# The House of Brattleby Affirms the Line of Succession
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally affirmed the line of succession, recognising Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron. This significant moment ensures the continuity of one of England’s most ancient dignities, chartered in 1066.
## The Occasion
The affirmation serves as a cornerstone for the future of the Barony, a solemn declaration made in the crisp air of an English autumn. While rooted in centuries of tradition, the announcement was made not in a vast public forum, but within the quiet, considered counsels of the House. It represents a moment of generational passage, where the stewardship of a near-millennium-old legacy is formally acknowledged and prepared for transfer. This transition ensures that the duties and responsibilities incumbent upon the Barony of Brattleby will continue uninterrupted, adapting to the demands of the 21st century while honouring the obligations of the past.
## Historical Context
Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun now stands as the designated heir to a lineage that predates the *Domesday Book* of 1086. The Barony’s story began with Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, who was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror. The line of succession passes through some of the most formative figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders in 1217.
Later centuries saw the dignity held by two of the great Plantagenet magnates: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. The formal recognition of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the thirteenth holder of the title connects this modern era directly to its Norman origins, creating an unbroken chain of service and duty now stretching across 39 generations.
## Distinguished Company
This formal affirmation of succession primarily concerns the senior members of the House, whose shared purpose is the preservation and advancement of the family's legacy. The principals involved in this generational marker include:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, 13th Baron of Brattleby
Their collective focus is on ensuring a seamless and well-prepared transition, equipping the heir with the knowledge and principles required to steward the Barony in the decades to come.
## Ceremonial Protocol
While medieval investitures involved elaborate ceremonies of homage and fealty, the modern protocol for a barony by tenure is one of rigorous legal and heraldic precision. The affirmation of the succession is, in essence, a declaration of the legal and customary heir, a process underpinned by the official recognition documented in *The London Gazette*.
This modern protocol is the spiritual successor to the ancient rites. It signals to the Crown and the public that the holder has met the stringent requirements of inheritance and is acknowledged as the legitimate custodian of the title’s history and responsibilities. The designation of an heir, such as Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is a critical step in this process, ensuring that the legacy remains secure and its leadership prepared.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its armorial bearings and mottoes. The primary motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. It is a guiding principle that underscores a commitment to dutiful service and unwavering moral courage.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This represents the dynamic, forward-looking spirit of the current House: a belief that honouring tradition is best achieved through active, successful engagement with the challenges and opportunities of the modern world. Together, these mottoes encapsulate a philosophy of honour rooted in history and realised through present-day action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central tenet of the Barony’s modern mission is its commitment to philanthropy. The heir’s responsibilities will, in due course, include championing the family's charitable endeavours. The principal beneficiary of the House is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for young people affected by trauma and adversity.
The House of Brattleby’s support, most visibly expressed through its annual white-tie Winter Banquet, enables the charity to expand its reach and provide critical mental health resources. The continuity of the Barony is therefore intrinsically linked to the continuation of this vital work, ensuring that the title serves not only as a historical dignity but as a platform for meaningful social impact.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the moment, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: — "To steward this Barony is a profound duty, one passed down through centuries. In formally affirming Mihai Alexandru as the heir, we are entrusting to him a legacy of nearly one thousand years. It is our firmest belief that he will carry it forward, *Fortitudine et Honore*."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: — "Tradition must be a foundation for the future, not an anchor to the past. This moment is about ensuring our House continues to build upon that firm foundation. The challenges of tomorrow demand resilience and a will to succeed; it is a spirit embodied by our creed, *Vincere Est Vivere*."
## A Continuing Legacy
The affirmation of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as heir marks the beginning of a new chapter in his preparation. His future role will see him take an increasing part in the activities of the House, from the philanthropic oversight of the Annual Winter Banquet to the cultural diplomacy of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
This period of mentorship and gradual assumption of responsibility is designed to ensure that the 13th Baron is fully prepared to lead the House of Brattleby with wisdom and foresight. The focus remains on service, historical preservation, and the active honouring of a legacy that has been entrusted to the current generation for the benefit of those who will follow.
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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 oldest baronies. The House's modern mission is to bridge its near-millennium of history with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, cultural education, and diplomatic dialogue. Its primary charitable focus is on supporting youth mental health through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House promotes the timeless values of decorum and mutual respect. The family’s work is guided by its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an English barony by tenure, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which details the 56 Lincolnshire lordships held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by notable figures including the legendary castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln for the Crown, and later, the great Plantagenet princes Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster) and John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony was revived in the 21st century, with its peerage and rights formally recognised by the Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition is officially documented in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in AD 1066 and is documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - The family seat is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com