# A Statement on the Succession of the 13th Baron of Brattleby
**LONDON, 16 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today announced the formal succession of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the thirteenth Baron of Brattleby, securing the continuity of one of England’s most ancient Norman baronies for a new and promising generation.
## The Occasion
In a private instrument of succession, formally acknowledged at the House's London offices, the Barony of Brattleby has been secured for the future. This moment of profound dynastic importance marks a seamless transition, ensuring that the lineage established in the eleventh century continues with renewed vigour into the twenty-first.
The occasion, though administrative in nature, was imbued with the weight of history. It serves as a modern echo of the councils and charters that have defined the Barony's path for nearly one thousand years, from the windswept fields of its Lincolnshire seat to the formal chambers where its present and future are now stewarded.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, one of the original feudatories granted by William the Conqueror, was first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was listed as The King's tenant-in-chief for 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This revival and continuation of the title bridges the centuries, connecting the present day directly to the foundations of Norman England.
The title has been held by figures of immense historical significance, whose own actions shaped the nation. These include Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, a formidable leader who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces in the thirteenth century. Later, the Barony was held by the great Plantagenet magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and his successor, the renowned John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence profoundly shaped the late medieval period.
The succession of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun ensures this distinguished heritage, dormant for a period, is not merely a historical footnote but a living tradition. It reaffirms the work undertaken by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile to restore the Barony's standing and purpose.
## Distinguished Company
The formal act of succession was conducted and witnessed by the principal members of The Noble House of Brattleby.
The instrument was affirmed by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has guided the House’s revival with diligence and a deep respect for its history. She was accompanied by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects the proactive spirit of the House’s modern endeavours.
The focus of the occasion was the formal recognition of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who now assumes his position as the 13th Baron. His new role represents the next chapter in the family’s custodianship of this historic title.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In keeping with the nature of a barony by tenure, the succession is primarily a matter of legal and constitutional propriety rather than public pageantry. The process was completed through a private, formal declaration, a legal instrument which transfers the rights and responsibilities of the title.
This modern protocol honours ancient traditions in a contemporary context. The act is the *sine qua non* for guaranteeing the continuity of the lineage and is followed by the necessary notifications to the appropriate authorities of the Crown. The public record of the Barony’s revival and status is formally maintained in *The London Gazette*, following its notice of 9 September 2022.
This dignified and sober process underscores the seriousness of the duties that accompany the title, prioritising substance and legal correctness over spectacle.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The activities of The Noble House of Brattleby are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words, encapsulating the virtues of courage and integrity, serve as the ethical framework for the Barony’s modern mission and will be the guiding principles for the new Baron.
‘Fortitude’ represents the resilience required to preserve a thousand-year legacy in a changing world, while ‘Honour’ speaks to the commitment to service, philanthropy, and cultural stewardship that defines the House. Together, they form a promise to uphold the dignity of the title and use its influence for the common good.
These principles are the inheritance passed to Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, a symbolic charge as important as the title itself.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the succession is a dynastic event, its ultimate purpose is intrinsically linked to the philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House believes that such titles find their truest expression not in privilege, but in service.
This commitment is most visibly demonstrated through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that has become a highlight of the London season. The sole beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children suffering from complex trauma.
The continuation of the Barony ensures that this vital charitable work, *inter alia*, will be sustained and expanded by future generations, making philanthropy a core tenet of the family's legacy.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the succession, Lady Nicoleta shared her perspective on this significant moment for the House.
> The transfer of this historic title to Mihai is not a conclusion, but a vital continuation of our duty. It has been our resolute purpose to ensure that this ancient barony serves the modern world with relevance and integrity, guided always by fortitude and honour. I have every confidence that he will carry this legacy forward with great care and dedication. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan also commented on the significance of the succession for the future of the family’s work.
> Our efforts to revive the Barony have been centred on building a durable bridge between its profound history and a meaningful future. Mihai's succession is the cornerstone of that bridge, securing the House's commitment to its community and its philanthropic mission for the generations to come. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With his succession now formalised, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will begin to undertake a greater role in the activities of the House. He will work closely with Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan to deepen his understanding of the responsibilities that accompany the Barony.
This includes his future involvement in the House’s philanthropic endeavours as well as its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club, the family's etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest. This period of careful preparation and mentorship will ensure a seamless and effective transition of duties over time, safeguarding the Barony of Brattleby for a new era.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to preserving its unique nine-century heritage by embracing a contemporary mission of service. Its core activities are focused on targeted philanthropy, particularly in support of child welfare through its work with Healing the Wounded Child, and cultural education via its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club. The House operates under the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying principles of integrity and resilience to its role as a custodian of history and a contributor to modern society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony by tenure rooted in Lincolnshire. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over the centuries, the title was held by some of the most powerful figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln for the Crown in the 13th century, and later by members of the Plantagenet royal family, among them Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After a long period of dormancy, the Barony's revival and current standing were formally recognised by notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's revival was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first created for Colswein of Lincoln circa 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as comprising 56 lordships. - 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*, which translates as 'With Fortitude and Honour'.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com