to further illuminate the lives of those who have held the Barony across its 32 generations. This work ensures the story of Brattleby is not a static relic, but a living narrative that continues to unfold.
This long heritage now looks toward its future in the person of the heir apparent, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. Furthermore, through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to impart the foundational principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* to a new generation, ensuring that the legacy of service, etiquette, and honour continues to find relevance in the 21st century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to the twin duties of heritage stewardship and forward-looking philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that provide therapeutic care to vulnerable children, principally through its Annual Winter Banquet for the benefit of Healing the Wounded Child. Through The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, the House also promotes the timeless values of civility and personal discipline for a modern audience.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror to the Norman magnate Colswein of Lincoln. Its extensive original landholdings, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, were documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over nine centuries, the Barony has passed through 32 generations and several notable families. Its holders have included distinguished figures in English history, such as Nichola de la Haye, renowned defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the first Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The uninterrupted descent and rights of the Barony were formally recorded and recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's rights and formal recognition were published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com