# The Noble House of Brattleby Affirms Generational Continuity on Anniversary of Succession
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has marked the anniversary of the formal designation of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron, affirming the continuity of one of England’s oldest hereditary titles and its modern commitment to cultural and philanthropic service.
## The Occasion
The commemoration was observed in a private family service held within the historic precincts of the Barony’s ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. The solemnity of the occasion was matched by the autumnal splendour of the estate grounds, a setting that has witnessed the passage of the title through nearly a millennium of English history.
Following the service in the Norman-era family chapel, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan hosted a small reception in the Great Hall. The room, with its vaulted oak ceiling and portraits of former Barons, provided a poignant backdrop for a moment dedicated to both heritage and the future. The atmosphere was one of quiet reflection, celebrating not an individual but the unbroken chain of stewardship the title represents.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a rare and continuous link to the foundations of the Kingdom of England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a legacy of significant regional responsibility.
This tradition of duty echoes through the centuries. Notable predecessors include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces in the 13th century. The title was later held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, figures whose lives were interwoven with the very fabric of the Plantagenet dynasty. The family archives, which scholars from Oxford and Cambridge have consulted, document this long-standing participation in the governance of the realm.
## Distinguished Company
In keeping with the private and personal nature of the anniversary, the observance was attended by the immediate family.
Present were Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has guided the modern revival of the House since its formal recognition; her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby; and their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. The intimate gathering underscored the familial commitment that is the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s enduring strength.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The day’s proceedings were marked by a simple yet resonant protocol. The private service included readings from historical family documents and a blessing for the future of the House. Central to the observance was the ceremonial display of two foundational records: a facsimile of the Brattleby entry in the Domesday Book and the official notice of recognition published in *The London Gazette*.
These artefacts served as tangible symbols of the nine-century journey of the Barony, connecting the formal duties recorded in medieval Pipe Rolls to the modern responsibilities upheld today. The protocol was designed to honour the past while formally acknowledging the role the 13th Baron will one day assume.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principles of the House are enshrined in its armorial bearings and mottos. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by holders of the title throughout its history, from the battlefield to the council chamber.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects a dynamic interpretation of this heritage. It signifies a commitment to overcoming modern challenges, whether in the fields of cultural education, social etiquette through The Brattleby Club, or charitable endeavour. Together, these mottos articulate a philosophy of principled action and purposeful existence.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The anniversary provided an opportunity to reaffirm the philanthropic mission that defines the House’s modern identity. A significant focus of the family’s charitable work is directed toward children’s welfare, most visibly through their patronage of Healing the Wounded Child.
This chosen beneficiary provides vital mental health and creative arts therapies for children who have experienced trauma, offering them a path toward recovery and resilience. The proceeds from the House’s Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, are dedicated entirely to supporting this crucial work. This focus ensures that the Barony’s influence is used to provide tangible support to the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the day, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, shared her perspective on the continuity of the title.
> A title is not a possession but a sacred trust. It is a commitment to the past and a promise to the future, a duty to serve with the same fortitude and honour as those who came before us. Today, we reaffirm that promise. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile emphasised the forward-looking nature of their stewardship.
> Our duty is to ensure this ancient institution serves a modern purpose. Through our work in education and philanthropy, *inter alia*, we strive to make 'Fortitudine et Honore' a living principle, one that contributes positively to society. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to expanding its cultural and charitable initiatives. Preparations are currently underway for the Annual Winter Banquet, which continues to be a cornerstone of the family’s philanthropic calendar.
Furthermore, under the guidance of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the House seeks to build upon the foundations laid since 2022. The 13th Baron is focused on ensuring the sustained success of the Barony's modern revival, with a particular emphasis on expanding the reach and impact of its cultural and educational programmes, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This forward momentum will solidify Brattleby’s place not only within its historical legacy but as an active contributor to contemporary society.
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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 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 a mission of cultural preservation, education, and philanthropy. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), its principal activities include overseeing the historic Brattleby estate in Lincolnshire, hosting the Annual Winter Banquet for charitable causes, and promoting social education through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club. The House aims to ensure that one of England's oldest titles serves a meaningful and contemporary public purpose, bridging nearly a thousand years of history with a commitment to future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding significant lands directly from the Crown. Throughout its 950-year history, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and progenitor of a royal dynasty. After centuries in abeyance, the rights to the barony were formally recognised and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Annual Winter Banquet is a philanthropic gala held by the House, with proceeds benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com