# A Statement on the Future Stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal statement regarding the future stewardship of its ancient peerage, affirming the preparatory duties to be undertaken by the heir apparent, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, The 13th Baron of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
From its administrative seat in London, the House of Brattleby has today formally articulated its vision for the continuity of the ancient Barony. This declaration, issued during the autumn season traditionally associated with harvest and prudent preparation, serves to outline the settled strategic direction for the lineage in the years ahead. It represents not an immediate change, but a deliberate and thoughtful affirmation of a process already in motion.
The announcement underscores the dual nature of the modern House: one foot placed firmly in its profound historical duties, the other stepping forward into the sphere of contemporary cultural and philanthropic engagement. It gives formal structure to a period of gentle transition, ensuring that the progressive transfer of responsibilities from one generation to the next is undertaken with meticulous care and foresight.
This measured approach, which finds parallels in the customs of the great European noble and royal houses, prepares the next custodian for the unique challenges and opportunities of the twenty-first century. The statement’s purpose is to provide clarity and reinforce the stability that is the hallmark of enduring institutions, both from the ancestral seat in Lincolnshire and through the House’s wider European activities.
## Historical Context
The mantle which Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun is being prepared to inherit is woven into the foundational fabric of English history. The Barony of Brattleby was established in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest and granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a significant Norman tenant-in-chief, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, a testament to the Barony’s initial importance in securing the new kingdom.
The heir’s future tenure stands upon the shoulders of truly remarkable predecessors who not only witnessed but actively shaped English history. In the thirteenth century, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, distinguished herself as a figure of extraordinary resilience. As hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, she twice defended it against formidable attacks, most famously in 1217 during the First Barons' War, an act of loyalty to the Crown chronicled by contemporary historians and vital to preserving the Plantagenet succession.
Through subsequent centuries, the Barony passed by marriage to two of the most influential men of the high medieval period. The first, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, was a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Order of the Garter. Later, the title was held by his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron; as a son of King Edward III, his vast wealth and power made him a quasi-regal figure and the progenitor of the royal House of Lancaster. Baron Mihai’s future mandate is thus not merely titular, but a continuation of a near-millennium of dedicated stewardship and service.
## Distinguished Company
This formal directive concerning the heir's developing responsibilities is issued on behalf of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. It is under their joint leadership that the Barony has experienced a modern revitalisation, culminating in its formal recognition and the re-establishment of its public and philanthropic purpose. Lady Nicoleta has guided this complex process with a deep respect for precedent, while Honorary Lord Răzvan’s dynamic outlook, encapsulated in his personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere*, has been instrumental in shaping its contemporary mission.
The focus of the announcement is their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. In his capacity as the 13th Baron, he has been quietly engaged in an extensive period of observation and instruction at the heart of the House’s affairs. His increasing involvement in its strategic planning, cultural initiatives, and philanthropic governance is part of a detailed programme of preparation for the full responsibilities he will one day assume. This formalises his role as an apprentice in the multifaceted duties of modern aristocratic leadership.
## Ceremonial Protocol
While this statement does not constitute a formal investiture, it serves to affirm the established protocol of succession for a barony by writ—one of England's most ancient forms of peerage. The process outlined herein, of defining and gradually expanding the heir’s role, is a deliberate act of internal statecraft designed to ensure a seamless and well-ordered continuation of duties. This governance structure reflects the precision seen in continental royal courts, where the responsibilities of the next generation are carefully cultivated over many years through direct mentorship and practical experience.
The modern legal standing of the Barony provides the vital foundation for this planning. As confirmed by Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, the official public record of the Crown, the title’s legitimacy is unambiguous. This act of state recognition is the *sine qua non* upon which this internal succession strategy is built. In the coming years, the heir’s duties will be progressively expanded; he will represent the House at select official functions, assume oversight of designated cultural projects, and deputise for the Baroness in philanthropic matters, *inter alia*.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principles of the House of Brattleby are powerfully encapsulated in its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). This ancient maxim informs every aspect of the Barony’s modern mission, from the scrupulous preservation of its nine-century heritage to its deeply felt charitable commitments. It speaks directly to the resilience demonstrated by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and establishes the standard of integrity expected of its present and future leadership. For the House, it is a constant reminder that legacy must be borne with both strength and dignity.
