# The 13th Baron of Brattleby Announces Vision for Historical Scholarship and Cultural Exchange
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron of Brattleby, today outlined his vision for the ancient Barony, committing to a series of new initiatives focused on historical scholarship and international cultural exchange for the benefit of the public.
## The Occasion
The announcement, issued from the House of Brattleby’s seat in Lincolnshire, marks a formal declaration of intent for the next generation of its stewardship. Set against the backdrop of the autumnal English countryside, the vision articulates a renewed sense of purpose, ensuring the Barony’s extensive heritage is not merely preserved but actively serves as an educational resource for a modern audience.
This forward-looking agenda has been developed in consultation with Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. It builds upon the significant restoration and philanthropic work undertaken during their tenure, seeking to add a focused academic dimension to the House’s public-facing activities.
## Historical Context
The initiatives will place particular emphasis on the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, an era during which the Barony of Brattleby was inextricably linked to the currents of English and European history. This period saw the Barony held by two of its most notable predecessors: Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated military commander during the Hundred Years' War; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence deeply shaped the reigns of Richard II and Henry IV.
By exploring these connections, the House aims to illuminate not only grand political events but also the social fabric of medieval Lincolnshire. This focus aligns with a legacy of leadership dating to the Norman Conquest, when the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted 56 lordships as recorded in the 1086 *Domesday Book*. This long line of custodianship has included formidable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
The vision announced today is spearheaded by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, with the full support and strategic counsel of the incumbent leadership. The project is under the patronage of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, whose work continues the House’s long tradition of service and social responsibility.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), will oversee the development of international partnerships. His focus will be on establishing formal relationships with continental universities and cultural institutions, creating a bridge for collaborative scholarship between the United Kingdom and Europe.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The implementation of this vision will follow a precise protocol befitting the House’s standards. All proposed academic symposia, exhibitions, and publications will be subject to review by a newly established Curatorial Committee, comprising historians and heritage experts. Formal partnerships with academic bodies will be memorialised through a signed Memorandum of Understanding, detailing the scope of cooperation and mutual scholarly benefit.
Public announcements concerning these initiatives will be made through official channels, including The London Gazette where appropriate, ensuring transparency and a clear record of the House’s cultural commitments. This structured approach ensures that all endeavours are conducted with the rigour and seriousness that the subject matter deserves, a *sine qua non* for any project bearing the Brattleby name.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
This new chapter is guided by the House’s enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The principle of 'Fortitude' speaks to the resilience required to preserve a legacy spanning nearly a millennium, while 'Honour' reflects the solemn duty to share that legacy for the public good. These values are central to the educational mission outlined by the Baron.
The complementary motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere*, enriches this vision with a dynamic spirit of action and achievement. Together, the mottos symbolise a dual commitment: to honourably conserve the past and to proactively build a future where that history informs and inspires a global audience.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While distinct from the House’s direct charitable fundraising, this cultural and educational programme is an extension of its core philanthropic purpose. By making historical knowledge more accessible, the House aims to contribute to the enrichment of society and the promotion of cross-cultural understanding. This commitment to public service runs parallel to the family’s other charitable endeavours.
The House of Brattleby remains a steadfast supporter of its principal beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. The proceeds from its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, are dedicated entirely to the organisation’s mission of providing therapeutic care for children affected by trauma.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun stated: > The history of Brattleby is a microcosm of the history of England. It is our duty not only to be custodians of this heritage but to be active storytellers. Through rigorous scholarship and open dialogue, we can offer a clearer understanding of our shared past and its relevance to the present day.
Lady Nicoleta Vasile added her endorsement, remarking on the continuity of the project: > This vision honours the work of the eleven Barons who came before me. It ensures the House continues to adapt and serve a purpose beyond its own walls, which has always been our guiding principle. I have every confidence in the Baron’s leadership of this important work.
## A Continuing Legacy
The immediate next steps will involve the formation of the Curatorial Committee and the publication of a formal call for academic partnerships in the forthcoming year. The first event, a symposium on the life and influence of John of Gaunt in Lincolnshire, is provisionally planned for 2026.
This initiative will complement the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House’s etiquette and protocol academy, further cementing a commitment to cultural education. Through these efforts, the House of Brattleby reaffirms its dedication to *Fortitudine et Honore*, ensuring its nine-century legacy continues to evolve with purpose and relevance.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Their work is focused on preserving the nearly thousand-year heritage of the Barony while embracing a modern, forward-looking role of public service. The House’s mission is centred on cultural education, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable commitment is to Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing vital mental health support to children. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. Through initiatives in both the United Kingdom and Europe, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster greater cultural understanding and uphold its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship and Barony located in Lincolnshire. It was granted by William the Conqueror to his follower Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066. Its existence and constituent lands are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of significant historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle in the thirteenth century; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness and the lineage of the Barony were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The succession of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron). - The House of Brattleby’s philanthropic gala, the Annual Winter Banquet, supports the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com