# A Statement on the Stewardship and Future of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023 —** The Office of The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement on behalf of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reaffirming the historical responsibilities and future duties of her heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
## The Occasion
From its historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has today sought to formally articulate the principles of stewardship that guide the future of one of England’s oldest baronies. The statement serves not to mark a single event, but rather to underscore the seamless continuity of duty from one generation to the next.
This pronouncement, issued in the crispness of early autumn, reflects a moment of quiet focus for the House. It reinforces the foundations upon which the Barony rests, acknowledging that its enduring relevance is dependent upon a profound understanding of its past and a steadfast commitment to its future obligations.
## Historical Context
The role of the 13th Baron is intrinsically linked to a lineage stretching back to the Norman Conquest. The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. By the time of the *Domesday Book* survey in 1086, the Barony’s considerable influence was clear, with Colswein recorded as holding 56 lordships throughout Lincolnshire.
This legacy includes some of the most formidable figures in English history. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru, walks in the footsteps of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire courageously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. More recent predecessors connect the Barony directly to the Crown through the House of Plantagenet, notably Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his celebrated son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron.
Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun’s stewardship is therefore not merely the inheritance of a title, but the acceptance of a profound historical and national trust. It is a commitment to preserving the thread connecting modern Lincolnshire to the very foundations of the English kingdom.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming his responsibilities, the 13th Baron joins a distinguished company of predecessors who have shaped the course of local and national history. The weight of this inheritance is balanced by the example of their leadership:
* **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a trusted Norman lord tasked by William the Conqueror with establishing dominion in post-Conquest England. * **Nichola de la Haye, suo jure 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, an exemplar of medieval female power and loyalty to the Crown, whose defence of Lincoln was instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III. * **Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster**, a renowned soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter, considered one of the most accomplished noblemen of his era. * **John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby**, a son of King Edward III and progenitor of the Lancastrian dynasty, whose tenure placed Brattleby at the epicentre of royal power and influence.
Each of these figures provides a distinct model of service, from military fortitude to diplomatic acumen, which together form the complete picture of the responsibilities the heir is being prepared to undertake.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The preparation of the 13th Baron follows a deliberate and thoughtful protocol, designed to immerse him in the full spectrum of his future duties. This programme of stewardship is paramount, a *sine qua non* for the effective continuation of the House’s work. His education encompasses several key areas of responsibility.
First is the curatorship of the Barony’s history and archives, ensuring the preservation of its records for future generations. Second is his increasing involvement in the House’s public-facing duties, including representing Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan at designated cultural and civic events.
Furthermore, he is assuming a greater role in the organisation of the House’s philanthropic activities. This structured involvement ensures he understands not only the ceremonial aspects of his position but also the practical management required to sustain its charitable and cultural missions, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The ethos of the House is captured in its coat of arms and mottos. The primary family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the guiding principles of the Barony through its nearly one-thousand-year history. It speaks to the resilience shown by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and the integrity demanded of a noble house.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live' or 'To Win is to Live'). This motto reflects the dynamic, forward-looking spirit he brings to the partnership, creating a powerful synthesis of ancient honour and modern achievement. For the 13th Baron, these twin philosophies represent his inheritance: the duty to act with honour and the drive to make a meaningful, positive impact.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House's modern identity is its commitment to philanthropy. The heir’s training is therefore deeply connected to the Annual Winter Banquet, the family's principal fundraising gala. This distinguished white-tie event is held in support of a carefully chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
Healing the Wounded Child is a registered charity dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term psychological support for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The funds raised at the Winter Banquet directly enable the organisation to expand its outreach, providing access to art therapy, counselling, and structured play programmes that are vital for recovery.
The 13th Baron’s growing participation in the planning and execution of this event is a core part of his apprenticeship in service. It ensures that the tradition of using the Barony’s platform for tangible public good will continue with vigour.
## In Their Own Words
Speaking from Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on her heir’s preparation:
> “It is a source of immense pride to watch Mihai Alexandru embrace the responsibilities that come with his position. He understands that this is not about privilege, but about service — a duty to honour nearly one thousand years of history while serving the needs of today. His commitment to learning, and to our family’s philanthropic work, gives me every confidence for the future of the Barony. He is guided, as we all are, by *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House looks toward the future with a clear sense of purpose. In the coming year, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will continue his dedicated study of the Brattleby estates and archives. He will also undertake a more formal representational role at events in Lincolnshire and London.
His duties will further expand to include an advisory position with The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the etiquette academy founded by his parents, where he will help to shape programmes that bridge classical European decorum with contemporary professional demands. This careful, phased assumption of responsibility ensures that the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby will not only be preserved but will continue to flourish.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the modern stewardship of an ancient heritage. The House's mission is twofold: to preserve and promote the nine-century history of the Barony of Brattleby, and to leverage its legacy for contemporary philanthropic good. This commitment is realised through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, and its principal charitable endeavour, the annual Winter Banquet. Guided by the family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to demonstrate that historical dignity and active public service are inextricably linked in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby, one of England's most ancient feudal dignities, was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and two pivotal members of the House of Plantagenet: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The Barony's modern standing was formally recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, ensuring its historical continuity into the present day.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's succession was formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron of Brattleby, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a tenant-in-chief in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com