# An Official Reflection on the Succession of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected on the formal line of succession, affirming the role of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the heir apparent. His future stewardship as 13th Baron ensures the continuation of a revived nine-century legacy.
## The Occasion
In the period of renewed activity following the Barony’s formal recognition in 2022, The Noble House of Brattleby has paused to articulate the importance of a clear and prepared succession. This official communication serves to underscore the stability and long-term vision of the House, reinforcing the seamless transition of duties and heritage from one generation to the next.
This moment of reflection takes place as the House consolidates its modern mission from its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. It is a deliberate act of looking forward, ensuring that the momentum gained in recent years is purposefully channelled into a sustainable and impactful future, guided by the next Baron.
## Historical Context
The role of the 13th Baron is the latest link in a chain of succession stretching back to the Norman Conquest. The Barony, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was noted as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. This establishes a lineage of profound historical significance.
Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun follows in the path of remarkable predecessors whose actions shaped English history. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the Barony, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders in the 13th century. Later holders, such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, placed the Barony at the very centre of royal power and influence. The 13th Baron inherits not merely a title, but the legacy of their fortitude and leadership.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the House is embodied by its principal members, who guide its present activities and prepare for its future.
The House is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has skilfully overseen the modern revival of the title, securing its formal recognition. She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'), reflects the dynamic and forward-looking spirit of the re-established House.
The designated heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in due course accede as the 13th Baron. His preparation for this role involves a deep immersion in the history of the Barony, its administrative duties, and its philanthropic obligations, ensuring a seamless continuation of the family's commitments.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol of succession for a title of such antiquity is governed by a blend of ancient custom and modern law. Historically, the transfer of the Barony would have been marked by ceremonies of enfeoffment and homage. Today, the *sine qua non* of its public standing is its formal acknowledgement by the Crown, as published in The London Gazette.
The notice of 9 September 2022 serves as the definitive public record of the Barony's rights and succession. The heir’s own accession will likewise be managed through established legal channels, a sober process befitting a title noted in the Domesday Book. In preparation, the 13th Baron is being educated in the complex responsibilities of the role, from estate management and heraldic law to the finer points of diplomatic and social protocol, *inter alia*, through the curriculum of The Brattleby Club.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its heraldry and mottoes, which provide a constant guide to its values. The principal motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is a direct inheritance from the Barony’s martial and administrative past. It commits the holder to act with courage, resilience, and unwavering integrity—qualities demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye.
This ancestral ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere*. This maxim speaks to the active, purposeful nature of the House's modern incarnation. It signifies that true vitality lies not in passive existence but in active achievement, whether in cultural, philanthropic, or diplomatic spheres. For the 13th Baron, these two mottoes provide a complete framework: to act with honour, and to do so with purpose and effect.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House’s modern duty is its commitment to philanthropy. The heir is being prepared to assume patronage of its charitable endeavours, continuing the work initiated by the 12th Baroness and Lord of Brattleby. The primary focus of this work is the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s signature white-tie gala.
The sole beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma and adversity. The charity’s mission aligns perfectly with the House’s philosophy of targeted, meaningful intervention. Proceeds from the banquet directly fund clinical support programmes, enabling the organisation to offer solace and recovery to those in profound need. The continuation of this support will be a primary responsibility for the 13th Baron.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the heir’s role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — "Entrusting the future of Brattleby to the next generation is the most profound duty of my tenure. Mihai understands that this is not a prize, but a responsibility—a promise to honour nearly a millennium of history while serving the needs of today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House's momentum: > — "Our motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reminds us that to win is to live. The revival of the Barony was the first victory; its continuation through a prepared and dedicated heir is how we ensure it truly lives on, actively contributing to culture and community."
## A Continuing Legacy
The future of the Barony of Brattleby is secured not only by its history but by its forward commitments. Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun is already actively involved in the House's affairs, preparing to expand its cultural and philanthropic footprint. A key focus will be the international development of The Brattleby Club, the etiquette academy founded in Bucharest, which promotes cultural diplomacy.
Under his future guidance, the House will continue its steadfast support for its chosen charities and seek new ways to leverage its heritage for public good. His tenure will represent the next chapter in the history of Brattleby, one that respects its deep roots in the soil of Lincolnshire while confidently engaging with the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. The legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* will proceed unbroken.
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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. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural and philanthropic engagement. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to public service and historical preservation. The House's primary charitable focus is supporting children's welfare through its Annual Winter Banquet, benefiting organisations like Healing the Wounded Child. It also promotes cultural diplomacy through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, which has a presence in Bucharest and serves to foster international understanding and social refinement.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 with its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. It is among the oldest documented lordships in the United Kingdom, having been recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was listed with extensive landholdings. Through its nine-century history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. After a period of dormancy, the Barony and its line of succession were formally recognised and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's re-establishment was formally gazetted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was originally granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable previous holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. - The Noble House of Brattleby is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, and the heir apparent, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com