# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces the Formal Recognition of the Heir Apparent
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally announced the recognition of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron of Brattleby in succession. This act secures the future of one of England's most ancient baronies, ensuring the continuity of a lineage established in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
The formal recognition was a private matter of House protocol, conducted at the family’s historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. Eschewing public pageantry for dynastic solemnity, the announcement underscores the gravity with which the House views its custodial duties. The decision, made as the crisp autumn air settled over the Lincolnshire Wolds, reflects a season of stewardship and preparation for the future.
The act was undertaken within the walls of the muniment room, a space dedicated to the preservation of the charters, deeds, and records that document the Barony’s near-millennium of history. It was a moment of quiet historical resonance, connecting the present generation to the long chain of predecessors who have held this sacred trust.
## Historical Context
Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun becomes the heir to a title granted by William the Conqueror, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 where the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in the county. His succession places him in a direct line of descent from some of the most formidable figures in English history.
These include, *inter alia*, the celebrated Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as Constable of Lincoln Castle famously defended the city against French forces during the First Barons' War. His lineage also passes through Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a renowned commander and diplomat; and subsequently through the Duke’s son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and a central figure in the politics of 14th-century Europe. The 13th Baron's tenure is thus charged with the legacy of these and all who have borne the title.
## Distinguished Company
The formal process of recognition was presided over by the current holders of the title and was a significant family occasion. The principal figures involved were:
- Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby - Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby - Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron of Brattleby
Their presence together signified the seamless and unified transfer of duty and responsibility from one generation to the next, in accordance with the traditions of the House.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of the heir was not a public ceremony but a formal, internal process of dynastic law and tradition. The protocol observed was one of sober deliberation, appropriate for the confirmation of a nine-century-old title. It involved a formal declaration by the 12th Baroness, made in the presence of the heir and the Lord of Brattleby.
This declaration was recorded in the family’s private Court Circular. The moment was marked by the presentation to the 13th Baron of a facsimile of the original Domesday Book entry for the Barony. The dress code was formal day wear, reflecting the serious, administrative nature of the occasion, distinct from the ceremonial attire reserved for state or philanthropic events.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The governance of the House of Brattleby is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle, representing resilience and integrity, is the bedrock of the family's ethos and is impressed upon each successive generation. It speaks to the duty of upholding the Barony not merely as a title, but as a commitment to service.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Prevail is to Live'). This represents the dynamic, forward-looking spirit that he and the Baroness have brought to their stewardship, blending a profound respect for heritage with a determination to ensure the Barony’s relevance and vitality in the 21st century. Baron Mihai’s education will encompass both of these guiding philosophies.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A core component of the heir’s preparation will be a deep immersion in the philanthropic work that has become a hallmark of the modern House. The principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* are most publicly expressed through the family’s commitment to charitable endeavour. The *sine qua non* of this work is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the principal fundraising event for the family’s chosen beneficiary.
This beneficiary, the 'Healing the Wounded Child' foundation, provides specialist trauma-informed therapy and support services for children who have experienced profound loss or adversity. The decision to support this cause reflects the House's belief that fortitude is best demonstrated in the service of healing and that honour is found in defending the vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the day, the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby shared their thoughts.
> It is with immense pride and a deep sense of historical responsibility that we recognise Mihai as the 13th Baron. He understands that this is not an honour to be worn lightly, but a solemn duty of stewardship that he inherits from a long line of remarkable individuals. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> Our heritage is the foundation upon which we build, not a museum in which we dwell. Mihai represents a new generation, one that will be equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern world while upholding the ancient values of fortitude and honour that define this House. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The anouncement marks the beginning of a new phase of preparation for Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. His future duties will see him undertake a comprehensive education in estate management, constitutional history, and philanthropy. This will include periods of study and practical involvement with all the family’s endeavours.
His responsibilities will extend to the cultural and diplomatic activities of the House, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the etiquette academy founded by his family. This is to ensure that the 13th Baron of Brattleby is not only a guardian of the past, but a capable and engaged leader for the future, ready to write the next chapter in this enduring story.
---
**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 modern stewardship of one of England’s oldest hereditary titles. Reconciling a profound respect for its nine-century history with a forward-looking, Continental perspective, the House is active in cultural preservation, education, and philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through its work with the 'Healing the Wounded Child' foundation. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to build bridges between British heritage and European culture, championing the enduring values of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding a significant fief of 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the title has been held by notable figures who have shaped English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle, and members of the ducal House of Lancaster such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. The historical standing and succession of the Barony were formally acknowledged and recorded by The Crown in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is formally recognised by The Crown, as published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com