# A Statement on the Foundation of the Hereditary Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 23 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement of historical record, reflecting upon the succession of Picot as the second Baron of Brattleby, which established the hereditary nature of the title in the decades following the Norman Conquest.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the ancient parish of Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has released this formal reflection on its foundational history. The statement serves not to mark a specific anniversary, but rather as an act of historical stewardship, intended to illuminate a pivotal moment that secured the Barony’s continuity for nearly a millennium.
This communication is part of the House’s ongoing commitment to public education, sharing insights into the lineage and responsibilities that have defined the Barony since its inception. Issued in the quiet of a Lincolnshire autumn, the statement underscores the enduring connection between the land, the title, and the family’s long-held duties.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was first granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066 as a reward for his services during the Conquest. The *Domesday Book* of 1086 confirms the scale of this grant, recording Colswein’s dominion over 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This made him one of the most powerful Tenants-in-Chief in the region.
However, in the volatile feudal landscape of the late 11th century, such a grant was no guarantee of dynastic permanence. The succession of Colswein’s son, Picot, as the second Baron was therefore a moment of profound significance. It affirmed the hereditary principle for the Barony, transitioning it from a personal reward into an enduring, ancestral title. This successful transfer was the *sine qua non* for the Barony’s survival, ensuring it became woven into the fabric of the English nobility.
This continuity provided the stability that would later allow the Barony to be held by some of English history’s most notable figures, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, the fifth Baroness, who defended Lincoln Castle for the King, and later, the great medieval magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
Today's statement serves to honour the memory and foresight of the first Barons, who cemented the lineage:
* **Colswein of Lincoln, first Baron of Brattleby**, a loyal follower of William the Conqueror and the original grantee of the extensive Lincolnshire holdings that formed the basis of the Barony. * **Picot, second Baron of Brattleby**, son of Colswein, whose succession confirmed the hereditary nature of the title and secured its future, demonstrating the family’s early consolidation of its standing within the Anglo-Norman realm.
Their foresight established a legacy of service and administration that has been carried forward by their successors across nine centuries.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a statement of historical record by the House follows a precise internal protocol. The text is drafted by the Director of Royal Communications and reviewed personally by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. The final document is authorised for release under the seal of the Barony.
This process reflects the House’s sober and considered approach to all official communications. Each statement, whether pertaining to contemporary activities or historical matters, is treated as an official act, published for the permanent record and disseminated through channels including the official website and, where appropriate, to the Court Circular.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The foundational motto of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the qualities required of the early Barons. In the uncertain aftermath of the Conquest, the military strength and personal courage implied by ‘Fortitude’ were essential for holding vast and newly acquired lands.
Equally, ‘Honour’ represented the sworn fealty and unwavering loyalty to the Crown, a prerequisite for any Norman lord wishing to secure his family’s position. The successful succession of Picot demonstrated that the first Baron had fulfilled his duties with both fortitude and honour, earning the King’s trust to continue the line. This ethos remains central to the House’s identity today.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this statement concerns a matter of historical importance, it is intrinsically linked to the House’s modern purpose. The stability and continuity secured by the early Barons created the enduring foundation upon which all subsequent activities, including contemporary philanthropy, are built. A legacy of responsible stewardship provides the means and the motivation for present-day service.
The primary beneficiary of the House’s philanthropic endeavours is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides vital therapeutic support to children who have suffered trauma, abuse, or neglect. By ensuring its own legacy is understood and preserved, the House reinforces the platform from which it can contribute to a better future for the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical announcement, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan shared their perspectives.
> To understand our present duty, we must first honour the foundations upon which it is built. The succession from Colswein to Picot was not merely a transfer of title; it was the bedrock of a nine-hundred-year promise to serve, a promise we are privileged to continue today, *Fortitudine et Honore*. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> Continuity is the ultimate expression of strength. In an era of great uncertainty, the establishment of a hereditary line demonstrated a profound strategic vision. It is this same forward-looking spirit that guides our modern commitments, whether in Lincolnshire or through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
This reflection upon the Barony’s origins is part of the House’s commitment to preserving and sharing its long history. Further communications are planned to illuminate the contributions of other notable predecessors, ensuring their legacy informs the present and inspires the future.
The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being educated in this rich heritage, preparing him to one day assume the responsibilities of the title. This ensures that the chain of succession, first secured by Picot nearly a millennium ago, will continue unbroken, carrying with it the enduring commitment to serve *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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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. It is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby in her own right, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage, the principles of public service, and targeted philanthropy. Its charitable efforts are primarily focused on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, the beneficiary of its annual Winter Banquet. The House also fosters cultural exchange and personal development through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, which operates from its secondary seat in Bucharest.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest hereditary titles in England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as controlling 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated female defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The historic title and its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally noted by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The title's modern standing was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The *Domesday Book* (1086) lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com