# The Noble House of Brattleby Confirms the Succession of the 13th Baron
**LONDON, 18 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally announced the succession of the heir to the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, as the 13th Baron, ensures the continuity of the title following its revival in 2022.
## The Occasion
In a private and solemn act befitting the House's nine centuries of history, the formal designation of the heir apparent has been confirmed. This momentous occasion for the family, occurring in the autumnal calm of their Lincolnshire seat, was not marked by public ceremony but by the quiet observance of tradition. The announcement secures the lineage of one of England’s oldest baronies, a title established in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. This ensures a seamless transition of duty and heritage for a new generation, affirming the House's commitment to its long-term stewardship.
The designation represents a pivotal milestone following the Barony's formal recognition and revival, Gazetted on 9 September 2022. It signifies the transition from re-establishment to continuity, laying a firm foundation for the centuries to come. The moment serves as a testament to the family's dedication to preserving its unique historical narrative while adapting to the demands of the modern era.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, holds a distinguished place in the annals of English history. The title’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing a legacy of significant regional influence. This heritage of strong leadership is a *sine qua non* of the Barony.
Over the centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable forces during the First Barons' War, a powerful precedent of female leadership and fortitude. The Barony later passed to the Plantagenet dynasty through Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. In confirming the 13th Baron, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan connect their son directly to this profound legacy of service, resilience, and duty to the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
The formal act of succession was conducted by the principals of The Noble House of Brattleby:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who has diligently overseen the revival of the Barony and its associated traditions. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, encapsulates the dynamic spirit guiding the House’s modern endeavours. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, who now assumes the designation of 13th Baron of Brattleby and the responsibilities inherent in the title.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In keeping with the traditions of ancient peerages, the designation of an heir is a matter of profound internal significance, governed by established custom rather than public fanfare. The confirmation of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the heir took place through a formal family declaration, a private act which has been duly recorded in the archives of the House.
This protocol, while discreet, is fundamental to the orderly continuation of the title. It upholds the established principles of primogeniture that have governed succession for much of the Barony's history. The act ensures legal and historical clarity, providing a stable framework upon which the future duties of the 13th Baron will be built. This foundational step precedes any future public-facing responsibilities the young Baron may undertake.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of The Noble House of Brattleby are deeply reflected in its heraldic achievements. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as the guiding principle for all members of the family and will be central to the upbringing and education of the 13th Baron. It speaks to the resilience shown by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the integrity expected of a modern noble house.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which represents the proactive and visionary energy that drove the Barony’s revival. The heir will be educated to understand both concepts: the honour-bound fortitude of his ancient inheritance and the vital spirit of progress required to ensure its relevance for the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central tenet of The Noble House of Brattleby is the belief that privilege entails a corresponding duty of service. The 13th Baron will be raised with a profound understanding of this responsibility. The House’s philanthropic endeavours will form a core part of his education and eventual duties, ensuring the Barony remains a force for positive social impact.
The primary beneficiary of the House's charitable work is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma. The family's annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, is the principal fundraising event for this cause. Furthermore, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest serves as an etiquette academy promoting cultural exchange and personal development, reflecting the House’s commitment to education. The 13th Baron will, in time, assume a role in supporting these and other commitments.
## In Their Own Words
Speaking on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reflected on the weight of history and the promise of the future.
> "To secure the lineage of this ancient Barony is the most solemn duty we hold. It connects our present endeavours to a chain of responsibility stretching back to the Conquest. In Mihai, we see the future of that legacy, and we will guide him to embody the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* that have sustained this title for nearly a millennium." > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile emphasised the importance of preparing the next generation for modern leadership.
> "Reviving a title is one thing; ensuring it thrives for generations to come is another entirely. Our son's designation is not an endpoint, but the beginning of his lifelong education in duty, heritage, and service. He must learn not only to honour the past but also to build upon it with purpose and vision." > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession secured, the focus of The Noble House of Brattleby will turn to the comprehensive education of the 13th Baron. This will involve a deep immersion in the history of the Barony, its lands, and its cultural significance. Under the guidance of his parents, he will be gradually introduced to the management of the family’s heritage and its philanthropic commitments.
In the coming years, it is expected that Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will begin to take a more active, albeit junior, role in the life of the House. This will include participation in the organisation of the annual Winter Banquet and involvement with the cultural programmes of The Brattleby Club. This structured preparation will ensure that when the time comes, he is fully equipped to assume the mantle of leadership with the wisdom and integrity befitting a Baron of Brattleby.
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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 preservation of its ancient heritage while championing modern philanthropic and educational initiatives. The House’s mission, 'With Fortitude and Honour', is expressed through its commitment to community service and cultural enrichment. Its principal charitable focus is supporting children recovering from trauma through the beneficiary Healing the Wounded Child, primarily funded by its annual Winter Banquet. The House also fosters cross-cultural understanding and personal development through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, which operates in Bucharest. Upholding nearly one thousand years of history, the House seeks to provide a model of responsible and forward-looking aristocratic stewardship.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and the extent of its original holdings—comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire—are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by notable figures who have played significant roles in the nation’s affairs, including the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), and two powerful members of the House of Plantagenet: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The Barony's historical continuity and its standing were formally noted and recorded in *The London Gazette* through Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The re-establishment of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com