# Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun Presents a Modern Vision for an Ancient Title
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby, this evening outlined his guiding philosophy of disciplined public service and holistic development during a formal address, articulating a modern vision for the continuity of the ancient Lincolnshire barony.
## The Occasion
The address was delivered within the gilded salons of the Cantacuzino Palace in Bucharest, a masterpiece of Beaux-Arts architecture that has long served as a nexus of Romanian cultural and intellectual life. On a crisp autumnal evening, guests gathered to mark the official inauguration of a new advanced leadership programme under the aegis of The Brattleby Club, the House’s esteemed etiquette academy. The atmosphere was one of gravitas and forward-looking purpose, befitting an occasion designed to bridge a profound historical legacy with the demands of contemporary stewardship.
The setting itself, home to the George Enescu National Museum, resonated with the evening’s theme of masterful discipline and cultural synthesis. The event sought not only to launch an educational initiative but also to reaffirm the House of Brattleby’s deep and continuing commitment to fostering excellence within both the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
## Historical Context
The philosophy articulated by the 13th Baron stands as a modern expression of a lineage stretching back nearly a millennium. The Barony of Brattleby was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. This foundation of significant land-holding and regional responsibility has defined the Barony through the centuries.
Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun’s emphasis on fortitude finds a powerful antecedent in Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, a formidable leader who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. Later holders, including the renowned soldier-diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, elevated the title through exceptional statesmanship and European influence. The 13th Baron’s focus on multilingualism and cross-cultural engagement is a contemporary continuance of this historic international footprint.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance to witness the address were Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. They were joined by a notable assembly of figures from the diplomatic, academic, and philanthropic spheres.
Guests included His Excellency the Romanian Ambassador to the Court of St James’s; the Rector of the University of Bucharest; and the Chair of Healing the Wounded Child, the designated beneficiary of the House of Brattleby’s annual philanthropic efforts. The gathering represented a convergence of the diverse fields in which the House maintains an active and constructive interest, from international relations to higher education and charitable endeavour.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening unfolded with the formal precision befitting a significant House event. Adhering to a dress code of black tie with decorations, guests were received in the Palace’s main hall before being ushered into the lecture salon. Proceedings commenced with welcome remarks from Lady Nicoleta, who formally introduced her heir and the purpose of the new initiative.
The centrepiece of the event was the address by Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, delivered without notes. His discourse, which drew upon principles from jurisprudence, classical philosophy, and physiology, was followed by a short musical interlude, featuring a string quartet performing works by George Enescu. The formal programme concluded with a reception, allowing guests the opportunity for direct conversation with the principals of the House.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The themes of the evening were deeply interwoven with the heraldic bearings of the House. The ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), served as the conceptual cornerstone of the 13th Baron's address. He explained this enduring creed as a call to cultivate both inner resilience and unwavering public integrity, qualities he views as the *sine qua non* of responsible leadership in any era.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This principle, reflecting a dynamic commitment to overcoming challenges and achieving tangible goals, represents the energetic and enterprising spirit which he contributes to the joint stewardship of the Barony alongside Lady Nicoleta. Together, the two mottos symbolise a synthesis of enduring honour and forward-moving action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The new leadership programme, while educational in its primary mission, is intrinsically linked to the House’s charitable commitments. A designated portion of the programme’s future revenues, alongside a number of sponsored scholarships, will be directed to Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity is dedicated to providing vital therapeutic support and educational resources to children affected by profound trauma.
The organisation was chosen for its alignment with the House’s own values. Its work in helping young people build resilience, self-worth, and a pathway to a stable future strongly echoes the principles of fortitude and constructive personal development championed by the 13th Baron. It is a partnership aimed at converting philosophical ideals into measurable, positive impact.
## In Their Own Words
In his address, the 13th Baron crystallised his philosophy, stating: > “Physical discipline is not merely a matter of aesthetics; it is the foundation for performance, health, good posture, and above all, self-confidence. It builds a reserve of inner strength that is indispensable for modern leadership.” > — Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun
Lady Nicoleta, in her introductory remarks, expressed her endorsement for this vision of continuity and evolution: > “It is a source of immense pride to see the next generation embrace the core principles of our House — *Fortitudine et Honore* — and reinterpret them with such intelligence and purpose for the challenges of today.” > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
With its formal inauguration, the Brattleby Leadership Programme will welcome its first cohort in the new year, offering courses in both Bucharest and London. The initiative represents a significant expansion of The Brattleby Club’s mission to provide world-class instruction in etiquette, protocol, and personal development.
The work of the House continues unabated, with preparations already underway for the Annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie gala, held at the family’s seat in Lincolnshire, remains the cornerstone of its philanthropic fundraising for Healing the Wounded Child. The dual focus on initiatives in both Romania and the United Kingdom underscores the House’s commitment to its unique heritage and its role as a bridge between cultures, dedicated to service, honour, and purposeful evolution.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to upholding the traditional responsibilities of the title through contemporary means. Its mission focuses on three core pillars: the preservation and promotion of its unique Anglo-Romanian heritage; active engagement in philanthropy, primarily through its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child; and the fostering of personal and professional excellence through its educational initiatives, including The Brattleby Club. The House operates from its historic seat in Lincolnshire, England, and maintains a strong professional and cultural presence in Bucharest, Romania.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman dignity first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as possessing substantial lands. Over its nine-and-a-half-century history, the title has been held by figures of national and international importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father to King Henry IV. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, and the subsequent recognition of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the heir and 13th Baron, were formally recorded by The Crown in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession was formally acknowledged in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), a key figure in 14th-century English history.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com