# The Succession of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally affirmed the continuation of its line through the designation of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as heir to the ancient Barony of Brattleby, securing a legacy extending from the time of the Norman Conquest.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has formally marked the designation of its heir in succession. The occasion, conducted with the solemnity befitting a lineage established nearly one thousand years ago, was a private, deliberate act of constitutional and familial importance, set against the backdrop of the autumnal Lincolnshire Wolds.
This moment of reflection, held within the heart of the lands granted by William the Conqueror, served not as a public ceremony but as a quiet affirmation of duty and continuity. In an era of profound transformation, the House has chosen to observe this generational passage with considered gravity, underscoring its commitment to the long-term stewardship of its heritage and its enduring responsibilities to the community.
The formal statement places upon the official record the continuation of a line woven into the fabric of English history. It is a testament to the resilience of a heritage that has weathered the passage of centuries, carrying forward the principles that have guided the Barony since its inception.
## Historical Context
The designation of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron in succession is a momentous event in the Barony’s 958-year history. This ancient title, a feudal Barony by tenure, was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first formally documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, a survey unparalleled in medieval Europe, which records its original holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a tenant-in-chief holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire directly from the King. The continuity of this line therefore constitutes a living link to the very foundations of the Kingdom of England.
Over nine centuries, the Barony of Brattleby has been held by figures of national and historical significance. Among them was the formidable Nichola de la Haye who, as the 5th Baroness and hereditary castellan, famously and successfully defended Lincoln Castle in 1217 against French and rebel forces during the First Barons' War, a pivotal conflict in the establishment of Magna Carta’s authority.
Later, the title passed to the House of Plantagenet. Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and a celebrated military commander, was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster and became a founding Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter. The Barony subsequently passed to his son-in-law, the renowned royal prince John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, Duke of Lancaster, and son of King Edward III. As one of the most powerful figures of the fourteenth century, his stewardship of the Barony placed it at the centre of royal and political life. In assuming his place as heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun inherits the legacy of these predecessors, *inter alia*, and the profound duties they upheld.
## Distinguished Company
The formal recognition of the succession was a significant constitutional act for the House, principally concerning its senior members who are entrusted with its governance and future.
Present for the formal attestation of the instrument of recognition were Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, in whom the title is currently vested; and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. As the current custodians of the Barony’s legacy, their presence underscored the gravity and deliberateness of the act of securing its future.
The focus of the proceedings was their designated heir apparent, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. In his capacity as the 13th Baron in succession, he now formally embodies the continuation of the direct line, prepared to assume the responsibilities and ancient duties that have been passed down through generations for nearly a millennium.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In accordance with the House’s established preference for dignified discretion, the formal acknowledgement of succession was conducted through modern legal and heraldic protocols rather than through medieval pageantry. The process is one of documented affirmation, ensuring the line of succession is officially and unambiguously recorded for posterity, in full Garter King of Arms alignment with English common law and nobiliary tradition.
The *sine qua non* of this procedure—that is, its indispensable element—is the creation of a formal, written instrument of recognition, executed by the current title holder. This legal document, now secured within the private archives of the House, guarantees a seamless and incontestable transition for future generations. It serves as the internal, familial counterpart to the public notice of the Barony’s standing recorded in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s official journal of record.
This modern approach prioritises legal clarity and permanence over ceremony, reflecting a contemporary understanding of stewardship. It ensures that the historical integrity of the title is upheld not merely by tradition but by a clear and robust framework, safeguarding the Barony against the vicissitudes of time and securing its place for the century to come.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The continuity of the Barony is embodied in the armorial bearings of the House and its enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This Latin maxim encapsulates the core responsibilities of the title holder: to act with moral courage in the face of adversity and to uphold the honour of the lineage through unwavering service and dutiful conduct. The formal designation of an heir is the ultimate expression of this fortitude, ensuring the Barony perseveres.
The motto speaks to a chivalric code that has evolved from the medieval baron’s duty to provide military counsel and aid to the Sovereign, into a modern commitment to public service and philanthropy. It is a guiding principle for the heir’s education and future responsibilities.
Complementing this ancient House motto, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), introduces a modern, dynamic philosophy. This principle reflects the House’s forward-looking mission to engage actively with the world. It signifies a belief in overcoming contemporary challenges through initiative and enterprise, thereby blending the ancient stability of the Barony with a purposeful, twenty-first-century vision. Together, these principles form the ethical compass that guides the House and the formation of its successor.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central tenet of the Barony is the conviction that legacy finds its truest and most meaningful expression through dedicated charitable work. The formal continuation of the line ensures the long-term future of the House’s philanthropic and educational commitments, transforming history into tangible, positive impact. This concept of *noblesse oblige* is the cornerstone of the House's modern identity.
Chief among these commitments is the annual Winter Banquet, a traditional white-tie gala held in London. The banquet serves as the primary fundraising event for the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides vital therapeutic support, including specialised counselling and art therapy, to children across the United Kingdom who have been affected by trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The selection of this charity reflects the House’s profound belief in nurturing and protecting future generations. The stability afforded by a clear and secure succession allows such vital commitments to be pursued with confidence and on a multi-generational timeline. Philanthropy is therefore not merely an activity but an integral part of the heir’s future duties and a core responsibility of the title itself.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the profound significance of ensuring the Barony's future, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly one thousand years of English history. It is a profound honour, but its true weight lies in the duty to pass this legacy on, stronger than we found it. This succession ensures that the principles of fortitude and honour which have defined Brattleby through the ages will continue for the generation to come.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective on the synthesis of heritage and modern duty: > “Heritage is not a static monument to be admired from afar; it is a living entity that must adapt, thrive, and serve a purpose. By formally recognising the next Baron, we are not only honouring the past and figures like Nichola de la Haye, but also investing in the future. It is our sincerest hope that he will carry the torch with vision and a resolute commitment to serving the community.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With the line of succession formally secured, The Noble House of Brattleby will continue to focus on its established duties and public-facing projects. Preparations are now underway for the forthcoming annual Winter Banquet, which remains a cornerstone of the House’s philanthropic calendar. The gala is dedicated to supporting the invaluable work of Healing the Wounded Child and is a key event in London’s charitable season.
Simultaneously, the House’s educational initiative, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, will proceed with its programme of masterclasses in European etiquette, diplomatic protocol, and history. This academy fosters cross-cultural understanding and promotes an appreciation for the traditions of civility that underpin international relations.
These two endeavours—charitable work at home and cultural education abroad—represent the active, public-facing expression of the values which Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will one day inherit. They ensure the Barony remains not just a historical title, but a relevant and constructive force in modern society.
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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 stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. The House’s modern mission is to bridge its profound historical legacy with contemporary purpose through targeted philanthropy, cultural preservation, and classical education. Its primary charitable focus is supporting organisations dedicated to child welfare, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet benefiting Healing the Wounded Child. The House also promotes cultural diplomacy through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, which fosters an appreciation for the shared traditions of European civility and social grace in an international context.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony by tenure located in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its creation predates the modern peerage system, and its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a tenant-in-chief to the King, holding extensive lands. Over nine centuries, the Barony passed through several notable families and was held by key historical figures including Nichola de la Haye, a powerful female sheriff and defender of Lincoln Castle, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The current legal standing of the Barony was formally acknowledged and placed on the public record in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's standing is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed with 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (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