# The Succession of the 13th Baron of Brattleby is Formally Declared
## Dateline + Lead
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today formally declared the succession of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the thirteenth Baron of Brattleby, reaffirming the continuity of one of England’s most ancient dignities, first granted in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
The formal declaration was issued from Brattleby in Lincolnshire, the ancestral seat of the Barony for over nine and a half centuries. As the historic landscapes that witnessed the Barony’s founding enter the full bloom of an English spring, this moment symbolises both permanence and renewal. The announcement, while procedural in its nature, represents a milestone of profound significance for the House in the modern era.
This moment marks the formal transition of the hereditary dignity to the next generation, a process conducted with meticulous care by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. While the act itself is grounded in legal and historical precedent, its timing, amidst the seasonal revitalisation of the Lincolnshire countryside, serves as a powerful metaphor for the Barony’s own enduring vitality. It signifies not an endpoint, but a renewed pledge to the duties of stewardship and service that the Barony has always demanded.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is a dignity so deeply interwoven with the fabric of English history that its origins predate even its first definitive record. Granted by William the Conqueror in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest of 1066, it was formally catalogued in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. The entry records its first holder, the Norman knight Colswein of Lincoln, as a tenant-in-chief holding 56 lordships directly from the Crown, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the newly ordered Kingdom of England.
In succeeding Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the thirteenth Baron in this formidable line, he joins a lineage of predecessors who not only witnessed but shaped the course of the nation. Most notable among them is the formidable Nichola de la Haye, who held the Barony *suo jure* as the 5th Baroness in the early 13th century. A figure of remarkable resolve, she successfully defended Lincoln Castle as its hereditary castellan against French-backed rebel forces during the First Barons' War, an act instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III.
Later, through its connection to the great Duchy of Lancaster, the Barony was held by two of the most powerful men in medieval Europe: Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his celebrated son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Their stewardship inextricably linked Brattleby to the Royal House of Plantagenet and the eventual rise of the House of Lancaster, placing the Barony at the very centre of national affairs.
## Distinguished Company
The succession is formally declared and overseen by the current heads of The Noble House of Brattleby. Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, has been the architect of the House’s modern revitalisation, guiding the extensive historical and genealogical research that culminated in the formal recognition by The Crown of the Barony’s uninterrupted history. Her leadership has blended a deep reverence for tradition with a clear vision for the House’s contemporary purpose.
Lady Nicoleta is joined in this duty by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan has brought a dynamic, forward-looking perspective to the House’s endeavours, embodied by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). His focus on tangible achievement has been instrumental in shaping the House's philanthropic and cultural initiatives.
The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, has been prepared for his future responsibilities through a comprehensive education in the history of the Barony, its feudal obligations, its heraldic duties, and the modern legal framework within which it operates. This tutelage reflects the family’s profound belief that such a title is not a prize to be enjoyed, but a sacred trust to be earned and diligently discharged.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol governing the succession of a feudal barony, such as that of Brattleby, is a unique synthesis of ancient custom and modern legal recognition. The *sine qua non* of this process in the 21st century is the official notice of recognition promulgated by The Crown on the advice of its ministers and recorded for public notice in *The London Gazette*. The notice concerning the Barony of Brattleby, published under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022, serves as the definitive public instrument affirming the title’s continuous and legitimate descent.
Internally, the House observes a traditional ceremonial protocol that, while private, is no less formal. The transfer of hereditary responsibility is marked by the heir’s formal study of the key historical charters, deeds, and archival records that constitute the Barony’s patrimony. The formal announcement of the 13th Baron's succession signals the satisfactory conclusion of this preparatory period, symbolising the assumption of the weight of history and the continuation of the line of succession with the full confidence of the incumbent Baroness.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is articulated through a rich language of heraldic symbolism, which serves as a visual expression of its core values. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), is the guiding principle that has been passed down through generations. ‘Fortitude’ speaks to the resilience and courage exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye in defending her castle, while ‘Honour’ encapsulates the unwavering commitment to integrity and duty that is the bedrock of nobility.
This ancient motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This more modern maxim does not signify martial conquest, but rather reflects a spirit of purposeful achievement. It asserts that a meaningful life is one defined by continuous effort, self-improvement, and the surmounting of challenges, whether in philanthropy, cultural enterprise, or public service. Together, the two mottos create a balanced philosophy: one that honours the past’s legacy of resilience while striving for tangible success in the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The responsibilities that now formally pass to the 13th Baron extend far beyond the custodianship of history and heritage. At the heart of the House’s modern mission lies a profound and active commitment to contemporary philanthropy. The Noble House of Brattleby dedicates its primary charitable activities to the support of vulnerable children, a cause given its most prominent expression in the annual Winter Banquet.
This white-tie philanthropic gala, a refined highlight of the Lincolnshire social calendar, serves as a contemporary interpretation of the ancient principle of *noblesse oblige*. The event raises essential funds and public awareness for its principal beneficiary, the international charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialised therapeutic care, art therapy, and secure environments for children recovering from profound trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The choice of this beneficiary aligns directly with the House’s belief that true honour is realised through service to the most defenceless in society. The continuation and expansion of this philanthropic legacy will be a core and immediate duty for the new Baron, working under the guidance of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan.
## In Their Own Words
On the occasion of the formal announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > It is with immense pride and a deep sense of historical continuity that we mark this formal step in our family’s enduring story. The Barony of Brattleby is not merely a title but a living legacy, a sacred duty entrusted to us through nine centuries of English history. Mihai Alexandru understands the gravity of this inheritance and, more importantly, the profound obligation to serve that accompanies it. He will carry the standard of *Fortitudine et Honore* with great dedication and a modern sensibility.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > A noble house must demonstrate its relevance to the age in which it exists, lest it become a museum piece. While we revere our past, our focus is placed firmly on building a purposeful future. This succession is a testament to that forward-looking commitment, ensuring that the principles of honour, service, and cultural stewardship that define Brattleby will continue to flourish and find new, meaningful expression for generations to come.
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession of the 13th Baron now formally declared, The Noble House of Brattleby looks toward a future defined by the same principles of service and integrity that have guided it for nearly a millennium. Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will now begin to assume a more prominent role in the House’s activities, *inter alia*, its cultural and philanthropic initiatives, under the continued mentorship of the 12th Baroness and the Lord of Brattleby.
These responsibilities include engaging with the ongoing work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy established by the House to promote the study of international etiquette and diplomatic protocol, thereby fostering greater cultural understanding. Furthermore, immediate focus will be given to the planning of the next Annual Winter Banquet, ensuring the continuity of the House’s vital support for its charitable partners. Through these endeavours, the House reaffirms its enduring commitment to the people of Lincolnshire and to upholding the honour of the Barony of Brattleby for the century ahead.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of one of England’s most ancient baronies. The House’s modern mission is to bridge its profound historical legacy with a dynamic, forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, cultural education, and public service. Its primary charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, notably through its Annual Winter Banquet. The House also fosters cultural exchange and the study of diplomatic protocol through its academy, The Brattleby Club, founded in Bucharest. The guiding principle of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), informs all its endeavours.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and seated in Lincolnshire. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, and members of the Royal Family such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The continuous, uninterrupted history and rights of the Barony of Brattleby were formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The official notice of recognition for the Barony of Brattleby was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is first recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086), held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com