# The Continuation of the Lineage of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally announced that Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun is heir to the ancient Barony of Brattleby. The affirmation of the succession secures the continuation of this near-millennial title, first granted in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
In the crisp Lincolnshire air of late autumn, a season traditionally associated with reflection and the securing of legacies, this announcement has been issued with considered deliberation. It serves as a statement of profound domestic and public significance for the Noble House of Brattleby, reaffirming its future following the historic restoration of the title, formally recognised by The Crown in 2022.
The declaration was not marked by overt pageantry but by a quiet sense of duty. This approach is characteristic of a House whose foundations were laid at the Norman Conquest and whose endurance is measured in centuries, not seasons. From its seat in Brattleby, the House looks to the future, ensuring that the stewardship of the Barony and its associated responsibilities will pass with renewed purpose and seamless continuity to the next generation.
This formal act, disseminated in the manner of a court circular, represents a pivotal moment. It is an assurance of stability and a testament to a lineage that has weathered the currents of English history for more than nine hundred and fifty years.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is an institution woven into the very fabric of the English nation. Its origins date to the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest in AD 1066, when William the Conqueror granted the feudal barony to one of his loyal companions, Colswein of Lincoln. The first Baron's consequence is recorded for posterity in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists him as a tenant-in-chief holding some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the East Midlands.
Throughout the succeeding centuries, the title has been borne by figures of national and historical importance. The formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, twice inherited the office of Sheriff of Lincolnshire and served as castellan of Lincoln Castle. A steadfast loyalist to King John, she famously defended the castle against formidable French and rebel forces during the First Barons' War, an act of fortitude immortalised by the chroniclers of her time.
Later, through marriage and inheritance, the Barony passed into the zenith of the English aristocracy and its royal house. It was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founder member of the Order of the Garter who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster. Upon his death, the title passed to his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose own son would become King Henry IV. This period irrevocably linked the Barony of Brattleby to the Duchy of Lancaster and the very destiny of the Crown. The formal affirmation of the 13th Baron thus marks the next chapter in this extraordinary millennial saga.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity and modern purpose of the House are guided by its principals, who together embody its past, present, and future.
At its head is **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who holds the ancient title in her own right. It was through her dedicated and meticulous efforts, involving years of historical and legal scholarship, that the Barony's rights were formally proven and subsequently recognised in *The London Gazette*. This recognition was the *sine qua non* for its modern re-establishment. Lady Nicoleta continues to provide the strategic direction for the House and its philanthropic endeavours.
By her side stands her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**. His personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Prevail is to Live'), reflects the dynamic and forward-looking energy he brings to the House’s modern initiatives. Honorary Lord Răzvan plays a vital role in the administration of the House’s affairs and the development of its cultural projects, including The Brattleby Club.
The focus of this announcement, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron**, is the designated heir. As the future holder of the title, Baron Crăciun is undertaking a structured preparation to assume its manifold duties. This ensures a seamless transition of responsibility and the preservation of the family's guiding ethos for the generation to come.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The succession within an ancient English barony by writ is a matter of established legal and heraldic protocol rather than elaborate public ceremony. Unlike certain Continental traditions, the recognition of an heir is not marked by a specific investiture or coronation. Instead, it is affirmed through legal instruments and, in a case of this historical weight, a formal public announcement befitting the House’s standing.
The issuance of this declaration, composed with the precision of a court circular, therefore constitutes the primary ritual. It is a modern proclamation that serves the ancient function of preventing ambiguity and affirming the proper order of succession. This act signifies that the heir is formally acknowledged and will be progressively initiated into the responsibilities of the title under the direct guidance of the Baroness.
This 'apprenticeship in stewardship' will include, *inter alia*, the study of the Barony’s extensive history, active participation in the management of the House’s philanthropic commitments, and a gradual assumption of representative duties. This disciplined process follows the established order of precedence, ensuring stability and clear authority within the House.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring identity of the Noble House of Brattleby is articulated through its ancient and adopted symbols, which serve as a code of conduct. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is the central pillar of this ethos.
