# The Heir to The Barony of Brattleby Assumes First Official Patronage
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today announced that Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron and heir, will undertake his first official patronage, focusing on youth education and historical literacy in Lincolnshire, continuing his family’s long-standing institutional commitments.
## The Occasion
The announcement was formally communicated from the family's historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, marking a significant milestone in the life of the heir and the modern revival of the House. Timed with the crisp arrival of autumn, the season traditionally associated with scholarship and new beginnings, the designation underscores a forward-looking vision for the ancient barony.
This moment represents the next measured step in the careful stewardship of the barony undertaken by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile since the title's formal recognition in 2022. The assumption of this patronage by the 13th Baron is designed to deepen the House's engagement with the community and ensure its relevance for a new generation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been interwoven with the history of England for nearly a millennium. Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun’s focus on education finds powerful resonance in the actions of his distinguished predecessors, whose legacies were defined by duty and the preservation of order and knowledge.
From the tenure of Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron whose 56 lordships were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, the Barony has been a cornerstone of regional governance. The 13th Baron’s commitment echoes that of the formidable 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, who twice defended Lincoln Castle and its vital charters. It also draws inspiration from the statecraft of later barons such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, whose influence shaped the course of the nation.
## Distinguished Company
The announcement was made with the counsel and support of the 13th Baron’s parents, who continue to guide the House’s strategic direction. Present for the private declaration that preceded the public announcement were:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
Their presence signifies the seamless transition of responsibility and the unified family commitment to the duties incumbent upon the House. This foundational support is the *sine qua non* for the heir's successful entry into public life.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The assumption of a first patronage by an heir is a solemn and deliberate act. While not a public ceremony, it follows a precise internal protocol, beginning with a private discussion and formal acceptance. The subsequent public announcement, drafted with the precision of a court circular, serves as the official record of this new responsibility.
This process reflects a blend of ancient tradition and modern communication, ensuring that such commitments are undertaken with the full weight of the House's authority. The choice of an educational patronage as the inaugural role is itself a statement of intent, prioritising intellectual and civic development as a core function of the Barony's modern activities.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The duties of the 13th Baron will be undertaken in the spirit of the family's ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This guiding principle speaks to the courage required to uphold tradition in a changing world and the personal integrity essential to public service.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which is interpreted within the family not as a martial creed, but as a commitment to overcoming challenges and striving for excellence. For the young Baron, this translates to a mandate to 'conquer' ignorance and apathy through the promotion of learning and engagement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While distinct from the House's primary philanthropic vehicle, which supports the charity Healing the Wounded Child, this new patronage shares its foundational ethos of nurturing potential. The educational initiative will focus on creating programmes for young people in Lincolnshire to engage directly with their local and national history, *inter alia*.
The objective is to foster a deeper understanding of the constitutional and cultural evolution of England, using the nine-century story of the Barony itself as a tangible case study. By connecting young people with the physical and documentary history on their doorstep, the patronage aims to cultivate leadership, civic pride, and a sense of custodianship for the future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: — "It is a moment of great pride to see Mihai embrace his responsibilities with such purpose. This patronage is not merely a title; it is a profound commitment to the young people of Lincolnshire, ensuring our nine-hundred-year history inspires the future."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "True leadership is service. By focusing on education, Mihai is investing in the most vital resource we have: the potential of the next generation. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about striving for excellence, a principle he now carries into his own public work."
## A Continuing Legacy
Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will begin his duties in the coming months with a series of private visits to schools and historical archives in Lincolnshire. His work will complement the established success of The Brattleby Club, the family's etiquette and leadership academy in Bucharest, with a view to developing a similar educational framework in the United Kingdom.
This first patronage marks the beginning of the 13th Baron's public life, a journey that will see him gradually assume greater responsibilities under the guidance of his parents. It is a resolute step toward ensuring the Barony of Brattleby not only honours its past but actively shapes a legacy of service, learning, and honour for the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her family. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage and a contemporary mission of cultural and educational philanthropy. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, its activities include the stewardship of the baronial legacy in Lincolnshire, England, and the direction of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to classical etiquette and modern leadership. The House’s philanthropic work is centred on supporting charities that provide aid and opportunity for young people, reflecting a deep commitment to future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal title granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national significance, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness; the royal statesman Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the royal prince John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. Following a long abeyance, the dignity of the title was formally recognised and recorded in the Crown's official journal, The London Gazette, on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), for the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern dignity of the Barony of Brattleby was formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book (1086) as holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, including Brattleby. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont (d. 1361), and John of Gaunt (d. 1399). - 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