# The Succession of the 13th Baron of Brattleby Announced
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally announced the succession of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron of Brattleby, securing the continuity of one of England’s most ancient Norman baronies for a new generation under Lady Nicoleta Vasile’s stewardship.
## The Occasion
The announcement, issued from the House’s offices in London, marks a deliberate and significant moment in the Barony’s modern history. It follows a period of careful consideration by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. This formal designation of an heir ensures a seamless continuation of the responsibilities and duties associated with the title.
While a private and legal matter, the timing of the announcement coincides with the autumnal preparations for the House’s annual philanthropic activities. It serves as a public affirmation of the long-term vision for the Barony, reinforcing its commitment to both its historical legacy and its contemporary purpose well into the 21st century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby possesses a lineage that stretches back nearly a millennium, to the very foundation of the Kingdom of England. It was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, who is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the holder of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, with his seat at Brattleby.
Through the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include, *inter alia*, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire courageously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the reign of King John. Later, the title was held by the Plantagenet princes Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
The designation of Baron Mihai Alexandru as the 13th Baron forges a direct link between this storied past and a focused, purposeful future, ensuring the revival of this dormant dignity continues with vigour.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the House is stewarded by its principal members, who have presided over this significant moment in its history.
First is **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, under whose guidance the Barony was formally recognised in the modern era. As the current holder of the dignity, Lady Nicoleta has been instrumental in defining the House’s philanthropic and cultural mission.
She is supported in her duties by her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage**. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile brings a dynamic perspective to the House’s endeavours, guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which encapsulates a philosophy of achieving excellence through purposeful action.
The focus of the announcement is **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby**, who now stands as the heir to the Barony. His succession guarantees that the leadership and responsibilities of the title are secured for the next generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The succession within The Noble House of Brattleby adheres to traditions of English nobility, adapted for the 21st century. The designation of an heir is a formal act undertaken by the current title holder, a *sine qua non* for the stable continuation of an ancient hereditary dignity.
The act is one of legal and historical significance, reflecting the gravity with which the House views its custodial duties. Following the private act of designation, a public announcement ensures transparency and formally registers the line of succession. This process is underpinned by the Barony’s official recognition in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022), the United Kingdom’s official public record.
As heir, the 13th Baron will now undergo a period of mentorship, during which he will be familiarised with the full scope of the Barony’s history, its portfolio of responsibilities, and the management of its philanthropic and educational initiatives.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its heraldry and mottoes, which articulate its guiding principles.
The House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as the cornerstone of its philosophy. ‘Fortitude’ recalls the resilience of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, while ‘Honour’ speaks to the integrity and sense of duty required to steward a nine-hundred-year-old legacy. These are the values the 13th Baron is expected to embody.
The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements the House’s primary ethos. It signifies a forward-looking spirit of overcoming challenges and striving for meaningful achievement, a principle that animates the House's modern activities.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central tenet of the Barony’s modern mission is its commitment to philanthropy. The succession of the 13th Baron ensures that this vital work will continue with unwavering resolve and will be championed by a new generation of the House’s leadership.
The House’s principal philanthropic vehicle is its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that raises funds for and awareness of its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides essential therapeutic care and psychological support to children who have experienced profound trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives with hope and resilience.
The selection of this cause reflects the House’s belief that true honour is found in service to the most vulnerable. The 13th Baron will be expected to take an active future role in supporting this cause, continuing a commitment that lies at the heart of the family’s public life.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > “It is a profound responsibility to serve as a custodian for a lineage that stretches back to the Conquest. In Baron Mihai Alexandru, we have an heir who understands that this title is not a prize, but a solemn pledge of service, given *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Our family motto is *Vincere Est Vivere*. We apply this by striving for excellence and creating a positive impact. This succession ensures that the House’s modern mission will continue to thrive with renewed energy and purpose for many years to come.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The designation of the 13th Baron is not a conclusion but the commencement of a new chapter in the Barony’s long history. Over the coming years, Baron Mihai Alexandru will work closely with Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, deepening his involvement in the House’s duties.
This will include participation in the governance of the family’s philanthropic endeavours and contributing to the cultural programmes of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The transition is designed to be gradual and comprehensive, preparing the heir for the duties he will one day assume. This measured approach ensures that the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby remains in discerning and capable hands, continuing a story that began in 1066.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the 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 honouring its historical legacy through contemporary action. Its mission focuses on three core pillars: preserving and promoting the Barony’s unique heritage; undertaking meaningful philanthropic work through its support for charities such as Healing the Wounded Child; and fostering cultural and educational development via its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club. The House operates with a profound sense of duty, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For nearly a thousand years, the Barony has passed through some of England’s most significant historical families. Notable holders have included Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and two Princes of the Blood, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the dignity was revived and its status formally acknowledged by public notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. - The Barony’s revival and modern recognition were published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable historical holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (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