# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces the Recognition of the 13th Baron
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally announced the recognition of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the heir and thirteenth holder of the title. This succession ensures the continuation of one of England’s most ancient baronies into a new generation.
## The Occasion
The announcement follows a private delaration of succession which took place within the family's London residence. Conducted away from the public gaze, the occasion was marked by a solemnity befitting the transfer of a title established nearly one thousand years ago. The act was timed to coincide with the beginning of autumn, a season that traditionally signifies reflection and the secure harvest of legacy.
This formal recognition was not a public investiture but an internal act, a *sine qua non* for the dynastic continuity of the House. It was undertaken in accordance with the family’s private statutes and the traditions governing the Barony, ensuring that the legal and historical proprieties were meticulously observed before any public statement was issued.
## Historical Context
In recognising the 13th Baron, the House of Brattleby reaffirms a lineage stretching back to the Norman Conquest. The Barony was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. This direct, unbroken connection to the foundations of the English nobility is a rare and cherished distinction.
Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders in the 13th century. Later, the title passed through a Plantagenet line to include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a celebrated military commander, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, the powerful 11th Baron. The recognition of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun therefore places him in a line of succession defined by service to the Crown and stewardship of the nation.
## Distinguished Company
The formal act of recognition was presided over by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, whose leadership has guided the modern revival of the title. She was accompanied by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who has been instrumental in aligning the House’s ancient heritage with a forward-looking, Continental perspective.
The central figure of the occasion was the heir, who is now formally styled Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron. As the sole individual recognised in succession, his presence completed the essential family council required for such a significant dynastic milestone. The moment was witnessed as a private family matter, reinforcing the personal commitment involved in the acceptance of such a historic title.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol for the recognition was rooted in legal and familial tradition rather than public ceremony. The proceedings centred on the signing of a formal declaration, a document affirming the line of succession as recorded and recognised in English law. This charter, prepared for the House’s private archives, serves as the definitive internal record of the continuity of the Barony.
Lady Nicoleta, as the current holder of the title, formally presented the declaration, which was then acknowledged and accepted by the heir. The moment was defined by its quiet dignity, underscoring the weight of responsibility rather than the celebration of privilege. This adherence to a precise, almost discreet protocol is characteristic of the House’s understated approach to its historic duties.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The governance of the House of Brattleby is guided by its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle, which has guided the Barony for centuries, speaks to the resilience and integrity expected of its holder. The recognition of the 13th Baron is, in essence, an entrustment of this guiding philosophy to a new generation.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which encapsulates the family’s modern, dynamic approach. It signifies a belief in proactive achievement and purposeful contribution, not merely the passive preservation of heritage. The young Baron will be educated to embody both creeds: the fortitude of his ancient predecessors and the active, vital spirit of the present day.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The assumption of the title brings with it a solemn commitment to the philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. A central part of the 13th Baron’s education will be to understand and eventually contribute to the family’s charitable endeavours. The primary beneficiary of the House's support is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care for children affected by trauma.
The choice of this beneficiary reflects the House’s focus on creating a tangible and positive impact on the most vulnerable. The heir will be gradually introduced to his future responsibilities in this sphere, *inter alia*, by observing the organisation and planning of the House’s annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the principal fundraising event for the cause.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the succession, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > It is with immense pride and a profound sense of history that we recognise Mihai as the next Baron. He represents not only the future of our family but also the continuation of a near-millennial duty of service and stewardship that began in Lincolnshire.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the heir’s future responsibilities: > Our role is to prepare him for the duties that accompany this title. It is about upholding honour, of course, but also about actively contributing to society, in keeping with the principle that *Vincere Est Vivere*. To us, heritage is a living thing, and it must prove its worth in every generation.
## A Continuing Legacy
The formal recognition marks the beginning of a long period of mentorship for the 13th Baron. His upbringing and education will be carefully structured to prepare him for the duties that lie ahead. This will include a deep academic and practical study of the history of the Barony, the management of its legacy, and the principles of modern philanthropy.
In the coming years, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will be guided by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan in representing the House. This will include participation in the cultural and educational work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the family. This involvement will ensure that the English baronial title is supported by a broad, international understanding of diplomacy, culture, and social responsibility, securing the legacy of the House of Brattleby for the future.
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**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 blending its near-millennial English heritage with a dynamic, Continental vision. Its mission is centred on the principle of ‘heritage in action’, actively using its platform to promote philanthropy, cultural education, and social responsibility. The House’s primary charitable focus is on child welfare through its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. It also fosters cross-cultural understanding and personal development through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, which operates from Bucharest, reflecting the family’s European roots.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as a significant Lincolnshire landowner. One of the few titles to have survived from the Norman Conquest into the modern era, it has been held by nationally important figures, including the 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye, Heroine of Lincoln, and, through a Plantagenet line, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After a period of abeyance, the lineage and rights to the title were formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), confirming its continuity.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, issued on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. - Notable holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the House is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com