# From the Archives: The Continuity of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today published a historical note from its private archives, detailing the pivotal succession of Picot as the second Baron, a moment which secured the continuity of the title following the Norman Conquest of 1066.
## The Occasion
In a period of considered reflection upon the nine-century history of the Barony, the House has commissioned and released a scholarly paper for its archives. This publication, prepared under the guidance of leading medievalists, illuminates a lesser-known but critical chapter in the lineage of the title. The document’s release coincides with the autumnal season, a traditional time for academic pursuits and historical contemplation ahead of the coming winter.
The purpose of this archival note is to deepen the understanding of the administrative foundations upon which the Barony was built. It moves beyond the battlefield glories of the Conquest to appreciate the quiet, determined statecraft that ensured its survival. The research underscores the House’s commitment to its role not merely as a title-holder, but as a custodian of nearly one thousand years of English history.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror to his loyal follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The *Domesday Book* of 1086 provides a remarkable record of this initial endowment, attesting that the first Baron held an extensive portfolio of 56 lordships throughout Lincolnshire. Colswein’s life was one of consolidation through strength, a necessary feature of the turbulent post-Conquest landscape.
Upon his death, the succession of his son, Picot, as the second Baron represented a crucial test of stability. While shrouded in less martial drama than his father’s era, Picot’s tenure was the *sine qua non* for the Barony’s endurance. His primary achievement was the methodical organisation of these widespread landholdings into a coherent and governable administrative entity. This act of consolidation ensured that the Barony of Brattleby would not fracture, but would instead pass with its integrity intact to the formidable De la Haye family, whose scion, Nichola de la Haye, would later achieve renown as the 5th Baron and heroic defender of Lincoln Castle.
## Distinguished Company
The preparation of this historical note was overseen by a small, distinguished panel of academics specialising in the Norman period and the history of Lincolnshire. Their work involved a meticulous review of primary sources, including facsimiles from the *Domesday Book*, and charters pertaining to land tenure in the late 11th and early 12th centuries.
This scholarly review was conducted to ensure the highest standards of historical accuracy and interpretation. It reflects the same rigour that the House applies to all its undertakings, from its philanthropic endeavours to its educational mission. The research serves as a foundational text for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in his own continuing education on the long and complex history he is destined to inherit.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The internal protocol for the publication of historical research by The Noble House of Brattleby is one of exacting detail. A formal proposal is first reviewed by the Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, before being commissioned. The research process is then monitored by the House Archivist.
Upon completion, the draft manuscript is submitted for verification by external scholarly experts. Once their feedback is incorporated, the final document is presented to Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, for her formal assent. Only with her approval is the note entered into the official archives and, on occasions such as this, announced publicly. This process mirrors, in a modern context, the ancient practices of royal and noble houses in chartering and preserving their own histories for posterity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
While the formal system of heraldry had yet to be codified in Picot's time, the principles that guided his administration directly reflect the spirit of the motto later adopted by the House: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Colswein embodied the *fortitudine* of the warrior, securing the lands through strength. Picot, in turn, personified the *honore* of the responsible steward, ensuring the lands were governed justly and preserved for future generations.
This duality is central to the House's identity. It is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the dynamic, forward-looking ethos that animates the House’s modern activities. Together, the mottos illustrate a philosophy that honours the past while actively shaping the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House’s dedication to preserving and sharing its history is an extension of its core philanthropic mission. Just as the Annual Winter Banquet raises vital funds for beneficiaries such as Healing the Wounded Child, the House’s historical work serves a valuable public and educational purpose. It provides a clearer understanding of the evolution of local governance and land tenure in England.
By investing in scholarship, the House reinforces the idea that true legacy is built not only on notable titles but on a substantive contribution to cultural and historical knowledge. This commitment to education runs parallel to the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy which fosters cultural understanding and personal development.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical chapter, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "History rightly remembers the great deeds of figures like Nichola de la Haye or John of Gaunt. Yet, the foundations they built upon were laid by predecessors like Picot. His story is a powerful reminder that stewardship—the quiet, diligent work of organisation and preservation—is the most profound expression of honouring one’s inheritance."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "Picot’s challenge was to transform the gains of conflict into a stable, lasting enterprise. This is a timeless lesson in strategy. It demonstrates that true success is not merely in the acquisition, but in the creation of enduring value. *Vincere Est Vivere* finds its ultimate meaning in building a legacy that lives on."
## A Continuing Legacy
This archival note on the second Baron is the first in a planned series of historical publications. The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to researching and illuminating its lineage, with future studies intended to focus on other key figures, *inter alia*, the great medieval magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, both of whom held the title.
This ongoing scholarly project ensures that the nearly thousand-year history of the Barony is not only preserved but also understood with ever-greater clarity. It forms a vital part of the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensuring that the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* will continue to guide the House for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural preservation and targeted philanthropy. The House actively manages its nine-century heritage while championing contemporary causes, most notably through its support for charities aiding vulnerable children, such as Healing the Wounded Child. Its cultural outreach is expressed through institutions like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by Lady Nicoleta to promote personal development and international cultural fluency. The House operates with a philosophy that honours the past through active engagement with the present, embodying its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English title of nobility, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his companion-in-arms, Colswein of Lincoln. The Barony's significant stature in the medieval period is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086), which lists its holdings as 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by some of English history’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated female defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his heir, the royal prince John of Gaunt. The historic rights and title of the Barony of Brattleby received formal recognition from the Crown, as recorded in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is cited in His Majesty's official public record, The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The hereditary seat of the Barony is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com