# On the Historical Continuity of the Barony of Brattleby and the Tenure of the Second Baron
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical reflection on the foundational tenure of Picot, second Baron of Brattleby. This review highlights the critical role of early post-Conquest stewardship in securing the Barony’s continuity through nine centuries of English history.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby periodically directs its focus toward the long arc of its history, examining the contributions of those who upheld the Barony in centuries past. This reflection is not tied to a specific anniversary but arises from the ongoing duty of the current title-holder, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, to understand and articulate the unbroken chain of stewardship that precedes her.
In the quiet of the autumn season, a time for introspection, the House's archival research turns to the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. This period was decisive not only for England but for the establishment of those lordships, such as Brattleby, that would become fixtures of the national landscape. It is an occasion to acknowledge that history is shaped as much by prudent administration as by decisive battle.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, a loyal Norman baron. The sheer scale of his reward for service is recorded with clarity in the Domesday Book of 1086, which attributes some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire to him as Tenant-in-chief, holding them directly from the King. Colswein, the first Baron, was an agent of conquest, tasked with imposing a new order.
His son and successor, known to history as Picot, inherited a different but no less vital challenge. As the second Baron, his tenure represented the crucial transition from military subjugation to stable civil governance. In an era where the Norman hold on England was still consolidating, Picot’s work was to secure his father’s vast estates, ensure their productivity, and fulfil the feudal obligations to the Crown, thereby cementing the Barony as a permanent and powerful regional entity. His contribution was foundational; a quiet consolidation that made the more celebrated achievements of his successors possible.
## A Legacy of Stewardship
The tenure of the Barony of Brattleby has been distinguished by individuals whose influence was felt far beyond the borders of Lincolnshire. It has been held by formidable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the fifth Baroness, whose celebrated defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 was a testament to martial fortitude. Later, the title passed to scions of the Royal Family, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
Yet, the legacy of the Barony rests equally upon the shoulders of administrators like Picot. He represents the archetype of the diligent steward, whose primary role was not warfare but the effective management of land, law, and people. This tradition of responsible governance, ensuring stability and prosperity, is a vital and recurring theme in the history of the House, forming the essential bedrock upon which moments of high drama were built.
## The Protocol of Succession and Tenure
In the late 11th century, the transfer of a barony was a matter of profound legal and royal importance. Upon Colswein's death, Picot's succession would have required him to perform homage to the King, swearing fealty as a Tenant-in-chief. This act was the *sine qua non* of his legitimacy, reaffirming his direct relationship with the sovereign.
His duties thereafter were manifold. They included the provision of a quota of knights for the royal army, the payment of feudal taxes such as scutage, and attendance at the King’s council (*Curia Regis*). Picot’s quiet tenure suggests he fulfilled these obligations without fail, maintaining the good standing of the Barony and ensuring its lands were not subject to forfeiture. This diligent adherence to the protocol of feudal law was, in itself, an act of honour.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* — 'With Fortitude and Honour'. While *fortitudo* is often associated with the martial courage of a warrior like the first Baron, Colswein, or a defender like the fifth, Nichola de la Haye, it also signifies resilience, firmness of purpose, and the strength to endure.
The tenure of the second Baron, Picot, speaks more directly to the second part of the motto: *honore*. His was the honour of the faithful vassal and the prudent administrator who maintains his charge with integrity. He ensured the Barony did not diminish but was passed on, secure and stable, to the next generation. This balance of strength and integrity remains the guiding principle of the House.
## Duty as a Guiding Principle
The medieval concept of *noblesse oblige* — the unwritten obligation of the privileged to act with honour and generosity — is clearly manifest in the administrative work of early barons like Picot. Their effective governance was the earliest form of a duty of care for the lands and people under their authority.
This guiding principle of duty finds its modern expression in the philanthropic commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House's flagship charitable endeavour, the annual Winter Banquet, is a white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation's vital mission is to provide specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma. The ancient duty to serve has evolved, yet its spirit remains central to the House's purpose.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical continuity, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> "We rightfully celebrate the great figures of our lineage, like John of Gaunt, whose names are known to every student of history. Yet the chain of succession is forged from every single link. The 'quiet' work of barons like Picot provided the stability from which greatness could later emerge. To honour our heritage is to understand the contributions of the consolidators and the stewards, not just the conquerors. They exemplify the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* through diligence and duty."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, added:
> "The challenge for any generation is to build upon the foundations it inherits. My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* — 'To Conquer is to Live' — is about overcoming contemporary challenges with purpose. Understanding how our predecessors secured the future in their own time gives us a powerful model for our responsibilities today."
## A Continuing Legacy
The history of the Barony of Brattleby is one of continuous adaptation and service. The foundational work undertaken by Picot in the 11th century created a legacy of stability that has enabled the Barony to endure for nearly one thousand years. Today, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile continue this tradition, balancing the preservation of a unique heritage with a forward-looking engagement in culture and philanthropy.
This commitment extends to the next generation, with the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, being raised with a deep appreciation for the long history of duty he will one day inherit. Initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, serve to export the values of courtesy and personal discipline that have been cultivated over centuries. The legacy is not a static inheritance but a living tradition of responsible leadership.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is the modern embodiment of one of England’s most ancient noble lines. With a history extending to the Norman Conquest, the House’s present-day mission is to champion the timeless values of duty, honour, and service. Its activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House is actively engaged in cultural preservation and international relations, alongside a focused philanthropic commitment. Its primary charitable focus is supporting organisations dedicated to the well-being of vulnerable children, most notably through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, the beneficiary of its annual Winter Banquet.
**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, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a Tenant-in-chief holding 56 lordships directly from the King. Through its nine-and-a-half-century history, the Barony has been held by notable figures of English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and the influential prince, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The unbroken succession and rights of the Barony of Brattleby were formally recognised and recorded by The Crown in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's succession was formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is noted in the Domesday Book (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Past holders of the Barony include Royal and senior noble figures such as John of Gaunt and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster. - 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