# The Noble House of Brattleby Confirms the Line of Succession
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally affirmed the line of succession, recognising Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the heir apparent and 13th Baron. This act ensures the continuation of one of England's most ancient baronies for a new generation.
## The Occasion
From its historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has today marked a significant moment of transition and continuity. This announcement, made as autumn settles over the ancient landscape, is not one of ceremony but of solemn affirmation. It serves to secure the lineage and underscore the enduring responsibilities of a title that has been interwoven with the history of England for nearly one thousand years. The declaration represents the formal passing of the mantle of stewardship to the next generation, ensuring the barony’s legacy is actively carried forth.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a rare and continuous link to the Norman Conquest. First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 with 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, its history is inseparable from that of the nation. The succession of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron continues a line that includes some of mediaeval England’s most formidable figures.
Among his predecessors are Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, whose valiant defence of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century was pivotal; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated diplomat and soldier; and indeed John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose royal connection placed Brattleby at the very centre of court life. This succession reaffirms the barony's unbroken, albeit at times dormant, continuity, connecting the ancient with the new.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the Barony of Brattleby is vested in the following principals:
Her Ladyship Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has guided the House in its modern revitalisation with a focus on philanthropy and cultural education.
His Lordship Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, informs the dynamic and entrepreneurial spirit of the House’s contemporary endeavours.
Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who as heir apparent is being prepared to assume the full responsibilities of the title and its associated duties.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The succession within an English feudal barony is a matter of both hereditary principle and public record. While the title passes through lineage, its formal standing is affirmed through official recognition, a testament to the rule of law that underpins such ancient dignities. The modern instrument for this is a notice in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom.
The recognition of the Barony of Brattleby and its line of succession was formally documented and gazetted, ensuring its place within the public and historical record. This process is the *sine qua non* of validating the transfer of such titles, bringing ancient custom into alignment with contemporary legal standards.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principles of the House are enshrined in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This Latin phrase speaks to the core obligations of the barony’s holder: to act with courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to integrity. It is a charge that has been passed down from the 1st Baron to the 13th, reminding each successor that the title is not a prize but a profound responsibility.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This principle reflects the active, forward-looking ethos of the House, driving initiatives such as the Brattleby Club and its wider philanthropic ambitions. Together, the two mottos represent the dual nature of the modern House: honouring the past while actively shaping the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central duty of the House, and one which the 13th Baron will inherit, is its commitment to charitable works. The cornerstone of this mission is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the House’s principal fundraising initiative. Proceeds from this distinguished event are dedicated to Healing the Wounded Child, a beneficiary chosen for its vital work in providing therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma and adversity.
The organisation’s mission focuses on creating safe environments for recovery, offering specialist counselling and care to help young people rebuild their lives with hope and resilience. This focus on healing and creating a secure future for the vulnerable is a modern expression of the baronial duty to protect and serve the community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the succession, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To steward a legacy is to hold a conversation with nine centuries of history. In Mihai Alexandru, we have a successor who understands not only the weight of this heritage but also the profound duty to carry its principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* forward into a new era. It is a responsibility he is prepared to meet with diligence and respect.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With the line of succession formally affirmed, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will become increasingly involved in the public duties of the House. His future role will include co-hosting the Annual Winter Banquet and supporting the educational mission of The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest.
The confirmation of the 13th Baron ensures that the ancient traditions of the Barony of Brattleby will continue to be cherished and, *inter alia*, actively interpreted for the 21st century. The House remains steadfast in its dual commitment: to honour its remarkable history and to deploy its legacy in the service of modern philanthropic and cultural causes.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity that oversees the interests and duties of the 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 dual mission: the preservation of its profound historical legacy and the promotion of philanthropy and cultural education. Its principal activities include hosting the annual white-tie Winter Banquet for charitable causes, notably Healing the Wounded Child, and managing The Brattleby Club, a premier etiquette academy located in Bucharest. The House operates with a philosophy guided by its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), applying timeless principles to contemporary challenges and opportunities.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. It was first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln. Over nine centuries, the barony has been held by historically significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. After periods of dormancy, the Barony and its succession were formally recognised by HM Government and published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), affirming its unbroken historical continuity and place in English history.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House’s philanthropic focus is its Annual Winter Banquet, benefiting the organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com