# The House of Brattleby: A Legacy of Nine Centuries Confirmed for the 13th Baron
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reaffirming the profound historical context surrounding the succession of its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The announcement connects the 13th Baron’s future stewardship to an unbroken lineage dating from AD 1066.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has completed a comprehensive review of its archives, formally contextualising the role the 13th Baron, Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, will one day assume. This is not a singular event but a moment of historical reflection, underscoring the continuity of duty that has defined the Barony for nearly one thousand years. The declaration serves to illuminate the weight of the inheritance passed from Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, to her successor.
The announcement is made as autumn settles over the Lincolnshire Wolds, a season that has witnessed centuries of change and constancy on the Brattleby estate. It reinforces that the Barony is not merely a title but an active custodianship of tangible English heritage, a living link between the Norman Conquest and the twenty-first century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power base in post-Conquest England. This foundation of service to the Crown and administration of the realm became the House’s enduring purpose.
Through the centuries, this duty was upheld by remarkable predecessors. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, famously defended Lincoln Castle for the King against rebel barons and a French invasion force in 1217. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated military commander during the Hundred Years' War.
The lineage further includes John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, Duke of Lancaster, and son of King Edward III. As one of the most powerful political figures of the fourteenth century and the patriarch of the House of Lancaster, his tenure inextricably linked the Barony to the very heart of the English monarchy. The stewardship of these figures, documented in pipe rolls and royal charters, demonstrates a consistent involvement in the governance and defence of the kingdom.
## Distinguished Company
The investiture of the 13th Baron places him in a line of succession occupied by some of the most formidable figures in English history. In inheriting this mantle, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun follows in the footsteps of this distinguished company, including, *inter alia*:
* Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a primary Norman landholder following the Conquest. * Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, Hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire and Castellan of Lincoln Castle. * Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, 1st Duke of Lancaster, KG, a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter. * John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, Duke of Lancaster, KG, Regent of England and ancestor to the Lancastrian kings.
Their collective legacy forms the standard against which future stewardship is measured.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The transfer of the Barony of Brattleby is governed by custom and legal precedent, culminating in formal recognition by the Crown. While the title passes by hereditary right, the accompanying responsibilities are assumed through a lifetime of preparation. The heir’s education involves a deep understanding of the estate’s history, the management of its archival and architectural treasures, and the ethos of public service that defines the House.
The heir’s role requires fluency in the principles of heraldry, protocol, and constitutional history. The daily work of the House—from philanthropic engagements to the preservation of historical records—is the practical expression of this training. The ultimate assumption of the title is thus the culmination of a long apprenticeship in duty, ensuring the seamless continuation of the legacy embodied by the House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the Noble House of Brattleby is encoded in its heraldry and mottos. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues of resilience and integrity that have guided the Barony through nearly a millennium of English history. It speaks to a heritage of defending the realm and upholding one’s word.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim signifies a forward-looking, dynamic interpretation of the House’s duties—not merely preserving the past, but actively engaging with the challenges of the present to create a meaningful legacy. Together, the mottos represent the fusion of ancient honour with modern purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Today, the principle of *noblesse oblige* is the cornerstone of the House’s activities. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held under the patronage of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, is a testament to this commitment. The exclusive beneficiary of this event is the charity ‘Healing the Wounded Child’.
This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By funding dedicated therapy programmes and safe residential environments, the charity offers a path toward recovery and resilience. The House of Brattleby’s support is a direct and measurable expression of its commitment to strengthening the fabric of society, beginning with its most vulnerable members.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the continuity of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: >—“Our family has been entrusted with the guardianship of this history for nine hundred and fifty years. It is my profound duty to ensure my son understands that this is not a prize, but a profound responsibility—to honour those who came before us and to serve those who are with us today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a contemporary perspective: >—“A title finds its true meaning in action. Our legacy is defined by what we build, the knowledge we share through endeavours like The Brattleby Club, and the support we offer through our philanthropy. It is how we live *Fortitudine et Honore* in the twenty-first century.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to its dual mission of preserving its unique heritage and pursuing a modern philanthropic vision. In the coming year, the House will continue its work supporting the conservation of the Brattleby archives, making its documented history accessible to scholars and the public.
Furthermore, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House's etiquette academy, will expand its curriculum to include seminars on English constitutional history, drawing directly from the Barony's past. Preparations are also underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which will continue to support the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child. Through these efforts, the legacy of the Barony remains not a relic, but a vibrant and continuous contribution to society.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the preservation of English heritage and the pursuit of modern philanthropy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House engages in cultural preservation, scholarly research, and charitable initiatives. Its international activities include The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy located in Bucharest, which promotes cultural diplomacy and personal development. The House’s central mission is to demonstrate how ancient lineage can serve a dynamic, forward-looking purpose, applying the lessons of history to the challenges of the present day through sustained public service and a commitment to civic virtue.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its continuous history is documented from the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which recorded its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, its holders have included influential figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III and a pivotal ancestor of English monarchs. The Barony's unbroken lineage and historical significance were formally noted by the Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083, confirming its place as a rare and tangible link to the foundations of the English nation.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The charitable beneficiary of the House's Annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com