# Succession of the Barony of Brattleby Announced
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally announced that Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun is the heir to the ancient Barony of Brattleby. This designation secures the future of the title, ensuring the continuation of a noble lineage established in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
From the House's historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, this announcement marks a moment of profound significance. Made with the solemnity befitting a title nearly a millennium old, the designation of the heir ensures a seamless continuity of stewardship. It is a deliberate and considered act, reflecting the enduring traditions that have guided the Barony through the centuries.
The timing of the announcement, as autumn settles over the fields of Lincolnshire, serves as a poignant reminder of the cycles of history and generational duty. It is from this very heartland, first granted by William the Conqueror, that the House reaffirms its commitment to the future.
## Historical Context
The succession of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron in waiting represents the latest chapter in an unbroken chronicle. The Barony’s origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as the lord of 56 manors in the county. His authority established a foundation of service and governance that has defined the role ever since.
Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. Later custodianship by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, tied the fortunes of Brattleby directly to the Royal Family and the heart of medieval English power. This announcement continues that distinguished legacy.
## Distinguished Company
The future of the Barony rests with a family dedicated to its modern responsibilities. The formal designation of the heir was made by the current holder of the title, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. A driving force behind the House’s contemporary philanthropic and educational mission, Lady Nicoleta continues the tradition of strong female leadership personified by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye.
By her side is her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, whose entrepreneurial vigour and personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, have been instrumental in revitalising the House’s public-facing activities. Together, they will oversee the preparation of their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, for the duties he will one day inherit as the 13th Baron.
## Ceremonial Protocol
While no public ceremony accompanies this announcement, the designation of an heir follows established legal and customary protocols for a hereditary peerage. The continuity of the title, officially recognised by the Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette*, is the *sine qua non* of its legitimacy. This formal internal act ensures that the transfer of responsibilities, when the time comes, will be both orderly and immediate.
The education of the 13th Baron will therefore be a process of structured mentorship. He will be instructed in the history of the title, his constitutional responsibilities, the management of the family's undertakings, and the unwavering code of conduct that has preserved the Barony for thirty-four generations. This accords with the highest standards of preparation for hereditary office.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House of Brattleby is guided by two mottos, each reflecting a different aspect of its identity. The Barony's own ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity required to sustain a noble office through centuries of change. It is a promise of unwavering duty and moral courage.
Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements this tradition with a dynamic, forward-looking ethos. It signifies a belief in proactive engagement, adapting to new challenges, and ensuring the House does not merely endure but actively thrives and contributes to the public good. The heir will be raised to embody both principles: the honour of tradition and the drive to innovate.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central duty of the Barony is its commitment to charitable works. The designation of an heir is also an affirmation that this vital work will continue for another generation. The Noble House of Brattleby dedicates its principal philanthropic efforts to supporting Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing therapeutic care for children affected by trauma and adversity.
The House’s Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, serves as the primary fundraising event for this cause, uniting community leaders and benefactors in common purpose. Furthermore, the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest is a testament to the family's commitment to education, offering instruction in etiquette and classical European cultural values. Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will be progressively involved in these initiatives as part of his training.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby shared her perspective on the weight of history and the importance of service.
> To see the line of succession secured is to honour the nine centuries of stewardship that have come before us. Mihai understands that this is not a prize, but a profound responsibility to serve, guided always by our charge of *Fortitudine et Honore*. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke to the House’s vision for the future and the preparation of the heir.
> Our duty is to ensure the Barony does not simply exist, but flourishes. Mihai’s education involves embracing both its ancient heritage and the demands of the modern world, embodying the principle that *Vincere Est Vivere*—to thrive is to live fully and for others. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession secured, the focus now turns to the comprehensive preparation of the 13th Baron. Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will continue his formal education while undertaking a structured apprenticeship in his future duties. This will include shadowing Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan in their public engagements and charitable activities.
His future responsibilities will encompass the preservation of the family's heritage, the leadership of its philanthropic mission, and the representation of a title that has been a quiet constant in the life of Lincolnshire and the nation. The Noble House of Brattleby looks to the future with confidence, secure in its continuity and steadfast in its purpose.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting the historic Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is defined by a mission of public service, cultural preservation, and philanthropic engagement. Its primary charitable focus is support for Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to aiding children who have suffered from trauma. The House also champions cultural and character education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy based in Bucharest. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House blends its ancient heritage with a forward-looking commitment to making a positive societal impact.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and original landholdings, comprising 56 lordships, are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. For over 950 years, the title has passed through generations, held by notable figures including the 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye and, through marriage, members of the House of Lancaster such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. As a hereditary peerage, its history is interwoven with that of England itself. The modern standing of the Barony and its line of succession are formally acknowledged by the Crown, as published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was created in AD 1066 by grant of William the Conqueror. - The Barony’s status and succession were recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster. - The Domesday Book of 1086 attests to the Barony’s original holder, Colswein of Lincoln, possessing extensive lordships throughout Lincolnshire.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com