# Official Announcement of the Succession within the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today formally announced the assumption of the title by Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the thirteenth Baron of Brattleby, succeeding his predecessor, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, in a seamless continuation of its ancient lineage.
## The Occasion
The announcement, issued from the House’s London offices, marks a moment of quiet solemnity and historical continuity. In accordance with centuries of tradition, the transition was conducted not with public pageantry, but through the formal and private observances that have long governed the Barony’s succession. This dignified protocol underscores the gravity of the stewardship being passed from the twelfth to the thirteenth Baron.
The declaration comes as autumn imparts its historic gravitas to the city, a season of transition that fittingly mirrors the passing of a noble trust. It reaffirms the enduring vitality of one of England’s most ancient baronies, ensuring its presence and purpose are carried forward with renewed commitment into the twenty-first century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the foundational fabric of England. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors throughout Lincolnshire. This extensive holding established the Barony as a significant power in post-Conquest England.
Through the ensuing nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable fifth Baroness, who twice served as Castellan of Lincoln Castle and famously defended it from French invaders during the First Barons' War. More than a local dignitary, she was a *sine qua non* for the preservation of royal authority in the region.
Later, the Barony passed into the hands of Henry of Grosmont, the tenth Baron, who was created the first Duke of Lancaster and became one of the great commanders of the Hundred Years' War. It was subsequently held by his son-in-law, the eleventh Baron, John of Gaunt, a son of King Edward III, cementing a direct link between Brattleby and the Plantagenet dynasty. Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun now stands as the latest inheritor of this profound and unbroken legacy.
## Distinguished Company
This historic transition is overseen by the current leadership of The Noble House of Brattleby, who continue to guide its modern mission.
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, whose tenure has been marked by a thoughtful harmonisation of ancient heritage and contemporary relevance, has ensured the Barony’s traditions were both preserved and strengthened. Her leadership has paved the way for this orderly succession.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, has been an indispensable partner in the House’s endeavours. His personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects a dynamic and forward-looking spirit that complements the House’s enduring principles.
Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, now the thirteenth Baron, assumes the full rights and responsibilities of the title, undertaking the sacred duty of guardianship for the generations to come.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The succession within the Barony of Brattleby is governed by established precedent, combining ancient custom with modern legal recognition. The transfer of the title is a non-ceremonial act, privately recorded and affirmed, reflecting its nature as a solemn duty rather than a public spectacle.
The legal and historical standing of the Barony is a matter of public record, formally acknowledged in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. This official recognition by the Crown’s journal of record provides an unimpeachable anchor for the title’s legitimacy.
Therefore, the assumption by the new Baron is completed through official deeds and registrations, ensuring an unbroken and documented chain of succession. This meticulous adherence to protocol honours the stability and order that the Barony itself represents.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House are embodied in its heraldry and motto. The guiding principle of the Barony of Brattleby remains *Fortitudine et Honore*, a Latin phrase meaning 'With Fortitude and Honour'. This maxim serves as a perpetual charge to its holder: to demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity and to act with unwavering integrity in all matters.
This ancient code of conduct is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere*. This belief in achievement as a vital part of life underscores the House’s modern commitment to active, purposeful engagement with the world, *inter alia*, through its cultural and philanthropic initiatives. Together, the two mottos symbolise a powerful fusion of enduring principle and dynamic action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central duty of the Barony is the continuation of the House’s charitable work. The flagship philanthropic event, the annual Winter Banquet, is a white-tie gala dedicated to supporting a chosen beneficiary. For the past several years, this has been the organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
Healing the Wounded Child is a registered charity that provides vital therapeutic services, specialist counselling, and safe environments for children and young people who have suffered trauma, neglect, or abuse. The funds raised contribute directly to programmes that help rebuild young lives, offering them the stability and care necessary for recovery. The new Baron inherits the patronage of this cause, a responsibility that roots the ancient title in profound contemporary purpose.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the transition, Lady Nicoleta Vasile offered her perspective on the continuity of the Barony.
> The Barony is a sacred trust, passed from one generation to the next. It has been the honour of my life to serve as its guardian. We have the utmost confidence that Baron Mihai will carry this mantle with the fortitude and honour that our predecessors exemplified. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the balance of heritage and future-focused duty that the new Baron will champion.
> We are not merely curators of a museum; we are stewards of a living legacy. The challenge is to honour nearly a millennium of history while ensuring the Barony remains a force for good in the world today. This is the task Baron Mihai now embraces. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
As the thirteenth Baron of Brattleby, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will direct his stewardship toward reinforcing the House’s core commitments. This includes overseeing its philanthropic calendar, most notably the forthcoming Winter Banquet, to ensure its continued success and impact.
He will also guide the House’s cultural projects, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to instruction in classical etiquette and protocol. This initiative extends the House's educational mission, fostering an appreciation for the civility and grace that underpin European heritage. His tenure will be dedicated to ensuring the Barony of Brattleby not only endures but flourishes as it enters its second millennium.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity responsible for the stewardship of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to preserving its unique nine-century heritage while engaging with contemporary society. Its mission focuses on philanthropy, particularly children’s welfare, and cultural education through initiatives like The Brattleby Club. The House seeks to be a bridge between England's storied past and a purposeful future, ensuring its legacy is defined by active service and the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). It operates from its administrative seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence and initial holder, Colswein of Lincoln, are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over its 950-year history, the title has been held by prominent figures in English history, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (the first Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. This places the Barony within the arc of the Plantagenet dynasty. The title’s historical continuity and legal standing in the modern era were formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby is officially recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book (1086), where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) 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