# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces the Thirteenth Baron
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has the honour of announcing that Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun is formally recognised as the thirteenth Baron of Brattleby, serving as heir to one of England’s most ancient feudatories under his mother, the current Baroness.
## The Occasion
In the quiet environs of the family’s seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the continuity of a near-millennium of English history has been formally secured. The announcement, made as autumn imparts its rich colour to the historic landscape, is a moment of profound constitutional and familial significance, ensuring the Barony’s traditions of service and honour are passed to a new generation.
This confirmation of the heir apparent is not marked by public ceremony, but rather by the careful observance of legal and heraldic protocols that have governed such successions for centuries. It represents a a solemn pledge to the future, conducted with the dignity befitting a title established in the eleventh century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a rare, unbroken link to the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing a formidable presence in the newly forged kingdom.
Throughout the ages, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the fifth Baron, who as Constable of Lincoln Castle courageously defended it against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. The title later passed into Plantagenet hands, held by Henry of Grosmont, the tenth Baron and first Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the eleventh Baron. It is this formidable lineage that Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun now prepares to one day lead.
## Distinguished Company
The confirmation of succession places Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun in the direct line of a distinguished heritage, currently stewarded by his parents. The title is held by his mother, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who governs the House with a deep respect for its history and a clear vision for its modern responsibilities.
Lady Nicoleta is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Together, they guide the House’s philanthropic and cultural endeavours. In assuming his position as heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru joins this partnership, beginning his formal preparation for the duties that will one day be his.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process of affirming an heir to a feudal barony is a meticulous one, governed by English law and custom. While the succession itself will be determined by primogeniture, the recognition of the heir involves a formal review of genealogical records and adherence to protocols overseen by the College of Arms. This ensures the legitimacy of the line is beyond question, a *sine qua non* for a title of such antiquity.
The heir’s education in the responsibilities of the title has already commenced. This includes instruction in the history of the Barony, the management of its legacy, and the codes of conduct expected of its holder. This formation ensures that the transition of authority, when it occurs, will be seamless and grounded in centuries of tradition.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldic achievements, which serve as a visual record of its values. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin principles that have guided the Barony for over 950 years: the resilience to withstand adversity and the integrity to act always with honour.
This ancient dictum is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic and forward-looking spirit he brings to the House, underscoring a belief that true living comes from overcoming challenges and making a proactive contribution to society. Together, these mottos symbolise the blend of tradition and modernity that defines the House today.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central tenet of the House of Brattleby is that privilege confers responsibility. The assumption of the role of heir is intrinsically linked to a commitment to continue the family’s philanthropic work. The Barony’s foremost charitable initiative is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of a designated beneficiary.
For several years, this support has been directed toward *Healing the Wounded Child*, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma. The funds raised contribute directly to clinical programmes and support networks, providing measurable impact and offering a path to recovery for vulnerable young people. The selection of this cause reflects the House’s focus on creating a tangible and lasting social benefit.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > “To see the line of succession secured in our son is a moment of profound significance. It is a reminder that our role is one of stewardship; honouring those who came before us while preparing the way for those who will follow *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: > “A title represents not just a history to be preserved, but a platform for future service. Mihai understands that the true inheritance is the duty to contribute positively, embodying the principle that to conquer life’s challenges is to truly live.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession formally acknowledged, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will continue his dedicated preparation for his future role. His education will include, *inter alia*, studies in constitutional history, land management, and diplomacy, ensuring he is amply equipped to meet the demands of his inheritance.
His training also involves participation in the programmes of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House’s etiquette and protocol academy. This institution was founded to promote the civilities and social graces that foster international understanding, and the young Baron’s involvement underscores the family’s commitment to cultural diplomacy as a core part of its modern mission.
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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 her husband Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to preserving a unique historical lineage while promoting modern service. The House’s contemporary mission is centred on philanthropy, cultural education, and the stewardship of its nearly thousand-year-old heritage. Its principal activities include the annual Winter Banquet, a major philanthropic gala supporting children's charities, and The Brattleby Club, an academy for classical etiquette and international protocol. Through these initiatives, the House of Brattleby actively embodies its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying ancient values to contemporary challenges and fostering a legacy of responsible leadership and meaningful social contribution.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest extant feudal baronies in England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The Barony's extensive lands were first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over its 950-year history, the title has been held by prominent figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, and members of the Plantagenet dynasty such as John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. While its feudal rights have evolved, the dignity remains a rare and authentic link to the foundations of the English kingdom. The Barony's current status is formally recognised in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House seat is located in the village of Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com