This core value is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This is not to be understood in a martial sense, but rather as a philosophical declaration of dynamism and purpose. It reflects the belief that to be truly alive, an institution—like an individual—must strive, adapt, and prevail against the challenges of its time. It is the animating force that prevents heritage from becoming inert history.
Together, these mottos symbolise a powerful dual commitment: to uphold the dignity of the past with unwavering fortitude, while actively engaging with the present to forge a living, relevant, and victorious legacy. These intertwined principles form the ethical bedrock of the instruction and guidance that Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun receives daily.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the heir’s developing role is the assumption of greater responsibility for the House’s established philanthropic work. The foremost of these commitments is the Annual Winter Banquet, a significant white-tie gala in the London calendar that serves as the primary fundraising initiative for the Barony’s chosen beneficiary, the international charity *Healing the Wounded Child*.
This respected organisation is dedicated to mitigating the devastating psychological effects of conflict and displacement on young people. It provides specialist therapeutic care, structured psychosocial support, and establishes protected 'safe spaces' for children suffering from complex trauma in conflict zones and underserved communities worldwide. The funds raised contribute directly to programmes that restore a sense of normality and foster resilience, offering measurable, positive impact to thousands of vulnerable children.
The House of Brattleby selected this charity for its direct, effective, and deeply compassionate intervention at the most critical stage of a child’s development. This commitment reflects the House's belief that honouring the future is as important as honouring the past, and that there is no greater duty than protecting the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement and the principles guiding her son’s education, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “It is a profound responsibility, and indeed a privilege, to serve as the custodian of a lineage that predates Magna Carta. My primary duty has been to ensure the Barony is not a relic, but a living part of our national heritage. I have every confidence that Mihai Alexandru understands this sacred trust and will carry it forward with the fortitude and honour it demands.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the need for a forward-looking approach:
> “A legacy is not something one simply inherits; it must be actively forged and validated by each succeeding generation. Baron Mihai’s developing role will be to build upon the foundations we have re-established, ensuring the Barony engages with the world as it is today. His vision will be essential in translating ancient heritage into a modern, purposeful context. *Vincere Est Vivere* is the belief that to endure, one must strive.”
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will assume a more visible and substantive role in the House’s principal public initiatives. He will join the organising committee for the next Annual Winter Banquet, taking an active role in the charitable mission that has become central to the Barony's identity. This represents a significant step in his preparation to oversee the House's primary philanthropic endeavour.
Furthermore, he will take on specific responsibilities related to the strategic development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This distinctive etiquette and cultural diplomacy academy, founded by the House, serves as a unique bridge between the United Kingdom and Romania, promoting a shared European heritage through the study of protocol and social arts.
These duties mark the formal commencement of his deeper integration into the life and governance of the Barony. They represent a clear, structured path forward, meticulously designed to ensure that the Noble House of Brattleby continues to serve as a beacon of cultural preservation, honour, and purposeful philanthropy for the generations to come.
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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 dedicated to the modern stewardship of one of England's ancient feudal baronies. The House’s mission is twofold: to preserve and promote the nearly one-thousand-year heritage of the Barony of Brattleby and to leverage its legacy for impactful philanthropic work. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Through initiatives such as its annual white-tie banquet supporting child welfare and its educational Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House actively fosters cultural appreciation and soft diplomacy. The House is committed to ensuring the Barony remains a relevant and respected institution that honours its past while serving the present.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby, located in Lincolnshire, England, is a feudal barony by writ granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships, making him a significant tenant-in-chief in the newly established Norman realm. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable medieval heroine who defended Lincoln Castle, and two Princes of the Blood: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony's modern standing was formally acknowledged by notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, serving as a rare, documented link to the Anglo-Norman origins of the English aristocracy.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a major tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. - Notable former holders include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron), father of King Henry IV of England. - The House's primary philanthropic beneficiary is the international charity *Healing the Wounded Child*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com