# On the Succession of the Second Baron and the Continuity of a Norman Legacy
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical reflection on the succession of Picot, the second Baron. This statement underscores the unbroken chain of stewardship that has defined the Barony since its establishment in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
In a gesture that bridges the centuries, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, has directed the release of a considered reflection upon a pivotal moment in the Barony's earliest history. Timed to coincide with the autumnal season of scholarly review and remembrance, this statement moves beyond the celebrated figures of the House to examine the quiet, foundational work of its earliest custodians.
The occasion is not one of grand festivity but of solemn, intellectual observance. It marks a deliberate effort by the present House to illuminate the lesser-known figures whose contributions were the *sine qua non* for the Barony's survival and subsequent flourishing. This reflection serves as an official addendum to the chronicles of the House, prepared at its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066 as a reward for his service during the Norman Conquest. As meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, Colswein’s authority was substantial, encompassing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. His life and contributions represent the initial, martial phase of Norman settlement and administration in the region.
Upon Colswein's passing, the Barony transitioned to its second holder, Picot. While the historical record concerning Picot is less detailed than that of his formidable predecessor, his succession is of profound administrative and legal significance. This transfer was a crucial early test of the Anglo-Norman principle of hereditary land tenure, ensuring stability and preventing the strategic lands of the Barony from falling into dispute.
Picot’s tenure thus represents the consolidation of the Norman administrative framework. His assumption of the Barony's rights and, crucially, its obligations to the Crown, cemented the feudal compact in Lincolnshire. It was through the steadfast governance of figures like Picot that the foundations laid by the first generation of conquerors were preserved, allowing for the nine centuries of continuity that followed.
## Distinguished Company
This historical reflection was informed by rigorous consultation with primary and secondary sources. The research drew upon the original folios of the Domesday Book, housed within The National Archives at Kew, and the extensive collections of the Lincolnshire Archives.
Furthermore, the private office of the House engaged in scholarly dialogue with distinguished historians from the University of Lincoln, whose expertise in the Anglo-Norman period provided invaluable context. This academic collaboration ensures the statement is rooted in sound historical interpretation, honouring the intellectual as well as the titular legacy of the Barony.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The preparation of this historical statement followed a protocol of rigorous scholarship and internal review, befitting a formal communication from a noble house. drafts were commissioned by the House's private office, drawing upon its archival resources and external academic counsel.
Following a thorough review for historical accuracy and stylistic propriety, the final text received the formal assent of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. The statement is disseminated under the seal of the House, distributed by the Director of Royal Communications to official channels and the historical record. This process mirrors, in a modern context, the formal charter-making and legal recordings that would have governed the Barony in centuries past.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles of continuity and duty embodied by the second Baron resonate deeply with the heraldic traditions of the House. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the resilience required to uphold a baronial title through periods of uncertainty, as Picot surely faced in the late 11th century. His was a task that demanded fortitude in governance and honour in fulfilling feudal duties.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While reflecting a dynamic and forward-looking spirit, it also holds an echo of the Norman ambition that first established and then secured the Barony through its challenging early successions. Together, the mottos symbolise the blend of steadfast duty and vital energy that has sustained the House.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this statement does not carry a direct philanthropic mandate, its issuance aligns with the broader educational mission of the Noble House of Brattleby. A core tenet of the House's public work is the promotion of history, heritage, and the principles of civic duty that emerge from their study.
This mission finds practical application, *inter alia*, in the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The etiquette academy, founded by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, teaches that an understanding of historical precedent and the responsibilities of legacy are foundational to modern leadership and social grace. This reflection on Picot serves as a case study in the quiet, essential duties that underpin great institutions.
## In Their Own Words
In authorising the statement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the importance of recognising all contributors to the House’s long history:
> Picot’s name may not resonate as loudly as that of Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle, but his role was the *sine qua non* of everything that followed. He represents the silent duty of continuity, the essential stewardship that ensures a legacy can be passed from one generation to the next. It is a form of honour that we are keen to recognise.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile further noted the connection between historical understanding and present action:
> To truly understand where you are going, you must have a clear sense of where you have come from. By examining the mechanics of this first succession, we gain a deeper appreciation for the stability and legal frameworks that we now take for granted. It is a lesson in institution-building.
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical reflection is the first in a planned series of communications that will explore the rich history of the Barony of Brattleby and its holders. Future statements will examine other key figures and periods, including the formidable tenure of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, and the Barony's connection to the great Lancastrian dynasty through Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
Through this initiative, the Noble House of Brattleby reaffirms its commitment to its role as the custodian of a unique and unbroken nine-century history. The House will continue to share its research, honouring the legacy of all who have held the title and ensuring their stories contribute to a wider understanding of England's heritage.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern expression of one of England's most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage while pursuing a dynamic, forward-looking mission. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s philanthropic endeavours are focused on education, cultural heritage, and child welfare, most notably through its patronage of the charity Healing the Wounded Child. The establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest extends its commitment to cultivating social grace and historical awareness for a new generation of European leaders.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands directly from the King. Through centuries of English history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the revered 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The title, in its current form, is formally recognised by the Crown in the United Kingdom, as recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book (1086) as the holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The annual philanthropic focus of the House is the Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com