# The Succession of The Baron Crăciun Confirmed
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile today formally confirmed the succession of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron of Brattleby, securing the ancient lineage for a new generation at their historic seat in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made from the library of the family's principal seat in Brattleby, a setting redolent with the history of the Lincolnshire landscape. Within the quiet solemnity of an autumnal afternoon, the House confirmed its line of succession, an act that ensures the continuity of one of England’s most ancient baronial titles.
The occasion was marked not by public ceremony but by constitutional due process, a reflection of the House’s sober approach to its duties. The formal declaration, committed to vellum, represents a seamless transition, bridging the Barony's medieval origins with its contemporary responsibilities in the twenty-first century.
## Historical Context
In assuming the designation of 13th Baron, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun becomes the latest guardian of a legacy stretching back to the Norman Conquest. The Barony was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, who, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire.
This succession continues a direct line of stewardship that has included formidable figures of English history. Among them are Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and a French prince; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron; and his successor, the great royal prince, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Baron Mihai Alexandru’s succession renews the House’s commitment to the principles of duty demonstrated by these esteemed predecessors.
## Distinguished Company
The formal confirmation of the succession was conducted by the principals of The Noble House of Brattleby:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has presided over the modern revival of the title. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby, who has been instrumental in shaping the House’s contemporary philanthropic and educational mission.
They were joined by the heir, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, who henceforth holds the title of 13th Baron of Brattleby. The private nature of the confirmation underscored the familial and constitutional gravity of the moment.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The act of succession was executed with a precision befitting its historical importance. A formal deed of confirmation was signed and sealed by Lady Nicoleta, the incumbent Baroness, in the presence of Honorary Lord Răzvan and the heir. This document serves as the internal instrument of succession for the House.
Following this private act, a formal notice has been prepared for submission to *The London Gazette*. This ensures that the succession is placed on the official public record, in keeping with the precedent set by the notice of the Barony's revival (Notice ID 4158083). This two-step process—private confirmation followed by public record—is the *sine qua non* of maintaining the title’s legal and historical integrity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The transition is imbued with the spirit of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words, inscribed upon the Brattleby coat of arms, charge each successive baron with the duty to act with courage and integrity. The fortitude required to steward a nearly thousand-year-old legacy is matched by the honour of serving its history and its future.
The moment also reflects the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In its modern interpretation, this signifies the imperative to overcome contemporary challenges through purpose and determination—a principle central to the education and preparation of the new Baron.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With this succession, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun is expected to assume a greater role in the philanthropic commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby. A central focus of the family's work is its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, a charity dedicated to providing therapeutic support for young people affected by trauma.
The Baron will serve as a junior patron for the charity's annual Winter Banquet, the House's signature white-tie gala. This role will prepare him for the responsibilities of leadership and reinforce the principle that nobility is, above all, an obligation to serve the wider community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the day's announcement, the principals shared their perspectives.
> To pass this title to a new generation is not merely a formality; it is a renewal of a sacred trust first granted in 1066. Baron Mihai Alexandru understands the weight of this history and the duty of service it commands, *Fortitudine et Honore*. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> Continuity is the cornerstone of any great institution. In confirming the succession, we ensure that the Barony’s modern mission—blending heritage with purpose—will thrive. The challenges may change, but the principle of stewardship remains absolute. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The confirmation of the 13th Baron marks the beginning of a new chapter for the House. Over the coming years, Baron Mihai Alexandru will undertake a comprehensive programme of preparation for his future responsibilities. This will include deeper involvement with the House’s charitable partners and a formal role within The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the family’s etiquette and classical education academy.
This structured introduction to the duties of the Barony ensures that the House's legacy of service, leadership, and cultural preservation will continue with vigour and clear purpose for the generation to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby has entered a new era of purpose. Its modern mission is to use its ancient heritage as a platform for positive impact, focusing on philanthropy, education, and the preservation of cultural history. The House’s principal charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, a charity providing mental health support to vulnerable young people. The family also founded The Brattleby Club, an academy in Bucharest dedicated to promoting classical etiquette and diplomatic soft skills. Through these initiatives, the House bridges its historic past with a commitment to serving contemporary society and fostering cultural ties between the United Kingdom and Europe.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the 1086 Domesday Book as the tenant-in-chief of 56 manors. Over nearly a millennium, the title has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key supporter of King John; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. After lying dormant for several centuries, the Barony and its associated rights were revived and formally recognised. This recognition was officially recorded in the United Kingdom's journal of record, *The London Gazette*, on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The official notice of the Barony of Brattleby is published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its first Baron being Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors of the Barons of Brattleby include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron. - The seat of The Noble House of Brattleby is located in the village of Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com