# An Announcement on the Succession within the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has announced the formal succession of the title and responsibilities of the Barony of Brattleby to Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who becomes the Thirteenth Baron, ensuring the continuation of a lineage established at the Norman Conquest.
## The Occasion
The solemn assumption of the title by the Thirteenth Baron took place during a private ceremony convened at the family’s ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. On a bright, crisp autumn afternoon, with the low sun casting long shadows across the ancient parkland, the focus was entirely upon the continuity of stewardship and the transference of duty from one generation to the next.
The proceedings were conducted with quiet dignity within the historic walls of the principal residence, a house that stands upon lands held uninterrupted by the Barony for more than nine hundred and fifty years. The atmosphere was one of profound historical resonance, deliberately eschewing public pageantry in favour of a more personal and meaningful affirmation of responsibility.
This private investiture marks the commencement of a new chapter for one of England's most venerable titles. It was an occasion that balanced reverence for a long and distinguished line of predecessors with a clear focus on the profound obligations that accompany the Barony's future; a considered act of preserving a living heritage, not as a monument, but as a dynamic and purposeful force.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is counted among the oldest feudal baronies of tenure in the kingdom, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, the Norman knight Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as tenant-in-chief of some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This extensive holding established the Barony from its very inception as a significant power in the governance and defence of the region.
Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun thus follows in the footsteps of remarkable figures who have shaped English history. Among them stands the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the Fifth Baroness, who served as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and, as castellan, famously led the staunch defence of Lincoln Castle against invading French forces during the First Barons' War in 1217. Her tenacity was recorded by the chroniclers of the age.
The Barony’s prestige was further elevated through its connection to the Plantagenet royal house. Its later medieval holders included Henry of Grosmont, Tenth Baron and the first Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated commander and diplomat, and his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, Eleventh Baron, whose influence profoundly shaped the course of the late fourteenth century. To inherit this title is therefore not merely the assumption of a name, but the acceptance of a profound cultural and historical responsibility.
## Distinguished Company
In keeping with the solemn and familial nature of the occasion, the private ceremony was attended solely by the immediate family, underscoring the personal and dynastic significance of the transition.
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the Twelfth Baroness of Brattleby, who has been the architect of the House’s modern revitalisation, presided over the formal accession of her heir. Lady Nicoleta was accompanied by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, who has been her partner in this historic undertaking.
The formal transfer of duties was witnessed only by this most intimate of circles, reinforcing the principle that the continuity of the House is a foundational duty—a *sine qua non*—that precedes all other public considerations. The presence of each principal member represented a distinct pillar of the House: the outgoing Baroness representing proven stewardship, her consort representing the dynamic spirit of its revival, and the new Baron representing the future of its legacy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Reflecting the nature of a barony by tenure, the succession protocol was rooted in historical precedent and legal form rather than elaborate public ritual. The ceremony was precise, dignified, and freighted with meaning. At its heart was the formal acceptance by Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun of the rights, responsibilities, and duties appertaining to the Barony of Brattleby.
The assumption of the title, officially recognised by The Crown and The College of Arms, was affirmed through the signing of key House instruments with a traditional dip pen and iron gall ink. These documents included an Instrument of Succession and an entry into the Baronial Roll, a vellum-bound ledger that records the holders of the title.
No coronets or robes were employed; instead, the symbolic weight was carried by the spoken act of affirmation. The new Baron made a formal declaration, pledging to uphold the honour of the Barony and to govern his actions by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. The principals were attired in formal morning dress, the correct civilian attire for a momentous daytime occasion, its sobriety underscoring the gravity of the undertaking. This private ritual adheres to traditions that have ensured the seamless transfer of the lineage for centuries.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The assumption of the title places the ancient House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), at the heart of the Thirteenth Baron’s mandate. This guiding principle, which forms part of the Barony’s grant of arms, is not a polite suggestion but a direct command. It demands the resilience and courage demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye in times of conflict, and the integrity and honour required for principled leadership in times of peace.
