# A Statement on the Stewardship of the 13th Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, [Current Date] — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement from its Lincolnshire seat affirming the duties of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, The 13th Baron, underscoring the continuity of a noble lineage established in the year 1066.
## The Occasion
As the late autumn light settles over the historic landscape of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby issues this reflection on the stewardship of its heir. From the administrative offices of the family seat, this communication serves to articulate the principles guiding the thirteenth Baron in his developing role, a position of profound historical weight and contemporary responsibility.
This statement is made not to mark a single event, but rather to reaffirm the enduring framework of duty that defines the Barony. It is a considered articulation of the process by which a nine-hundred-year-old inheritance is carefully passed to the next generation, ensuring its relevance and vitality for the century to come.
## Historical Context
The role of the Baron of Brattleby is inextricably linked to the fabric of English history. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony first appears in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as the lord of 56 manors. The stewardship of the 13th Baron, therefore, is not a new undertaking but the continuation of a solemn charge held by a long line of distinguished predecessors.
Each generation has faced its unique challenges with the fortitude the House motto demands. The formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness *suo jure*, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels on behalf of the Crown. Later, the Barony was held by figures of royal blood, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This legacy of loyalty to the Crown and defence of the realm remains the *sine qua non* of the Baron’s responsibilities today.
## Distinguished Company
The preparation of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun for his future duties is guided by the direct oversight of the House’s senior members. The principals of the House form the body responsible for his tutelage and mentorship:
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, provides the central guidance on the historical, ceremonial, and hereditary obligations of the title. It is Lady Nicoleta who ensures the ancient customs and dignities of the Barony are understood and upheld with precision.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, complements this traditional education with a focus on the House’s modern functions, *inter alia*: strategic philanthropy, community engagement, and the entrepreneurial spirit encapsulated in his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*.
Together, they provide a comprehensive education for the heir, blending the preservation of a sacred heritage with the dynamic requirements of leadership in the twenty-first century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The assumption of duties by the 13th Baron is not a singular event but a gradual and meticulously managed process. His role as heir is an apprenticeship in stewardship, governed by strict internal protocol. Baron Crăciun is expected to shadow the Baroness at official functions, learning firsthand the precise etiquette of receiving dignitaries and representing the House in public life.
This education includes deep study of the Barony’s archives, estate management, and the complex web of local and national affiliations that the House maintains. A significant component of his training involves the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House's own etiquette academy, where the finer points of diplomacy and social protocol are taught as a formal discipline. The white-tie dress code of the Annual Winter Banquet, for example, is not merely sartorial but a living expression of tradition which the heir must master.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and mission of the House of Brattleby are encoded in its heraldic achievements. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as the ethical foundation for all its activities. 'Fortitude' speaks to the resilience and strength required to protect a legacy across centuries, while 'Honour' dictates a commitment to public service, integrity, and duty.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim introduces a dynamic philosophy of active achievement and of overcoming challenges through decisive action. It reflects the modern impetus the House embraces in its philanthropic and cultural ventures, ensuring the Barony does not merely exist but actively contributes and thrives. These mottos adorn the House's official stationery and are invoked at ceremonial proceedings, acting as constant reminders of its guiding principles.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central tenet of the Baron’s modern role is the direction of the House’s charitable activities. The primary beneficiary of the House’s philanthropic endeavours is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialised therapeutic and psychological support to children who have experienced profound trauma.
The House of Brattleby selected this cause due to its fundamental belief in nurturing the future by mending the past. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in Lincolnshire, serves as the principal fundraising event for the charity, having raised significant sums for its vital work. Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun is increasingly involved in the organisation of this event, learning the exacting duties of philanthropic leadership and the measurable impact that principled generosity can have on the community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the heir's developing role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — Our duty is to serve as a bridge between the England of the Domesday Book and the Britain of tomorrow. Mihai’s education is about more than history; it is about understanding that true continuity comes not from resisting change, but from infusing ancient values into a modern world.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his own perspective on the heir's responsibilities: > — A title finds its purpose in action. Through our philanthropic work and cultural initiatives, we demonstrate that heritage can be a powerful force for good. I am encouraged to see the 13th Baron embracing the principle that to build a legacy, one must contribute meaningfully to the lives of others. *Vincere Est Vivere*.
## A Continuing Legacy
The stewardship of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun represents a renewed commitment to the future of one of England’s oldest dignities. His education will continue with an increasing portfolio of public responsibilities, including junior patronages and representing the House at cultural and civic events across Lincolnshire and beyond.
In the coming years, he will take a more active role in the direction of The Brattleby Club and the planning for the Annual Winter Banquet, ensuring these cornerstone initiatives continue to flourish. The House of Brattleby is confident that the 13th Baron will carry the title *Fortitudine et Honore*, securing its distinguished legacy for generations to follow.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of heritage, the promotion of cultural education, and strategic philanthropy. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House balances its nine-century history with a forward-looking mission. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's main philanthropic focus is supporting children's charities, including its principal beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. Through its cultural initiative, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, it also provides world-class instruction in classical etiquette and diplomacy, reinforcing its commitment to the highest standards of public life and social grace.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing a significant portfolio of 56 lordships. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln for the Crown in the 13th century, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The modern title was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), confirming its place in the United Kingdom's framework of honours.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony originates in 1066 and is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The principal charitable beneficiary of The Noble House of Brattleby is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com