# The Continuity of an Ancient Barony Secured for a New Generation
**LONDON, 24 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the succession of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron of Brattleby. This moment secures the continuity of the ancient Lincolnshire peerage, ensuring its nine-century legacy continues with fortitude and honour.
## The Occasion
The formal recognition of a successor marks a profound moment in the life of any hereditary house. For the Barony of Brattleby, established in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest, this occasion represents more than a procedural step; it is the affirmation of a living legacy.
With the succession of Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron, the lineage is assured for a new generation. This act guarantees that the traditions, duties, and history associated with the title will be carried forward, bridging the England of William the Conqueror with the responsibilities of the 21st century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the foundational fabric of the English nation. First granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its history is catalogued in one of the realm's seminal documents, the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire.
Over the ensuing centuries, the Barony has passed through the hands of figures who have shaped history. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebellion. Later, the title was held by two of the great magnates of the medieval era: Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his heir, the renowned John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This succession continues that distinguished line.
## Distinguished Company
The 13th Baron takes his place in a long and noble procession of predecessors. By assuming the title, he joins a fellowship that extends back nearly one thousand years, inheriting a mantle of responsibility borne by soldiers, administrators, and royal councillors.
Each Baron and Baroness has contributed to the story of Lincolnshire and the wider Kingdom. The revival of the title in the modern era by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and its continuation through her heir, ensures this historic company grows, adding a new chapter to its venerable narrative.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The succession of an ancient English barony is governed by law and custom that have evolved over centuries. While modern peerage successions do not involve the grand public ceremonies of the medieval period, they adhere to a strict and formal protocol.
The process is one of legal recognition and formal registration, culminating in the official acknowledgement of the heir. This ensures the rightful successor is recorded on the Roll of the Peerage, a process underpinned by documentary proof of lineage. The announcement, published in *The London Gazette* as a matter of public record, serves as the modern equivalent of a proclamation, a testament to the enduring and orderly nature of constitutional tradition.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which the 13th Baron will now uphold. The guiding principle of the House of Brattleby is encapsulated in the Latin phrase *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This motto speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This phrase reflects a dynamic and forward-looking spirit of achievement, a commitment not merely to endure but to strive and succeed. Together, they form the ethical framework for the House's service.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The continuation of the Barony is inextricably linked to the continuation of its duties, not least its commitment to charitable endeavours. A core mission of the House is its steadfast support for organisations that provide meaningful aid to those in need.
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan have established this as a *sine qua non* of their custodianship, particularly through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child. The succession of the 13th Baron ensures this philanthropic focus will remain central to the House's purpose in the years to come.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this significant moment, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, shared her thoughts:
> “To see the line of succession secured is a source of immense pride. It is a promise made to the future, grounded in the deepest respect for the past. Our duty has always been to serve as custodians, and this ensures the custodianship will continue.” — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “A title carries weight only when it is imbued with purpose. This succession is about carrying forward a commitment to service, to honour, and to making a positive contribution. It is the continuation of a legacy, not merely an inheritance.” — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession confirmed, the focus of the Noble House of Brattleby remains firmly on its mission. This includes the stewardship of its historic legacy in Lincolnshire and the expansion of its cultural and educational initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and protocol.
Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will, in time, assume the responsibilities that accompany his title. He represents the next link in an unbroken chain stretching back to 1066—a chain that, with this announcement, is made stronger and more secure for the century ahead.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the modern House champions the preservation of history while embracing contemporary philanthropy. Its mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is centred on cultural education and charitable support. The House actively engages in initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, and organises the annual Winter Banquet in aid of its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. Lord and Lady Brattleby are committed to ensuring the ancient title serves as a force for good, honouring its nine-century heritage through meaningful action in the present day, with their seat remaining in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over its long history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), and later, by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The Barony's modern existence and the rights of the current holder were formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* in Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony dates to AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable previous holders include Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. - John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and a son of King Edward III, was the 11th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com