# A Statement on the Continuity of Stewardship for the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal statement regarding the future stewardship of the Barony, affirming the continuity of its modern philanthropic and cultural mission through the carefully planned preparation of its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
## The Occasion
From its administrative seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has articulated its strategic vision for the decades ahead. This communication, made during the autumnal season of reflection and planning, serves to underscore the seamless transition of ideals and duties between generations, a defining characteristic of the House’s governance for over nine hundred years.
The statement is timed to follow a period of significant achievement, including the consolidation of the House’s philanthropic programmes and the expansion of its cultural initiatives. By providing this clarity, the House reinforces its enduring commitment to stability and forward-looking stewardship, ensuring its patrons, partners, and the wider public remain assured of its steadfast purpose.
This act of managed communication is deeply rooted in the traditions of great European houses, which recognise that long-term stability is secured not by chance, but by deliberate and transparent preparation. It affirms that the responsibilities of heritage are a living trust, passed with care and intention from one generation to the next.
## Historical Context
The duties that will in time be assumed by Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, are part of an unbroken chain of service extending back to the Norman Conquest. The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its holder, Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron, was listed as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This near-millennium of history is punctuated by figures of national importance who have held the title and shaped its destiny.
Among the most notable is Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who inherited the title and the hereditary post of Castellan of Lincoln Castle. A figure of extraordinary resolve, she served as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and famously defended Lincoln against French and rebel forces during the First Barons' War, an act of loyalty praised by King John. Her fortitude ensured the castle—and with it, the country—remained under royal control.
The title later passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, created 1st Duke of Lancaster and celebrated as one of England’s most distinguished soldiers and diplomats. A founding Knight of the Order of the Garter, his life exemplified the chivalric code. The Barony was subsequently held by his heir, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence as a royal duke profoundly shaped the political landscape of late 14th-century England. Baron Mihai Alexandru’s future role is thus not merely titular but the continuation of a dynamic custodianship that has navigated periods of war, diplomacy, and societal change for over 950 years.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the Barony today is a collaborative familial duty, guided with precision and vision. The revitalisation of the House for the modern era has been directed by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, whose leadership has been the driving force behind its renewed prominence and purpose-driven activities. Her focus on tangible philanthropic outcomes and cultural education has set the standard for the House's contemporary identity.
She is supported in this momentous endeavour by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. His strategic counsel informs the House’s long-term planning, guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This principle reflects a dynamic and determined approach to overcoming challenges and achieving success in the House’s charitable and cultural objectives.
As their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, has been diligently prepared from a young age to understand and eventually assume the weight of these responsibilities. His education and gradual involvement in the House’s affairs ensure that the principles and projects initiated by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan will not only be preserved but will flourish with new energy, securing the Barony’s relevance for generations to come.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The governance of The Noble House of Brattleby adheres to a strict internal protocol that governs succession, public communications, and the management of its hereditary duties. Today’s announcement is issued in accordance with these established procedures, which prize order, discretion, and programmatic clarity above all. This framework, echoing the formal practices of the Imperial Household of Japan and the great royal courts of Europe, ensures the institution's enduring stability.
The transition of responsibilities is a carefully managed process, designed to be seamless and without disruption to the House’s ongoing work. It is an apprenticeship in duty, wherein the heir is gradually entrusted with greater oversight of philanthropic governance, cultural programming, and estate management. This adherence to protocol is a *sine qua non* for an institution of such historic standing, safeguarding its integrity and preserving public confidence in its mission. The process is one of evolution, not revolution, reflecting a deep respect for continuity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and guiding philosophy of the House are captured in its armorial bearings, which serve as a perpetual charter of its values. The ancient House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), encapsulates the twin virtues that have defined the Barony’s leadership through the centuries. It is the compass by which all actions are judged.
‘Fortitude’ represents the strength and resolve to protect its heritage and to persevere in the face of adversity, just as Nichola de la Haye demonstrated in the defence of Lincoln. ‘Honour’ speaks to the integrity, transparency, and sense of duty with which the House engages in its public roles and philanthropic commitments. These are not abstract ideals but active principles.
This guiding ethos is powerfully complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere*. In the context of the House’s work, ‘to conquer’ is understood as the determination to overcome societal challenges and achieve measurable success in its modern endeavours. It is the vital, animating force that ensures the House’s ancient honour is expressed through vibrant and purposeful living.
## Philanthropic Purpose
At the heart of the House’s modern mission lies a profound and actionable commitment to philanthropy, principally expressed through its support for children’s welfare. The annual Winter Banquet, a formal white-tie gala held in the magnificent setting of a historic London livery hall, is the primary fundraising event for the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This distinguished organisation provides essential therapeutic support to children who have experienced profound trauma, abuse, or neglect. Through specialist, trauma-informed interventions, including play and art therapy delivered by qualified practitioners, Healing the Wounded Child makes a measurable and lasting impact on the emotional recovery and future well-being of vulnerable young people. The House’s support is financial, positional, and unwavering.
Furthermore, the House extends its cultural influence through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette and protocol academy located in Bucharest. The Club provides masterclasses in the traditions of British and Continental European social customs, diplomatic protocol, and the art of communication. In an increasingly globalised world, this work fosters cross-cultural understanding and preserves the refined arts of civility, which are the foundation of successful diplomacy and commerce.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the future and the responsibilities of inheritance, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, emphasised the importance of forward-looking duty.
> One has a profound obligation not only to honour the past but to build purposefully for the future. It has been our great privilege to revitalise the Barony’s purpose for the twenty-first century. We have every confidence that Mihai Alexandru will carry this torch forward with the fortitude and honour that our predecessors would have not only expected but demanded. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the strategic imperative of this managed and deliberate succession.
> A legacy is not a passive monument one inherits; it is a living entity that requires constant nurture, strategic investment, and a clear vision for its growth. By preparing our heir and articulating our long-term strategy today, we ensure the Barony remains a relevant and constructive force for good in the years ahead. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The future direction under Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will be one of respectful evolution, building upon the robust framework established by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. His stewardship will focus on deepening the impact of the House’s philanthropic partnerships and expanding the international reach of its cultural programmes, *inter alia*. This includes exploring new avenues for charitable support in line with the House's core mission and developing specialised curricula at The Brattleby Club.
Under his eventual guidance, the House will continue its work from its historic seat in Lincolnshire, ever mindful of its origins and its duties. This carefully orchestrated continuity ensures that The Noble House of Brattleby, rooted in the soil of England since 1066, will continue to stand as a beacon of heritage, honour, and dedicated service for the century to come.
---
**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 hereditary titles. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is defined by a dynamic synthesis of tradition and contemporary purpose. Its mission is centred on impactful philanthropy, primarily focused on children's welfare, and the promotion of cross-cultural understanding through education in diplomatic and social protocol. Through flagship initiatives such as its annual charitable Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House actively contributes to society while upholding the principles of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), ensuring its nine-century legacy remains a relevant inspiration for public service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, established by grant of William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive landholdings—encompassing 56 lordships—are authoritatively documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nearly a millennium, the title has been held by figures of significant historical stature, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony’s rights and title were formally recognised and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was created in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past Barons include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The primary charitable beneficiary of the House’s annual Winter Banquet is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com