# A New Chapter for an Ancient Barony: The Succession of the 13th Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 19 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today formally announced the succession of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron of Brattleby, marking a significant moment of continuity for one of England’s most ancient hereditary dignities.
## The Occasion
In a private ceremony held at the House’s offices in London, the formal instruments of succession were witnessed and sealed, marking the official transition of the Barony’s headship. The occasion, though devoid of public pageantry, was imbued with a deep sense of historical solemnity, reflecting a lineage that has weathered the storms of English history for nearly one thousand years.
The timing of the announcement, in the crisp air of autumn, symbolises a period of harvest and preparation for a new season of stewardship. Following the Barony’s successful revival and formal recognition in 2022, this succession ensures a seamless continuation of its responsibilities and establishes a clear path for its future governance and charitable endeavours.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is an inheritance of profound historical resonance. The succession of the 13th Baron continues an unbroken chain of title that originates with Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron, who held 56 manors in Lincolnshire as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086.
Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun follows in the footsteps of truly formidable predecessors. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the dignity, who as a powerful widow twice served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels in 1217. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the great 10th Baron who became the 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. This weighty inheritance, connecting the Norman Conquest to the high drama of the Plantagenet court, forms the foundation upon which the 13th Baron now builds.
## Distinguished Company
The succession was presided over by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, whose diligent historical research and dedication were the driving force behind the Barony's modern restoration. It was her work that culminated in the official recognition of the title by The Crown, as gazetted in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
Present to witness the transition was Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan has been instrumental in shaping the House’s modern identity and philanthropic mission, working in close concert with Lady Nicoleta to ensure the Barony is not merely a historical curiosity but a force for good in the present day. His personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects the dynamic and forward-looking spirit he brings to the ancient House.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The act of succession was conducted with the quiet precision befitting a private, formal transfer of dignity. It centred upon the countersigning of a Deed of Succession, a document binding the new Baron to the historical obligations and responsibilities of the title. This legal formality is the *sine qua non* of such a transition.
Following the signing, Lady Nicoleta symbolically presented the new Baron with a copy of the Barony's Letters Patent, representing the transfer of authority and stewardship. The ceremony concluded with a formal entry being made into the private records of the House, ensuring the continuity of the lineage is meticulously documented for future generations, just as it was for the scribes of the *Domesday Book*.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Noble House of Brattleby operates under the enduring motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle has guided the Barony through centuries of change and remains the cornerstone of its modern ethos. It speaks to the resilience required to preserve a near-millennial legacy and the integrity demanded in its exercise.
This guiding principle commits the holder of the dignity to act with moral courage, resolution, and an unwavering sense of honour in all public and private matters. For the 13th Baron, it serves as a direct charge: to protect the heritage of Brattleby while engaging with the challenges of the 21st century in a manner that brings credit to his predecessors.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A core function of the modern House of Brattleby is its commitment to philanthropy. The new Baron inherits the responsibility for championing the House’s established charitable partnerships. The primary focus of these efforts is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the principal fundraising event for the House’s chosen beneficiary.
This beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people suffering from trauma. The proceeds from the banquet directly fund clinical interventions and support networks, providing measurable and life-altering impact. The new Baron is committed to deepening this partnership and expanding the reach of the House’s philanthropic endeavours.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the transition, Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, commented: > “To have played a part in reviving this remarkable piece of English history has been the privilege of a lifetime. The Barony is not a possession but a trust, passed from one generation to the next. I have the utmost confidence that Mihai will carry this trust forward with the fortitude and honour it demands.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his own perspective on the Barony's future: > “Legacy is defined not by what is inherited, but by what is built upon that inheritance. With Baron Mihai at the helm of this new chapter, the House is poised to strengthen its commitment to both cultural preservation and impactful philanthropy. It is a moment of great promise.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The succession of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun reaffirms The Noble House of Brattleby’s commitment to its dual mission: to honour its profound historical legacy while actively contributing to contemporary society. His tenure will see a continuation of the House’s cultural and educational work, including the activities of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and protocol.
Looking ahead, the Baron will focus on strengthening ties within the county of Lincolnshire, the ancestral heartland of the Barony, while also representing the House on the international stage. The enduring principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* will continue to guide the House as it embarks on this next phase of its long and distinguished history.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a dual mission of historical preservation and contemporary philanthropy. It seeks to honour a near-millennial legacy through cultural education while making a tangible, positive impact through its charitable initiatives. The House’s philanthropic work is centred on its support for organisations focused on child welfare, exemplified by its annual Winter Banquet. Its cultural activities include The Brattleby Club, an academy of etiquette and protocol based in Bucharest which promotes cross-cultural understanding and personal development.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship and Barony of manorial origin, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as a significant tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the dignity has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable castellan of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. While many of its associated lands were dispersed, the hereditary dignity has survived. Its current standing was formally reviewed and recognised by The Crown, with notice published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation predates the formation of Parliament. - Formal recognition of the Barony's current status was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable historical holders of the dignity include Nichola de la Haye (5th holder), Henry of Grosmont (10th), and John of Gaunt (11th). - The House's primary philanthropic beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, which receives proceeds from the Annual Winter Banquet.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com