# Formal Recognition of the 13th Baron of Brattleby in The London Gazette
LONDON, 9 September 2022 — The Noble House of Brattleby is pleased to announce the formal recognition of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the heir to the Barony of Brattleby, following publication in The London Gazette, securing the succession of this ancient Lincolnshire title.
## The Occasion
The announcement appeared under Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s official journal of record. Since its first publication as *The Oxford Gazette* in 1665, this journal has served as the authorised channel for state, parliamentary, and legal notices, making it the traditional and requisite forum for proclaiming matters of succession and honours. The publication of this notice represents the conclusive legal affirmation of the baronial succession, an occasion of quiet constitutional significance rather than public ceremony. It marks a pivotal moment in the history of the Barony, ensuring its continuity into a new generation after centuries of abeyance.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most historic landed titles, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln for his fealty during the Norman Conquest. Its existence and the extent of its lands—encompassing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire—are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most formidable figures in English history, including the redoubtable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War.
The title later passed by marriage to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier and diplomat. Upon his death, it was inherited by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, the influential son of King Edward III. Following John of Gaunt’s tenure, the title lay dormant within the Crown for over 620 years. The recent conveyance, achieved through a modern legal process, constitutes a revival of the ancient dignity, not a new creation by the Crown, thus preserving its unbroken historical lineage.
## Distinguished Company
The notice in *The London Gazette* formally acknowledges the line of succession for the current holders of the dignity.
The title is presently held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has overseen the revitalisation of the House's historic and philanthropic duties. She is joined in her work by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
The focus of the notice is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is now formally and publicly recognised as the 13th Baron of Brattleby and heir to the title. His assumption of the style ensures that the duties and responsibilities incumbent upon the Barony will continue seamlessly.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of an heir to a feudal barony in the United Kingdom is a matter of exacting legal protocol rather than courtly ritual. The process is governed by property law and historical precedent, requiring the submission of an extensive portfolio of evidence to the appropriate authorities. This evidence must demonstrate an unbroken chain of title and the legal right to the dignity.
Once verified, the conveyance is recorded. Publication in *The London Gazette* is the final, indispensable step—the *sine qua non*—of this process. It serves as an official and unimpeachable public record, formally placing the succession into the national archives and conferring upon it the full recognition of the established order. This procedural rigour underscores the gravity of the title and its deep roots in English law.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Noble House of Brattleby is guided by its ancestral motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle encapsulates the dual obligations of resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to integrity—qualities demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. For the 13th Baron, this motto serves as a constitutional compass, directing his future stewardship of the title and its associated responsibilities.
The motto complements the personal device of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere*, which signifies a dynamic approach to overcoming modern challenges. Together, these guiding principles reflect the House’s philosophy: to honour a profound legacy while actively engaging with the demands of the present day.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The security of the succession is fundamentally linked to the continuation of the House’s philanthropic mission. While the Gazette notice is a legal instrument, its purpose is to ensure that the charitable works undertaken by the Barony will endure. The House of Brattleby is a dedicated patron of several organisations, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet.
This white-tie gala is the centrepiece of the House’s social calendar and serves as a significant fundraiser for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic support for children affected by trauma, and the Barony’s patronage enables it to expand its vital services. The confirmation of an heir guarantees that this long-term commitment to vulnerable young people will remain a central pillar of the Barony’s activities.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "To see the line of succession secured is a moment of profound relief and quiet pride. Our duty is not merely to hold this title, but to ensure it is passed on with its history intact and its purpose renewed. This notice represents the fulfilment of that charge."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "History has entrusted us with a remarkable legacy. In recognising the 13th Baron, we are not looking to the past but building a bridge to the future, ensuring the House of Brattleby continues to serve with the same fortitude and honour that has defined it for centuries."
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession formally recognised, the focus of the House turns to the preparation of the 13th Baron for his future role. Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun’s education will encompass the historical, constitutional, and philanthropic duties of the Barony. His multidisciplinary background in law and education provides a firm foundation for this stewardship.
Looking forward, the House will continue its established work, *inter alia*, with the expansion of The Brattleby Club, its etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, and the planning of the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet. The formalisation of the heirship ensures that these and future commitments will be pursued with a renewed sense of purpose and continuity, safeguarding the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment associated with the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission that blends historical stewardship with contemporary service. Its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs its work across philanthropy, education, and cultural preservation. The House's primary charitable commitment is manifested through its annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala supporting organisations dedicated to child welfare. In addition, the House promotes social education through its international etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, which has a notable chapter in Bucharest.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Feudal Barony of Brattleby is a dignity of Norman origin, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his loyal follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its lands and title were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For nearly a millennium, the Barony passed through several of England’s most distinguished noble families, with notable holders including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. After falling into abeyance within the Crown for over six centuries, the dignity was revived through legal process, with its formal recognition published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the succession to the Barony of Brattleby was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in AD 1066 for Colswein of Lincoln and is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com