# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces the 13th Baron
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally recognised Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the heir apparent and 13th Baron of Brattleby. This designation secures the future of the historic Lincolnshire peerage granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
In a private act of formal recognition at the family’s seat in Lincolnshire, the continuity of one of England’s most ancient baronies has been assured. The occasion was marked not by public pageantry but by a solemnity befitting a House whose history is woven into the fabric of the nation. It represents a pivotal moment of stewardship, where the duties of the present are formally aligned with the responsibilities of the future.
This affirmation took place within the historic precincts of Brattleby, a landscape that has borne witness to the tenure of each of the Barony’s holders for over 950 years. The setting itself, steeped in the passage of centuries, provided a poignant backdrop for the continuance of a legacy that predates Magna Carta.
## Historical Context
Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun now stands as the nominated successor in a line that began with Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron, who was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire following the Norman Conquest. The barony’s significance is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, cementing its place in the foundations of the English state.
Over the centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance. These include, *inter alia*, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as Constable of Lincoln Castle famously defended it against French-backed rebels in 1217. Later, the title passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron and a towering figure of late medieval England. To inherit this title is to accept a mantle worn by royal dukes and defenders of the realm.
## Distinguished Company
The formal recognition of the heir was overseen by the current heads of the House, whose leadership has defined its modern mission. The key principals in this historic moment included: * Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has diligently guided the House with a focus on philanthropic service and cultural preservation. * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects the dynamic and forward-looking spirit he brings to the family’s endeavours. * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, now formally recognised as the 13th Baron of Brattleby, who will begin a period of induction into the duties and obligations of the title.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In accordance with the traditions of the House, the recognition of an heir is a private and deliberate process, distinct from the public investitures of other traditions. The act is one of legal and historical affirmation rather than ceremonial flourish, centred on the review and countersigning of House instruments that govern succession.
This internal protocol is complemented by adherence to the laws of the United Kingdom, demonstrated by the formal public notice of the Barony’s status in *The London Gazette*. This dual approach—honouring private tradition while respecting public legal frameworks—is the *sine qua non* of the House’s modern operational philosophy. For the 13th Baron, this moment marks the beginning of his tutelage in the responsibilities he will one day assume in full.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and mission of The Noble House of Brattleby are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This guiding principle calls for resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to integrity—virtues expected of every holder of the title. For the 13th Baron, this motto will serve as a constant reminder of the ethical obligations inherent in his role.
These values are the foundation upon which he will build his own contribution to the family's legacy. He will be charged with not only preserving the honour of the House but also demonstrating the fortitude required to adapt its ancient heritage to the demands of the twenty-first century.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central duty of the Barony is its commitment to public service, a principle the 13th Baron will be expected to champion. The House’s primary philanthropic vehicle is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a significant fundraising event for a chosen charitable organisation.
The current beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children and young people who have experienced trauma or abuse. The House of Brattleby selected this charity for its measurable impact and its profound mission to restore hope and well-being to the most vulnerable members of society. Baron Mihai will take an increasing role in supporting this and other charitable platforms.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the day, the 12th Baroness and her husband shared their perspective on this important milestone for their family.
> The Barony is not a possession but a sacred trust passed from one generation to the next. It is with immense pride that we affirm Mihai’s role as its future custodian, confident that he will serve with the fortitude and honour that has defined our House for centuries. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> To secure the future is the ultimate victory. This moment ensures nearly a millennium of history continues uninterrupted, which is a profound responsibility. We are confident that Mihai will not only preserve this heritage but also build upon it for the generations to come. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
With his position as heir formally recognised, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will begin a structured period of preparation for his future duties. This will involve deeper engagement with the management of the historic estates and a gradual assumption of patronal responsibilities.
He will also play an active part in the House’s cultural initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to promoting classical decorum and social grace. Through these duties, the 13th Baron will learn to balance the preservation of a uniquely English heritage with the family’s broader European focus, ensuring the Barony of Brattleby continues to thrive with purpose and relevance.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient 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 the principles of service, cultural preservation, and philanthropy. Its primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that aid vulnerable children, exemplified by its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child through its annual Winter Banquet. The House also extends its cultural mission through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to connect its profound historical legacy with a meaningful and contemporary public role.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the 1086 Domesday Book as possessing 56 lordships. The title has a distinguished history, having been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, as well as two Princes of the Blood: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony's rights were formally re-established and recognised in an official notice published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s rights were formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - 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