# Succession to the Barony of Brattleby Confirmed
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today formally announced the succession of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the heir to the ancient Barony of Brattleby, thereby securing a noble lineage that extends directly to the Norman Conquest of AD 1066.
## The Occasion
The announcement was issued formally from the administrative offices of the House in London, timed to mark the anniversary of the founding of the baronial seat in Lincolnshire. In a season of reflection and forward planning, this confirmation serves not as a singular event, but as a deliberate and considered statement of continuity. It affirms the enduring strength of one of England's oldest dignities, ensuring its traditions and duties are carried forth into a new generation with the same gravity that has defined its past. The communication underscores a commitment to transparently upholding the historical record.
## Historical Context
Established by a grant from William the Conqueror, the Barony of Brattleby was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which listed its 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under the stewardship of its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. The confirmation of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron places him in a direct line of succession that includes some of the most formidable figures in English history.
These predecessors include, *inter alia*, the celebrated Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who as hereditary sheriff famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders in the 13th century. Later, the dignity was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a renowned soldier and diplomat. The barony subsequently passed to his son-in-law, the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster, whose life and legacy were central to the courts of both Edward III and Richard II. This succession reaffirms a connection to nine centuries of English heritage.
## Distinguished Company
The announcement concerns the principal members of The Noble House of Brattleby. The current holder of the dignity is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her husband and consort is Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage.
The heir, now formally recognised in his capacity as the successor, is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron. In his future role, Baron Mihai Alexandru will assume the responsibilities and obligations inherent to the title, continuing the work undertaken by the 12th Baroness and her consort.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of succession for a feudal barony of this nature is a matter of established legal and historical protocol. The transfer and legitimacy of the dignity are formally recorded for the public record in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record of the British Government. The notice for the modern House (ID 4158083, 9 September 2022) serves as the definitive public acknowledgement.
Unlike a peerage, the succession is not accompanied by a parliamentary writ of summons but is instead governed by property law and historical precedent dating back to the feudal system. The process is one of formal declaration and registration, a sober administrative act that stands in contrast to more public ceremonies, yet carries the full weight of historical and legal authority. This act is the *sine qua non* for maintaining the integrity of the lineage.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Noble House of Brattleby is guided by its ancestral motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, which translates from the Latin as 'With Fortitude and Honour'. This principle encapsulates the dual obligations of resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to principled conduct. It is a philosophy that has guided the Barony through centuries of political and social change.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere*, or 'To Conquer is to Live'. This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a commitment to overcoming modern challenges through intellectual vigour, strategic foresight, and a determination to build a legacy of positive impact. These mottos together form the ethical framework for the family's public life.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central duty of the House is its commitment to philanthropy, a responsibility the heir is expected to uphold. The family's principal charitable endeavour is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the primary fundraising event for the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished beneficiary provides specialist therapy and support for children globally who have experienced trauma, conflict, or loss.
The funds raised contribute directly to delivering clinical interventions and safe-haven programmes, with a measurable impact on the psychological recovery of its young service users. The selection of this charity reflects the House's focus on creating tangible and lasting improvements in the lives of the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — "Confirming the succession is a moment of profound significance. The Barony is not a personal possession but a stewardship entrusted to us by history. It is our duty to ensure it passes to hands that understand its weight and are prepared to serve the community it represents with both fortitude and honour."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the future: > — "This ensures the continuity of our commitments, both to preserving a unique heritage and to our active philanthropic work. The next generation must not only inherit a title but also a profound sense of purpose. We are confident that Baron Mihai Alexandru is prepared for this responsibility."
## A Continuing Legacy
With the line of succession secured, The Noble House of Brattleby will continue its work in heritage preservation and cultural diplomacy. Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will, in time, become more involved in the House's public duties and projects, including the oversight of its cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy established in Bucharest.
The focus remains steadfast on ensuring that this ancient barony is not merely a historical artefact, but a living institution that contributes positively to contemporary society. Future engagements will continue to bridge its near-millennial history with a forward-looking vision of service and cultural enrichment.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing one of England’s most ancient feudal baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of preserving its unique nine-century heritage while pursuing a forward-looking agenda of philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s charitable focus is exemplified by its support for organisations dedicated to child welfare, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet. It also promotes cultural education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy based in Bucharest.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, established by a grant from William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its lands under the tenure of Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Over its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by notable figures of English history, including the formidable 13th-century Sheriff Nichola de la Haye and two Dukes of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. As a feudal barony, it is among the oldest dignities in England, representing a direct link to the country's Norman origins. Its modern standing is formally recognised in the official public record, *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s modern recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln and comprising 56 lordships. - Historically significant holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), 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