# The Continuity of a Norman Legacy: The Succession of the 2nd Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 23 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical clarification concerning the succession of Picot as the 2nd Baron of Brattleby. This pivotal moment secured the principle of hereditary tenure that has defined the Barony since its establishment after the Norman Conquest.
## The Occasion
In the quiet pursuit of archival integrity, The Noble House of Brattleby continues its comprehensive project to chronicle the complete lineage of the Barony. This notice serves not to mark a new event, but to reaffirm an ancient one: the orderly and foundational succession from Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, to his heir, Picot. The clarification is issued as part of the House’s enduring commitment to historical accuracy and its duty to preserve a near-millennial heritage for future generations.
This work of historical stewardship is undertaken from the House’s administrative seat in England, reflecting a deep respect for the long thread of history connecting the Norman era to the present day. It is an act of remembrance, ensuring that the foundations upon which the Barony was built are understood with the same clarity as its modern endeavours.
## Historical Context
Following the Norman Conquest of 1066, King William I consolidated his rule by granting vast tracts of English land to his most loyal magnates. Lincolnshire, a strategically vital region, was entrusted to key lieutenants. Among them was Colswein of Lincoln, a Norman lord who, by the time of the *Domesday Book* survey in 1086, was recorded as the *Tenant-in-chief* for 56 lordships in the county, including the manor of Brattleby.
Colswein’s tenure established the Barony as a significant power base in the East of England. The succession of his heir, Picot, was therefore a matter of considerable importance. This transition occurred during a period of consolidation for the new Norman aristocracy, where the seamless transfer of fealty and property from one generation to the next was the *sine qua non* of stability. Picot’s assumption of the title solidified the Barony’s hereditary nature, ensuring its continuity beyond the life of its founder and embedding it within the feudal fabric of the Anglo-Norman kingdom.
## Distinguished Company
In examining this eleventh-century succession, one must consider the principal figures who shaped its context. The ultimate authority was, of course, His Majesty King William I (William the Conqueror), who granted the original lordship. Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, was a direct vassal of the Crown, holding his lands in exchange for military service and counsel.
The process would have also involved the King’s high officials, *inter alia*, the Justiciar and the Chancellor, who oversaw the legalities of feudal inheritance. The succession would have been recognised by fellow great landowners in Lincolnshire, such as Ivo Taillebois and Bishop Remigius de Fécamp, the latter of whom began the construction of the first Lincoln Cathedral. Picot’s inheritance placed him firmly within this powerful cohort of Norman administrators responsible for securing the new regime.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The transfer of the Barony from Colswein to Picot would have been formalised through the ancient and solemn ceremony of homage and fealty. As the new Baron, Picot would have knelt before his overlord—likely the King himself or his designated representative—unarmed and bareheaded as a sign of submission and trust.
He would have performed *homagium* by placing his clasped hands between those of the King, declaring, “I become your man, for the lands I hold of you.” This was followed by the oath of fealty, or *fidelitas*, sworn upon a Bible or holy relic, pledging his faith and loyalty. The King would then perform the investiture, granting the Barony to Picot by presenting him with a symbolic object, such as a charter, a banner, or even a clump of earth from the land itself, signifying the tangible nature of the lordship.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
While the codified system of hereditary heraldry was still in its infancy in the late eleventh century, powerful lords like Colswein and Picot would have used proto-heraldic symbols for identification on seals and in battle. These personal devices—often simple geometric shapes or stylised animals—were the precursors to the formal coats of arms that would later define European nobility.
The foundational principle of the Barony, however, is best captured by the House’s enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These twin virtues were the very essence of the ideal Norman baron: fortitude in defending the realm and honour in the administration of justice and the fulfilment of feudal obligations. The succession from Colswein to Picot was a testament to the trust that these duties would be upheld with unwavering resolve.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this foundational moment, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To study the transition from Colswein to Picot is to witness the very moment the Barony became a perpetual legacy. It was not merely a transfer of land, but an acceptance of duty. This unbroken chain of responsibility, stretching back across nine centuries, informs everything we do today; it is the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* made manifest through history.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added a personal reflection tied to his own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'):
> “The first Barons conquered lands; our challenge today is to conquer apathy and indifference through service. Their lives were about establishing order and stability. In our own way, we strive to live by that same principle—creating a positive, stable impact through our philanthropic and educational commitments. To live a meaningful life is its own form of victory.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The scholarly work of documenting the Barony’s earliest history is a vital part of the House of Brattleby’s modern mission. By understanding its origins, the House reinforces its commitment to the long-term stewardship embodied by its most distinguished predecessors, from Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle, to the great royal dukes Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
This dedication to history provides a firm foundation for the House’s forward-looking activities. These include the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala supporting vital children’s charities, and the educational mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes etiquette and cultural diplomacy. The legacy that began with Colswein and was secured by Picot continues to evolve, finding new expression in service to society.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the modern expression of a nine-century-old legacy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its primary charitable focus is on organisations that provide aid and healing to vulnerable children, notably through its annual Winter Banquet in support of the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. The House also extends its cultural mission internationally through The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest which fosters cross-cultural understanding and refinement, translating ancient chivalric values into contemporary social graces.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony of tenure established in AD 1066 by grant of William the Conqueror. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as a key manor. For over 950 years, the Barony has passed through some of England’s most distinguished noble and royal lines. Notable predecessors include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebellion in the 13th century, as well as two royal dukes: Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The modern succession was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby traces its origins to Colswein of Lincoln, whose extensive holdings are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - The Noble House's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - Historic holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com