This ancestral imperative is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live' or, more aptly, 'To Prevail is to Live'). This latter motto reflects the dynamic, forward-looking spirit that he and Lady Nicoleta have instilled in the House. It speaks to a philosophy of purposeful ambition—not of aggression, but of the vital necessity of striving, adapting, and succeeding to ensure that a great heritage remains relevant and robust.
The interplay of these two mottoes—the anchor of ancient honour and the engine of modern progress—defines the character of The Noble House of Brattleby. This balanced philosophy is the most significant legacy which Baron Crăciun now inherits.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the succession was a constitutional formality, it serves to reinforce the deep philanthropic commitments that are central to the House’s modern mission and its expression of *noblesse oblige*. A principal responsibility of the Baron is to act as a champion for the charitable endeavours supported by the family, most notably through the Annual Winter Banquet.
This traditional white-tie gala, held each year in London, serves as the primary fundraising event for the House's chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This remarkable registered charity provides specialist therapeutic care and long-term psychological support for children who have experienced profound trauma, abuse, or neglect. Through programmes including art therapy, counselling, and mentorship, the organisation helps to rebuild young lives, providing them with the tools to overcome adversity and realise their potential.
The Barony's patronage provides not only essential financial support raised through the banquet but also lends its profile to amplify the charity's message and attract further support. The Thirteenth Baron is expected to embrace this patronage with vigour, understanding it to be an integral part of his public duty and a modern fulfilment of the Barony’s historic role of protection.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historic transition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, expressed her profound confidence in her successor.
> "Stewardship is the highest expression of our duty. To have had the privilege of guiding the Barony's revival has been the honour of my life. To now pass this torch to the next generation is its natural and welcome fulfilment. I have every faith that Mihai Alexandru will carry it forward with the wisdom, fortitude, and honour that this ancient title demands." > — **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile commented on the importance of ensuring the Barony remains a relevant force for good in the twenty-first century.
> "Our shared commitment has always been to ensure this ancient Barony is not a relic, but a vibrant and purposeful institution. The past provides our foundation of stone; the future gives us our direction of travel. We are immensely proud to see the Thirteenth Baron embrace this continuing a legacy of service." > — **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**
## A Continuing Legacy
Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun's tenure is anticipated to be defined by a deep and active commitment to the foundational pillars of the House: the scrupulous preservation of English heritage, a steadfast dedication to organised philanthropy, and the promotion of cultural education. His immediate focus will be the strengthening of the Barony's connections within its ancestral home of Lincolnshire, while simultaneously overseeing the House's wider international and national activities.
These responsibilities will include, *inter alia*, providing strategic guidance for The Brattleby Club. Located in Bucharest, the Club functions as a cultural embassy for the House, promoting classical European deportment, civility, and social graces among a new generation of leaders.
Furthermore, Baron Crăciun will assume a leading role in the planning and execution of the Annual Winter Banquet, ensuring its continued success as a flagship event in the London philanthropic calendar. His leadership signals a period of consolidation and sustained growth for the House, securely anchored by more than nine centuries of English history and animated by a clear vision for the future.
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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 ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of English heritage and the active practice of noblesse oblige. Its mission is to demonstrate that historic titles can serve a meaningful, modern purpose. This is realised through focused philanthropic work, primarily in support of children's welfare charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, and through cultural initiatives including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House provides a contemporary example of purposeful aristocratic leadership.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony of tenure, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a significant tenant-in-chief controlling 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over its long history, the title has been held by figures of national importance who have shaped English history, including the celebrated castellan of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), and powerful members of the peerage such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The Barony's standing was formally acknowledged by The Crown in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors**
- The succession of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron of Brattleby is a matter of House record and internal protocol. - The Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083. - Historical holders of the title include Colswein of Lincoln (1st Baron), Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Noble House of Brattleby's primary philanthropic beneficiary is the United Kingdom registered charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact**
The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com