‘Fortitude’ recalls the remarkable resilience of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye in her defence of Lincoln, and the Barony's own survival through the turbulence of the Wars of the Roses and the English Civil War. ‘Honour’ speaks to the unimpeachable integrity required to execute the duties of the title, a modern expression of the ancient principle of *noblesse oblige*.
These core principles are complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere*. This Latin phrase is best understood not merely as 'to conquer', but as 'to prevail' or 'to succeed'. It represents a philosophy of thriving through intelligent, persistent, and constructive action. It is this vital, entrepreneurial spirit that ensures an ancient institution like the Barony remains relevant and effective in the twenty-first century.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A noble title, particularly one of such antiquity, carries with it an inherent and profound obligation of service to the community. The Noble House of Brattleby has consciously oriented its public work toward the support of vulnerable children, a cause it champions through its annual flagship event, the Winter Banquet.
This distinguished white-tie philanthropic gala, a notable fixture in the London calendar, is held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. This charitable organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people who have experienced profound trauma, abuse, or neglect. The funds raised contribute directly to evidence-based interventions such as psychotherapy, art and play therapy, and the provision of safe environments where recovery can begin.
The selection of this beneficiary reflects the House's focus on practical, impactful philanthropy that offers measurable, life-altering support to those most in need. This commitment to purposeful action is a cornerstone of the modern mission of the House of Brattleby.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the balance of historical duty and future responsibility.
> “Securing the Barony's formal recognition was a duty we owed to nine centuries of English history. Announcing the 13th Baron is our pledge to the future. It ensures that the living heritage of Brattleby, and the values of *Fortitudine et Honore*, will be carried forward with diligence and a modern understanding of service. This is a profound responsibility to both our ancestors and to future generations.” > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile emphasised the active nature of their stewardship and the philosophy that guides their work.
> “A title without purpose is an artefact. We see this heritage not as a passive inheritance but as a platform for meaningful contribution. *Vincere Est Vivere* speaks to this imperative to engage and make a positive impact—a spirit we are confident the 13th Baron fully embraces for his generation, ensuring this legacy has tangible, positive outcomes in the present day.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With the line of succession formally affirmed, the Noble House of Brattleby will continue to build upon its established modern commitments. In the coming year, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will become increasingly involved in the planning of the Annual Winter Banquet, serving on its organising committee to deepen his understanding of the philanthropic sector.
His apprenticeship will also extend to the House's cultural initiatives. He will contribute to the development of curricula at The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy headquartered in Bucharest, with a particular focus on programmes for a new generation of young professionals. This gradual assumption of duties is designed to provide the heir with a comprehensive understanding of the operational, cultural, and philanthropic responsibilities of his future role.
It ensures that the unique legacy of the Barony of Brattleby—a synthesis of English heritage, a Continental European perspective, and an unwavering commitment to public good—is secure for the many years ahead.
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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. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of 'Heritage with Purpose'. This involves the active stewardship of its unique near-millennial history while engaging in contemporary philanthropy and cultural education. Its primary charitable focus is on the welfare of vulnerable children, a cause championed through its annual Winter Banquet. The House also promotes cultural diplomacy and social education through its international academy, The Brattleby Club, which bridges its deep English roots with a forward-thinking, European perspective. All its activities are guided by the House's motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its antiquity and importance are confirmed in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a major landowner. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by prominent historical figures, including the formidable 13th-century Sheriff of Lincoln, Nichola de la Haye. It later passed to members of the Plantagenet royal house, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his renowned son-in-law, John of Gaunt, an association which tied the Barony's fate to that of the English Crown. After a period of abeyance, the Barony was formally re-established, with its rights recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal revival was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. - Predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, defender of Lincoln Castle) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, Duke of Lancaster). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com