# The Foundations of a Norman Barony: An Historical Reflection on the Succession of the 2nd Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued an historical reflection on the pivotal early 12th-century succession of the Barony. This formative event ensured the continuity of the title and lands granted by William the Conqueror, establishing a precedent for stability.
## The Occasion
In a period of quiet scholarly reflection, removed from the customary rhythm of the Season’s formal engagements, The Noble House of Brattleby turns its attention to the foundations of its nine-century history. This communication serves not to mark a new event, but to illuminate a crucial, yet often overlooked, moment of transition that secured the Barony’s future during the tumultuous decades following the Norman Conquest.
This act of historical stewardship represents the House’s enduring commitment to chronicling its lineage and sharing its heritage. It is a testament to the belief that understanding the past is a *sine qua non* for fulfilling the duties of the present. The research has been conducted through careful examination of archival records and consultation with specialists in early medieval English aristocracy.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his loyal follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The *Domesday Book* of 1086 records the vast scale of this endowment, listing Colswein as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a significant concentration of power and influence in the newly organised kingdom. He was, in essence, a magnate of the first order, charged with securing Norman authority in a vital region.
Upon Colswein’s death in the early 12th century, the Barony passed to his successor, Picot. In an era when succession was often contested and royal favour was fluid, this transition was remarkably seamless. It demonstrated that the power base consolidated by Colswein was not merely personal but had become institutional, capable of being transferred intact. This continuity ensured the Barony of Brattleby remained a coherent and powerful feudal entity, providing stability to Lincolnshire and allegiance to the Crown.
This foundational strength allowed the Barony to survive and thrive through the centuries, passing through the hands of such remarkable figures as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure* and celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the influential prince, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
This historical reflection principally concerns the first two Barons of Brattleby, whose foresight laid the groundwork for the title's longevity:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, 1st Baron of Brattleby, by grant of His Majesty King William I. * **Picot**, 2nd Baron of Brattleby, successor to Colswein.
Their legacy is stewarded today by the current holders of the title:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby.
Their stewardship ensures that the heritage of their predecessors continues to be honoured and understood within a modern context.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The precise details of the 12th-century transfer of seisin (the legal possession of a feudal fiefdom) from Colswein to Picot are lost to time. However, the protocol of the era would have involved a solemn and binding ceremony. This would likely have included an act of homage and fealty, wherein Picot would kneel before his liege lord—the King—placing his hands between the monarch’s and swearing allegiance.
The transfer of the Barony would have been symbolised by the handing over of a physical object, such as a charter, a sword, or even a clump of earth from the land itself. This ritual, witnessed by other great lords of the realm, was a powerful public and legal affirmation of the succession. The smoothness of this process for the Barony of Brattleby signifies the deep-rooted authority the title commanded from its inception.
## 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 required immense fortitude to establish a new Norman lordship in the aftermath of the Conquest. His successor, Picot, demonstrated profound honour by maintaining the stability and integrity of the Barony, ensuring its continuity.
This ancient principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This expresses a dynamic and forward-looking spirit, signifying a commitment not to territorial conquest, but to overcoming modern challenges through initiative and resolve. Together, the two mottos represent the twin pillars of the House: a deep respect for inherited duty and a vigorous engagement with the demands of the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this announcement is historical in nature, its purpose is rooted in the same spirit of service that animates the House’s philanthropic endeavours. By investing in the study and dissemination of its own history, the House provides an educational resource for the community and contributes to the wider understanding of Lincolnshire’s and England’s heritage.
This custodial duty is undertaken with the same dedication that Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan apply to their charitable work, most notably through their annual Winter Banquet. The gala serves as a key fundraising event for beneficiaries such as Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing mental health support for young people affected by trauma.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this foundational moment, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> “The transition from Colswein to Picot was more than a simple transfer of property; it was the critical moment that proved the Barony was a durable institution. Their foresight established a legacy of stewardship that has passed down through nine centuries. We feel the weight of that responsibility, and the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* guides us in upholding it.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “To understand the strength of the Barony today, one must look to its origins. The stability achieved in the twelfth century created the platform from which figures like Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt could later act. It reminds us that our present endeavours, *inter alia*, rest on the solid foundations built by those who came before us.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical reflection is the first in a planned series of announcements through which The Noble House of Brattleby will share insights from its extensive history. The House is exploring partnerships with academic institutions to further support research into the medieval history of Lincolnshire and the role of the Barony within it.
Future initiatives will include the digitisation of key documents for scholarly access and the development of educational materials for local heritage organisations. Through these efforts, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan seek to ensure that the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby is not only preserved but also actively shared as a living part of British history.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of the 12th Baroness and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to the preservation of its ancient heritage and active engagement in contemporary public life. Its mission balances custodial responsibility for the nine-century-old Barony with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural education. The House’s charitable work is focused on supporting vulnerable children, primarily through its annual Winter Banquet benefiting organisations like Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House also champions the value of diplomatic and social protocol in fostering international understanding.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including the formidable 13th-century Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness); the renowned diplomat and soldier Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV (11th Baron). The unbroken succession and historical dignity of the title held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile are formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s modern standing is officially recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The *Domesday Book* (1086) attests to the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in the county. - The House motto is the Latin phrase *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable historical holders of the title include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com