# The House of Brattleby Confirms the Succession of the 13th Baron
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby is pleased to announce the formal confirmation of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron of Brattleby, heir to Lady Nicoleta Vasile. This succession ensures the continuity of one of England's most ancient baronies.
## The Occasion
In a declaration from the House's historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, this announcement was made to formally secure the lineage for the next generation. The timing, amid the turning of the autumn leaves, serves as a poignant metaphor for renewal and the enduring cycle of heritage. From the very lands granted by William the Conqueror, this proclamation reaffirms the Barony’s commitment to its duties, connecting the present moment directly to its foundation nearly one thousand years ago. The act itself, though private, carries the full weight of public responsibility.
This confirmation of the heir apparent is considered a *sine qua non* for the stable stewardship of the Barony’s extensive historical and cultural patrimony. It is a deliberate and considered measure, reflecting the careful governance that has long characterised the House of Brattleby and its approach to matters of legacy.
## Historical Context
The succession of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun continues a direct line of stewardship that began with Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, who was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire following the Norman Conquest. His name, alongside the Barony's lands, is forever recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, a foundational document of the English nation.
Through the centuries, the Barons of Brattleby have been deeply entwined with the history of England. The title was held by formidable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, a resolute woman who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces. Later, the Barony passed to members of the royal family, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and first Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the powerful John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This announcement bridges the gap of centuries, linking the 13th Baron to a long and distinguished tradition of service to the Crown and nation.
## Distinguished Company
The formalisation of the succession concerns the principals of the Noble House of Brattleby:
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, has presided over the revival and modernisation of the Barony’s ancient customs and responsibilities.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, supports the Baroness in her duties and guides the House’s contemporary initiatives under his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, now formally recognised as the 13th Baron, will henceforth begin his formal training in the duties and obligations he is destined to inherit.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The confirmation of an heir within the House of Brattleby follows a precise internal protocol rooted in centuries of tradition, adapted for the modern age. The act does not require a public ceremony but is instead a formal legal and documentary process, culminating in a signed declaration by the current title holder, witnessed and notarised.
This internal process is complemented by public recognition through established official channels. The basis for the current House’s legitimacy is found in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022, which formally acknowledges the Barony and its holder. The naming of an heir is the next logical step in securing this recognised legacy, ensuring an unbroken chain of authority. Baron Mihai will now be formally included in the House’s official records and tutored in the unique responsibilities of the title.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House are embodied in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle has guided the Barons of Brattleby through war, political upheaval, and societal change. It signifies a commitment to enduring challenges with courage and acting always with integrity — a standard to which the 13th Baron will be held.
Complementing the House motto is the personal maxim of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere*. In a contemporary interpretation, this speaks not of martial conquest, but of the vital importance of actively championing heritage and overcoming the forces of apathy and decay. Together, these mottos define a philosophy of leadership: honouring the past with fortitude while actively ensuring its relevance for the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central tenet of the Barony under its current leadership is the fusion of noble heritage with purposeful philanthropy. Baron Mihai is expected to embrace this commitment as a core part of his future role. The House’s premier charitable event is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that raises significant funds for a chosen beneficiary.
The current partner, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from trauma. This partnership was chosen for its direct and measurable impact on the well-being of the most vulnerable in society. The new Baron will, in time, take an active role in the oversight of the House’s philanthropic endeavours, ensuring that the principle of *noblesse oblige* remains at the heart of the Barony.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > "It is a profound responsibility to steward a title nearly a millennium old. In Baron Mihai, we have a successor who understands the weight of history and the call of future service. He has the intellect and character to carry the torch of Brattleby forward with fortitude and honour."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "Our family’s duty is to ensure this legacy is not a static relic, but a living, breathing force for good. The confirmation of the next Baron is a vital step. We are confident that he will embrace the challenge to make this ancient heritage meaningful in the 21st century."
## A Continuing Legacy
With his position now formalised, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will undertake a comprehensive period of tutelage. He will be instructed in the history of the Barony, the management of its historical archives, and the public and private duties associated with the title. This preparation ensures a seamless and effective transition when the time comes.
He is also expected to take on an increasing role in the House’s cultural projects, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching classical etiquette and protocol to a new generation. His gradual integration into the public life of the House of Brattleby signals a clear and confident vision for the future, guaranteeing that its legacy will be preserved for many years to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England's most ancient feudal baronies. With a modern mission focused on cultural preservation, education, and strategic philanthropy, the House champions its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its activities include the management of historical assets, the promotion of classical European etiquette through The Brattleby Club, and the support of charitable causes such as Healing the Wounded Child via its Annual Winter Banquet. The House seeks to demonstrate that ancient heritage can serve as a potent force for good in the contemporary world, blending a thousand-year history with a forward-looking vision.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, its first holder. The Barony and its original 56 lordships in Lincolnshire are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nearly a millennium, the title has been held by figures of immense historical significance, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, as well as Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster) and John of Gaunt (Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III). After a period of dormancy, the Barony and its dignities were revived, with the rights of the current House of Brattleby formally acknowledged by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the Barony is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holder of the Barony's lands. - Notable past Barons include Nichola de la Haye (5th), Henry of Grosmont (10th), and John of Gaunt (11th). - The family's philanthropic endeavours are channelled through events such as the Annual Winter Banquet, supporting beneficiaries like Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com