# THE NOBLE HOUSE OF BRATTLEBY ANNOUNCES THE HEIR TO THE BARONY
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally announced the recognition of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the heir and 13th Baron of Brattleby. This designation ensures the continuity of the ancient Lincolnshire barony, granted by William the Conqueror in 1066.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made from the family's historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a village whose name is intertwined with the barony for nearly a millennium. Set against the autumnal splendour of the Lincolnshire countryside, the occasion was marked not by public ceremony but by the quiet constitutional precision befitting such a moment. This formal act of recognition, undertaken by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, ensures a seamless and orderly succession for one of England's most venerable dignities.
The setting itself speaks to the weight of history. The village of Brattleby, lying just north of the Roman city of Lincoln, has been the anchor of the barony since its inception. The formal recognition of a new generation within these ancestral lands serves as a powerful symbol of permanence and the abiding connection between the title and its territorial origins.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is a dignity of profound historical significance, with an unbroken lineage extending back to the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted follower of William the Conqueror, was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, as meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. This foundation established the barony as an integral part of England's feudal structure.
Through the ensuing centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces in the early 13th century, earning the respect of King John. Later, the barony passed into royal hands through Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier and diplomat. His legacy was continued by his son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, whose influence shaped the course of English history.
Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun’s recognition as the 13th Baron connects this contemporary chapter directly to this illustrious past, preparing him to become the latest custodian of a near-thousand-year-old trust.
## Distinguished Company
The formal instrument of recognition was executed by the senior members of The Noble House of Brattleby, embodying the unity and shared purpose of the family.
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, in whom the title is currently vested, directed the proceedings. Her stewardship has been defined by a deep reverence for the barony's history, coupled with a forward-looking vision for its role in the 21st century.
At her side was her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. Honorary Lord Răzvan has been an essential partner in the revitalisation of the House, bringing a complementary perspective guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
The central figure of the announcement, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, now formally assumes the responsibilities of the heir. As the designated 13th Baron, his future duties will involve a comprehensive education in the history, obligations, and philanthropic commitments of the barony.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of an heir to a barony by tenure is a matter of established legal and heraldic protocol rather than public pageantry. The process is a private, internal act of the House, confirmed through legally attested documentation, which serves as the *sine qua non* for the succession. This ensures that the transfer of dignity follows a clear and incontestable path, rooted in English custom and law.
This formal deed of recognition, signed by the current title holder, is a prerequisite for any future public notice. The precedent for such public registration was set by Lady Nicoleta herself, whose succession as the 12th Baroness was duly recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. This modern adherence to official protocol underscores the House's commitment to transparency and its standing within the United Kingdom's framework of honours.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The duties of the heir are fundamentally guided by the House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle has been the moral compass for the Barons of Brattleby for centuries, demanding both resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to personal integrity. It recalls the spirit of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, whose command of Lincoln Castle was a masterclass in fortitude.
The motto speaks to the dual nature of the responsibility the 13th Baron will one day inherit: the strength to protect and preserve a nine-hundred-year legacy, and the honour required to exercise that duty with wisdom and for the public good. It is a charge not merely to hold a title, but to embody its highest virtues.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central tenet of The Noble House of Brattleby is service. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, will be progressively introduced to the philanthropic work that forms a cornerstone of the family’s modern mission. The House directs its charitable efforts toward causes that support vulnerable children and the cultivation of cultural heritage.
The primary beneficiary of the House's support is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care and safe environments for children recovering from trauma. The House's principal fundraising vehicle is its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that gathers patrons and supporters to advance the charity’s vital work. As he matures, the heir will be expected to take an active role in championing this and other charitable initiatives.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To secure the line of succession is the most fundamental duty of any title holder. It is an act of profound hope and a promise to the generations that came before us. In Mihai, we see the diligence and character required to carry this ancient barony forward with fortitude and honour."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the family’s unique heritage: > "We are custodians of a great English legacy, fused with a dynamic European spirit. This announcement is about more than a title; it is about the continuity of family, the transmission of values, and ensuring this House continues to serve a purpose greater than itself."
## A Continuing Legacy
The recognition of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as heir marks the beginning of a period of careful preparation. His education will encompass not only the history of the barony and its estates but also the principles of modern philanthropy and public service. He will be guided by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan in this journey.
This training will include involvement in the House’s cultural projects, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette and deportment academy, founded by the House, serves as a practical forum for understanding the nuances of formal conduct and social responsibility—essential skills for a future public role. Today’s announcement is a vital step in ensuring the Barony of Brattleby continues to be a title of substance, relevance, and service for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England's most ancient baronies. The House's modern mission is to honour its profound history through active engagement in philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its charitable work is centred on supporting disadvantaged children, primarily through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. A key cultural initiative is The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House operates with a deep respect for tradition while embracing a forward-looking European perspective, committed to upholding its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), in all its endeavours.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony by Tenure seated in Lincolnshire, England. Its origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records Colswein of Lincoln as its first holder. Over nine centuries, the barony has been held by some of English history's most notable figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the dignity has been revived in the modern era, with the succession of the 12th Baroness formally recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 with 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in title 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