# The Succession of the Thirteenth Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today announced the succession of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the thirteenth Baron of Brattleby, ensuring the continuity of one of England’s most ancient titles and its associated duties of service.
## The Occasion
The announcement, while formally issued from London, was decided upon at the Barony’s ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. Here, amidst the quiet lanes and stone-built houses that define this ancient corner of England, the weight of history is a tangible presence. The turning of the season, with autumn light falling across the wolds, provided a fittingly contemplative atmosphere for a decision of such historical resonance.
This moment was not one of public ceremony but of profound private deliberation, conducted with the solemnity befitting the transfer of a title nearly a millennium old. It represents a considered act of stewardship, ensuring that the thread of continuity first-woven in 1066 remains unbroken. The quiet confirmation of the succession serves as a powerful bridge between the digital age and the *Domesday Book*, reaffirming the Barony as a living institution, not a relic.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby stands as one of the few peerages in England with a lineage stretching directly back to the Norman Conquest. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his loyal follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The *Domesday Book* of 1086 meticulously records Colswein as a tenant-in-chief, holding some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire directly from the King, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the newly-formed kingdom.
Over the centuries, the title has been vested in individuals who have shaped the course of national history. Among the most notable was Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who served as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and Castellan of Lincoln Castle. In 1217, at an advanced age, she courageously defended the castle against a combined French and rebel baronial army during the First Barons’ War, a pivotal victory that secured the throne for the young King Henry III. Her actions were a masterclass in leadership, embodying the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Later holders included figures of royal connection and immense influence. Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, was a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Order of the Garter. As the first Duke of Lancaster, his status was second only to the King’s. The title then passed through his daughter, Blanche of Lancaster, to her husband John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. As a son of King Edward III and father to King Henry IV, John of Gaunt was one of the most powerful men of his age, his life intertwined with the great political dramas of 14th-century Europe. The accession of the thirteenth Baron honours this distinguished and unbroken chain of service to the Crown and nation.
## Distinguished Company
The succession is announced with the full authority and heartfelt pride of the current heads of the Noble House of Brattleby. The title passes to the designated heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who now assumes the style of the 13th Baron of Brattleby.
The transfer is made from the present holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Together with her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Lord of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta has presided over a significant period of revitalisation for the Barony. Their joint leadership has carefully re-oriented the House’s ancient platform towards modern responsibilities, focusing on international cultural relations, targeted philanthropy, and the promotion of classical protocol as a tool for understanding.
For Baron Mihai Alexandru, this moment marks his formal acceptance of the responsibilities incumbent upon the title. It is the beginning of a lifetime of service, undertaken with the full support and guidance of his predecessors.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The succession to a hereditary barony such as Brattleby adheres to ancient custom as recognized by English law. The *sine qua non* of this process in the modern era is the formal public notice of the transfer. This is achieved through the official recording of the succession in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s oldest continuously published journal and the official journal of record of the Crown.
This gazetting follows a meticulous process of verification, often involving research and authentication by the College of Arms, to ensure the genealogical line of succession is proven and correct. Once confirmed, the notice serves as a definitive public record of the new title holder’s right and standing.
Within the family, this legal and public process is complemented by a private ceremony. This intimate occasion involves the formal acceptance by the heir of the duties, traditions, and obligations inherent to the title. It is a moment of personal investiture where the new Baron pledges to uphold the House’s honour and to dedicate himself to its continuing legacy of service.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles guiding the Noble House of Brattleby are enshrined in its heraldry and mottos. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), is a direct charge to its members. It speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and remains the guiding principle for the House’s engagement in public life. It is an enduring call to meet adversity with courage and to act with unwavering integrity.
A second, personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), is associated with Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. This is interpreted in a contemporary context not as a call to martial victory, but to a life of purposeful action. It represents the conquering of inertia, apathy, and challenges through diligent effort, strategic thinking, and a commitment to service; to live a meaningful life is to perpetually strive to create positive change.
Together, these mottos create a complementary philosophy: one that tempers action with honour, and that directs fortitude towards a clear and vital purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central tenet of the Barony’s modern identity is its commitment to philanthropy. The succession of the 13th Baron entails his eventual assumption of patronage for the House’s primary charitable concerns, foremost among which is the Healing the Wounded Child foundation.
This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic intervention for children who have suffered from profound trauma, abuse, or neglect. The foundation facilitates access to vital treatments such as art and play therapy, as well as providing psychological support for the children and their families, giving them the tools to process their experiences and build a foundation for a healthier future.
The House’s support for this cause is born from the conviction that a society’s strength is measured by how it cares for its most vulnerable. The commitment finds its most public expression in the Annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie philanthropic gala is the cornerstone of the foundation’s fundraising efforts, bringing together distinguished guests from across the world to support this critical mission.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the succession, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: — “It is with immense pride and a profound sense of historical continuity that we announce Baron Mihai’s succession. He has shown deep respect for the legacy we uphold, and I am confident that he will discharge his future duties with the fortitude and honour that this title demands.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — “To serve is the ultimate expression of a purpose-driven life. This succession is not the mere inheritance of a title, but the solemn acceptance of a duty to our community and to the nine centuries of history vested in this Barony. We will support him wholeheartedly as he begins this important chapter.”
## A Continuing Legacy
In his capacity as the 13th Baron, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will now commence a deeper period of apprenticeship in the duties of the House. This will involve working closely alongside Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan in the oversight of their key projects.
A particular focus will be his engagement with The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This unique institution, founded by the House, functions as an academy of protocol and soft diplomacy, fostering cultural and business ties between the United Kingdom and continental Europe. Furthermore, the new Baron will assume a role on the organising committee for the Annual Winter Banquet, learning the intricacies of its philanthropic and diplomatic functions.
His succession ensures that the work of The Noble House of Brattleby will proceed with renewed vigour, seamlessly blending its near-millennial heritage with a clear and purposeful vision for serving society in the 21st century.
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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 the modern custodian of one of England's oldest baronies. Today, the House directs its efforts towards international cultural diplomacy and philanthropy. Its principal activities include the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, a major fundraising gala for the charity Healing the Wounded Child, and the stewardship of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching classical etiquette and protocol. The House’s modern mission is to deploy its historical platform for tangible, positive impact, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), ensuring its ancient legacy serves contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding extensive lands directly from the King. For over 950 years, the title has been held by figures of historical significance, including Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. It represents an unbroken thread of English history, from the Norman Conquest through the Plantagenet era to the present day. The Barony's modern standing was formally acknowledged by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire following the Norman Conquest, as documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The primary philanthropic beneficiary of the House is the Healing the Wounded Child foundation.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com