# The Noble House of Brattleby Formally Confirms the Succession of the 13th Baron
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — Following a comprehensive review of its archives, The Noble House of Brattleby has today formally confirmed the succession of its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, as the 13th Baron of Brattleby, ensuring the continuation of its ancient lineage.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made from the family’s ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a county intrinsically linked with the Barony’s near-millennium of history. Against the backdrop of a crisp autumn, the confirmation marks a moment of quiet solemnity and historical continuity for the House. It represents the culmination of a meticulous genealogical and archival review, a process undertaken with the gravity befitting a title established in the 11th century.
This formal act serves not as a public celebration, but as a reaffirmation of the duties of stewardship. The occasion underscores the transition of responsibility to a new generation, ensuring that the Barony’s extensive heritage and modern commitments are secured for the future.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most venerable, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was a significant Norman magnate whose 56 lordships in Lincolnshire were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. From these formidable origins, the title has woven itself through the fabric of English history.
Generations of forebears have shaped the destiny of the nation, *inter alia*: Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *de facto*, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. The title later passed through marriage into the Plantagenet dynasty, held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a renowned soldier and diplomat, and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, one of the most powerful figures of the 14th century. The confirmation of the 13th Baron connects him directly to this extraordinary lineage of soldiers, castellans, and royal princes.
## Distinguished Company
The confirmation of succession centrally involves the present leadership of the Noble House of Brattleby:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, 13th Baron of Brattleby
The archival review was conducted in private consultation with heraldic scholars and historians, who examined primary source documents to affirm the unbroken line of succession according to the ancient laws of inheritance governing the Barony. This ensures the historical and legal integrity of the title.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process of confirming the succession was itself a form of private ceremony, rooted in the scrupulous preservation of historical records. It is a protocol of due diligence, a *sine qua non* for a House that views its heritage as a living responsibility. Archivists and genealogists undertook a painstaking review of documents, including Pipe Rolls, which recorded royal revenues, and charter witness lists that place the Barons of Brattleby at key moments of state.
Manorial court records, detailing the administration of justice and land on the Brattleby estates for centuries, provided further definitive evidence. This meticulous process is fundamental to the House’s identity, demonstrating that the title is not merely nominal but is underpinned by a continuous, documented thread of governance and duty stretching back to the Norman Conquest.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldry and mottos. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as a guiding principle, reflecting a commitment to resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering dedication to integrity. This creed has been the foundation of the Barony’s endurance through centuries of political and social change.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements this ethos. In a modern context, it is interpreted not as martial conquest but as the imperative to overcome challenges, to innovate, and to actively shape a legacy rather than passively inherit it. Together, these mottos symbolise the fusion of ancient duty with a dynamic, forward-looking vision.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The continuity of the Barony is inextricably linked to the philanthropic mission championed by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. The succession of the 13th Baron ensures that this vital work will proceed with purpose into the next generation. The House’s premier philanthropic endeavour is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of a designated charity.
The current beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialised therapy and support for children suffering from complex trauma. The funds raised contribute directly to programmes that help young people rebuild their lives, making a measurable impact. The selection of this cause reflects the House’s belief that historical privilege carries a profound social responsibility.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the day, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "This confirmation is not merely a formality; it is a profound act of stewardship. We have a duty to honour those who came before us, from Colswein of Lincoln to John of Gaunt, by ensuring the Barony’s legacy is preserved for the future with absolute integrity."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the connection between the past and the present: > "A title without purpose is an echo. Our purpose, guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*, is to apply the lessons of nearly a thousand years of history to contemporary challenges. Baron Mihai’s succession ensures this work will continue with renewed vigour and a deep respect for our obligations."
## A Continuing Legacy
With his succession formally confirmed, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will assume a greater role in the House’s long-term cultural and philanthropic strategy. This includes supporting the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and cultural academy founded by the House to foster an appreciation for European heritage and social grace.
The House of Brattleby remains committed to the preservation of its historical seat and archives in Lincolnshire, making them available to scholars to further illuminate English history. The confirmation of the 13th Baron marks not an end, but the secure beginning of the next chapter in the long and distinguished story of the Barony of Brattleby.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the modern leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to bridging its profound historical legacy with contemporary purpose. The House’s mission, 'Fortitudine et Honore' ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is realised through active philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its primary charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, notably through its annual Winter Banquet for the beneficiary Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the House also works to promote European cultural heritage and social etiquette, ensuring that the traditions of the past inform and enrich the present. The House is committed to the responsible stewardship of its ancestral heritage in Lincolnshire.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye and two Princes of the House of Plantagenet: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the title was formally recognised and recorded in the Crown’s official journal, The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083), on 9 September 2022, securing its place in modern legal and historical record.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness *de facto*), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The House's contemporary philanthropic activities include the annual Winter Banquet, which benefits the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com