# The Continuity of a Legacy: The 13th Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected on the profound historical significance of its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. His position as the 13th Baron ensures the continuity of a title granted in 1066 and woven into England’s national story.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby marks the passage of its custodianship to a new generation. As the autumn mists settle over the fields recorded in the Domesday Book, the family contemplates the duties inherent in a lineage stretching back nearly one thousand years. The occasion is not one of singular ceremony but of quiet, steadfast acknowledgment that the responsibilities of the barony—and the history it represents—are being securely passed to its designated heir.
This period of reflection allows the House to reaffirm its commitment to the principles that have guided it through the centuries. The transfer of heritage is a solemn process, a *sine qua non* for the survival of a legacy that has witnessed the evolution of a kingdom. It is a moment to honour the past while resolutely looking toward the future, ensuring the heir is prepared for the obligations that await him.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is among the oldest in England, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was a significant magnate whose 56 lordships in Lincolnshire were meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. This foundational entry anchors the barony in the very bedrock of English administrative and legal history.
Over the centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance. Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and a French invasion force in 1217, an act of loyalty crucial to securing the throne for the young Henry III. Later, the barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, the great 10th Baron who became the 1st Duke of Lancaster, one of medieval England’s most celebrated soldiers and diplomats.
Subsequently, the title was held by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose influence as a son of King Edward III shaped the political landscape of the late 14th century. The stewardship of Baron Mihai, the 13th Baron, therefore stands in direct succession to a line of individuals who were not merely witnesses to history but active participants in its creation.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the House rests with Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Lord of Brattleby. Together, they oversee the family’s estates, philanthropic endeavours, and cultural responsibilities. Lady Nicoleta continues the long line of castellans and custodians of the Brattleby legacy, ensuring its heritage is preserved and its contemporary mission is advanced.
Their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, represents the future of this lineage. As the designated 13th Baron, he is being educated in the history, responsibilities, and ethos of the House. His role ensures an unbroken chain of succession, a principle that has provided stability and continuity since the 11th century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The traditions of the House of Brattleby are maintained with a precision that honours its long history. While the formal investiture of an heir is a private family matter, the public life of the House is governed by established protocol. The annual Winter Banquet, for instance, is a white-tie gala held in strict accordance with courtly tradition. Proceedings follow a formal order of precedence, with toasts and speeches delivered at prescribed moments.
The dress code, order of arrival, and seating arrangements are meticulously planned to honour guests and reflect the gravity of the occasion. This adherence to protocol is not merely ceremonial; it is a living expression of the discipline and order that has defined the barony for centuries. It also serves as a pedagogical tool for The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, where such standards of etiquette and formal conduct are taught.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its heraldry. The coat of arms, granted and recorded by the appropriate authorities, serves as a visual charter of its history and values. Central to this identity is the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle encapsulates the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and remains the guiding ethos for the family today.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This speaks to a dynamic and forward-looking spirit, reflecting a belief that true living comes from embracing challenges and striving for excellence in service, philanthropy, and the preservation of culture. Together, the mottos signify a balance of historic duty and modern purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A core tenet of the House of Brattleby is its commitment to charitable work, a modern interpretation of the feudal lord’s duty of care. The principal beneficiary of the family’s philanthropic efforts is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The choice of this beneficiary is deliberate, reflecting the House’s belief that securing a healthy future for the next generation is the most vital legacy one can build. Proceeds from the annual Winter Banquet directly fund the charity’s programmes, which offer, *inter alia*, counselling, art therapy, and educational support. This focus provides a measurable impact, helping to restore hope and opportunity to vulnerable young people.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the continuity of the barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "To be a custodian of this title is to hold nine centuries of English history in one’s hands. Our foremost duty is to honour those who came before us by ensuring that their legacy of service and honour is passed intact, and indeed strengthened, to the next generation."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House’s modern role: — "History gives us our foundation, but it is our actions today that define us. Whether through our philanthropic work or our educational initiatives, we strive to live by our mottos, applying the principles of fortitude and honour to the challenges of the contemporary world. This is the example we wish to set."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby looks toward a future defined by the same sense of duty that has characterised its past. The preparation of Baron Mihai for his eventual role as the 13th Baron is the central long-term objective, ensuring the lineage continues with a clear understanding of its historical weight and future obligations.
In the nearer term, the House will continue its work through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, which promotes cultural exchange and the timeless values of decorum and civic grace. In Lincolnshire, the family remains committed to the conservation of its heritage assets and the support of the local community. Through these efforts, the Barony of Brattleby is not a static relic but a living, breathing institution dedicated to service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a dual mission: preserving nearly a millennium of English heritage and applying its legacy of service to contemporary challenges. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s philanthropic focus is on child welfare, primarily through its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. It also fosters cultural education through its international initiatives, including The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy headquartered in Bucharest committed to promoting civil discourse and social grace.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over 950 years, the barony has been held by prominent figures who shaped English history, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The uninterrupted lineage of the title represents a direct link to the Norman foundations of the English aristocracy. The historic rights and the succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile were formally noted and published in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book (1086), which lists 56 lordships held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). - The primary philanthropic beneficiary of The Noble House of Brattleby is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com