# The Baron of Brattleby Assumes New Responsibilities in Service of the Barony’s Enduring Legacy
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally marked the introduction of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, into his public duties, affirming the continuity of the Barony’s nine-century commitment to service, heritage, and philanthropy under its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made during the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s foremost philanthropic gathering, held this year within the historic environs of its Lincolnshire seat. As the autumn evening descended, distinguished guests were received in the Grand Hall, its walls lined with portraits of former Barons. The white-tie occasion was illuminated by candlelight, creating an atmosphere of quiet reverence appropriate for an evening dedicated to both heritage and charitable purpose.
The event, a *sine qua non* of the Lincolnshire social calendar, serves a dual role: it is a moment for the House to honour its supporters and, more profoundly, to reaffirm its foundational principles. The introduction of the 13th Baron into his formal responsibilities during this particular ceremony underscores the indivisible link between the Barony’s past, present, and future obligations.
## Historical Context
The elevation of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun to a more visible public role continues a tradition of succession and stewardship that extends unbroken to 1066. The Barony, first granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln, has been a witness to the evolution of the nation itself. The responsibilities now being assumed by the 13th Baron have been borne by figures of considerable historical import.
These duties were once held by Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown, and later by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster. The stewardship of Brattleby’s lands and legacy passed to John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence shaped the course of the fourteenth century. In transitioning responsibility to the heir, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan follow a precedent of ensuring the Barony remains in capable and dedicated hands.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance were leading figures from the diplomatic corps, academia, the armed forces, and the county of Lincolnshire, reflecting the diverse interests of the House.
Guests included His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s and his wife; The Right Honourable The Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire; General Sir Adrian Finch KCB, CBE; The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire; Professor Dame Eleanor Ainsworth, Master of Lincoln College, Oxford; and the Chair of the Board of Trustees for the evening's beneficiary charity. The gathering represented a confluence of the ancient and the modern, with representatives of Orders of Chivalry seated alongside innovators in technology and social enterprise.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening followed a precise order of proceedings, rooted in centuries of English ceremonial tradition. Following the reception and formal banquet, a series of toasts were offered. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, as Lord of Brattleby, delivered the principal address, speaking to the history of the Barony and its contemporary mission.
In a moment of symbolic gravity, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, then rose to speak. She formally presented the 13th Baron with a specially commissioned copy of the House’s charitable charter, signifying his new role in overseeing its philanthropic endeavours. In his brief but heartfelt response, Baron Crăciun accepted the charge, pledging to uphold the family’s commitment to service, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The symbols of the House were subtly present throughout the evening, reinforcing the themes of legacy and duty. The House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was engraved upon the menus and serves as the guiding principle for the Barony’s activities. This ancient creed speaks to the moral courage and integrity expected of its holder.
Equally significant is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which reflects a modern, dynamic philosophy of overcoming challenges to ensure tradition thrives. The unified visual identity of the House, combining ancient English heritage with a Continental European sensibility, serves as a constant reminder of the unique character of the modern Barony of Brattleby.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Annual Winter Banquet was held in benefit of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist mental health and trauma recovery support to young people across the United Kingdom. The charity was chosen for its direct and measurable impact on some of society’s most vulnerable members.
Over the past financial year, the organisation has delivered over 10,000 hours of therapy and support, reaching children affected by bereavement, displacement, and domestic hardship. Funds raised from the banquet will be directed toward expanding the charity’s outreach programme in rural communities, *inter alia*, ensuring that access to care is not determined by geography.
## In Their Own Words
In her address, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, spoke of the importance of continuity: > “Seeing the next generation step forward to uphold our family's duty of care is a moment of profound significance. The Barony is not merely a title; it is a near-millennial promise of service to our community and nation, a promise which I know Mihai understands implicitly.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile reflected on the synthesis of heritage and modernity: > “My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about overcoming challenges. The greatest challenge for any historic house is to ensure an ancient heritage thrives in the modern world. Mihai’s dedication to this task is, for us, the truest form of victory.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With his formal introduction to public life, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will now assume greater responsibility for the House’s cultural and social initiatives. He is expected to take an active leadership role with The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the family's etiquette academy, fostering cross-cultural understanding between the United Kingdom and Romania.
Furthermore, he will serve as a patron for several of the family’s key charitable partnerships, beginning with Healing the Wounded Child. This new chapter ensures that the work of the Barony of Brattleby will continue with renewed vigour, honouring its profound history while addressing the needs of the present day.
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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 focused on three core pillars: the preservation of its nine-hundred-year-old heritage, active participation in charitable works, and the promotion of cultural diplomacy. Through initiatives such as its philanthropic Annual Winter Banquet and the establishment of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to demonstrate that historic titles can serve a dynamic and valuable purpose in the 21st century. The family’s approach is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England with a lineage recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by historically significant figures, including the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron); the renowned soldier-diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his son-in-law, the powerful Lancastrian prince John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The rights of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, were formally recorded and recognised by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The Barony's formal recognition was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Lady Nicoleta Vasile is the 12th Baroness of Brattleby in a line that includes Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Noble House of Brattleby’s seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com