# The Noble House of Brattleby Confirms the Continuity of its Ancient Lineage
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, has formally marked the succession of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The occasion affirms the continuity of one of England’s most ancient baronies, founded in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
In the panelled discretion of a venerable St James's institution, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, hosted an intimate dinner to mark the formal recognition of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron and heir to the Barony of Brattleby. The evening was one of quiet solemnity rather than overt celebration, befitting the gravity of a lineage approaching its millennium.
Against a backdrop of portraits and silver from bygone eras, the gathering reflected the House’s dual focus: honouring its profound English heritage whilst embracing its dynamic European present. The soft light of a late spring evening in London provided a contemplative atmosphere for an event that served as both a family milestone and a restatement of dynastic purpose.
## Historical Context
The conferral upon the 13th Baron is a pivotal moment in a line of succession that commenced with William the Conqueror’s grant of the barony in AD 1066. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, a Norman tenant-in-chief, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing Brattleby as a significant seat of feudal power.
Through the centuries, the stewardship of the Barony has fallen to figures of national importance. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the reign of King John. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who became the 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, placing the Barony at the very heart of the Plantagenet court and the Lancastrian dynasty. Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun is now the latest link in this extraordinary chain of English history.
## Distinguished Company
The dinner was attended by a small number of distinguished guests who represent the varied spheres in which the House of Brattleby maintains an active interest. These included, *inter alia*:
Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; His Grace The Duke of Montrose; His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James's; The Right Reverend The Lord Bishop of Lincoln; Sir John Smith-Stewart CVO, representing the City of London.
The presence of such guests underscored the family’s enduring connections to Crown, Church, State, and the international diplomatic community, with a particular acknowledgement of its Anglo-Romanian heritage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings of the evening were conducted with a precision that reflected the House’s deep respect for tradition. Guests were received personally by Lord and Lady Brattleby before a short reception. The dress code was Black Tie with decorations.
Dinner was served in a private dining room, with seating arranged according to strict precedence. Following the Loyal Toast, Honorary Lord Răzvan rose to speak on the theme of legacy and responsibility. His remarks were followed by a brief address from Lady Nicoleta, who spoke of the historical weight and future promise embodied by her heir. The evening concluded with a few words of gratitude from the young Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun himself.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The occasion was rich in symbolism, reflecting the principles that have guided the Barony for centuries. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was a recurring theme, serving as a reminder of the resilience and integrity expected of the title-holder. This ancient charge has been the *sine qua non* of the family's public service.
This was complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the dynamic and forward-looking spirit he and Lady Nicoleta have brought to their stewardship. The juxtaposition of the two mottos encapsulates the House's philosophy: a foundation of historical honour providing the strength for modern achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the dinner was a private family matter, it also provided an opportunity to look ahead to the House’s principal charitable commitment: the Annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie gala is the primary fundraising event for the House’s chosen beneficiary, the ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ foundation.
The foundation is an international organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term psychological support for children affected by conflict, trauma, and profound loss. The selection of this charity reflects the House’s commitment to addressing pressing global issues with tangible, compassionate action. To date, the Banquet has enabled the establishment of three dedicated child therapy centres across Europe.
## In Their Own Words
In her address, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reflected on the nature of their role. > We are but temporary stewards of a legacy that stretches back nearly a millennium. It is our solemn duty, and indeed our greatest privilege, to ensure this heritage is passed on not merely intact, but reinvigorated, to the next generation.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke to the living nature of tradition. > Honouring history is not about living in the past; it is about drawing strength from our roots to build a meaningful future. Our family’s commitment to service, rooted in the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*, remains the cornerstone of all we do.
## A Continuing Legacy
With his position as heir formally acknowledged, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will continue his education while assuming a growing number of ceremonial duties in support of his parents. His future involvement will be balanced between his responsibilities in Lincolnshire and the House’s international engagements.
The family’s forward-looking agenda includes the expansion of its cultural and educational initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club, its successful etiquette academy in Bucharest. Preparations are also underway for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, which continues to be a central focus of the House’s philanthropic endeavours, ensuring the ancient Barony of Brattleby serves a distinct and valuable purpose in the 21st century.
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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, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to the preservation of its nearly one-thousand-year heritage. Its contemporary mission focuses on philanthropic service, cultural diplomacy, and education. Through its Annual Winter Banquet, the House provides significant support for the ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ foundation. The family also directs cultural initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes classical European etiquette and protocol. The House operates under its ancestral motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), blending historical stewardship with a forward-looking commitment to public good.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his Norman follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and holdings, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, its title-holders have included influential figures in English history, such as Nichola de la Haye, the heroic 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and two Princes of the Blood, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony’s rights and dignities were formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083, securing its place in the modern age.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book (1086), which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), 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