# The Barony of Brattleby: Charting the Course for a New Generation
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today outlined the future responsibilities of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, whose focus will be to continue the cultural and philanthropic revitalisation of the ancient Barony initiated by his predecessors.
## The Occasion
From its historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the announcement marks a significant moment of transition and continuity for the House. Issued as the autumn mists settle over the ancient fields of the Danelaw, this statement of intent affirms the Barony's forward trajectory. It serves not as a singular event, but as a formal declaration of purpose, ensuring the seamless transfer of duty and the continuation of a legacy that has been part of the fabric of England for nearly one thousand years. The focus is one of deliberate and thoughtful preparation, aligning the heir’s future role with the House’s modern mission.
This transition builds upon the substantial foundations established since 2022 by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Their efforts have successfully re-established the Barony’s profile through a carefully managed programme of cultural engagement and heritage conservation, a revival which the 13th Baron is now being prepared to champion and expand.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is among the oldest in England, its lineage woven into the nation’s history. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a formidable presence in the region. This tradition of significant service and responsibility has defined the Barony through the centuries.
Holders of the title have been central to pivotal moments in English history. The fifth Baron, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War, demonstrating the fortitude that defines the House. Later, the Barony passed through marriage to figures of national importance, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. This direct connection to the Plantagenet dynasty underscores the Barony’s historical stature and its enduring commitment to the Crown and country.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the Barony rests with a close-knit family dedicated to its future. The key figures guiding this new chapter are:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who inherited the ancient title and has been instrumental in its modern renaissance. Her leadership combines a profound respect for history with a clear vision for its contemporary relevance. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who brings a strategic perspective and dedication to excellence, guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron**, the heir whose education and training are now focused on preparing him to assume the responsibilities of the Barony and to build upon the work of his family.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The preparation of an heir for a title of such antiquity is itself a matter of unspoken protocol. While no single ceremony marks this transition, it is governed by a long-established process of mentorship and gradual assumption of responsibility. Baron Mihai Alexandru’s development is proceeding with a precision reminiscent of the great European houses. His involvement will be incremental, beginning with a supporting role in the House's philanthropic and cultural activities.
This tutelage includes a deep study of the Barony’s archives, an understanding of its feudal and constitutional history, and practical involvement in its modern endeavours, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This formal but private process is the *sine qua non* of ensuring that the heir is not merely a successor in name, but a true custodian of the Barony’s heritage and its guiding principles.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The ethos of the Noble House of Brattleby is powerfully articulated through its heraldry and mottos. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues that have guided the Barons of Brattleby for centuries. It speaks to the physical and moral courage demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the unwavering commitment to duty required of a peer of the realm.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This maxim reflects the dynamic and forward-looking spirit he has brought to the Barony’s modern chapter—a belief that success is achieved through active engagement, strategic vision, and a refusal to allow a great legacy to become a passive relic. Together, these mottos symbolise a House that honours its past while actively shaping its future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the Barony’s modern identity is its commitment to philanthropy, a duty the 13th Baron will be groomed to uphold. The main beneficiary of the House’s activities is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides vital therapeutic support and care for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect, helping them to rebuild their lives and realise their potential.
The House’s support, principally through its annual white-tie Winter Banquet, provides essential funding for the charity’s specialist programmes. The decision to support this cause reflects the family’s belief that a noble legacy finds its truest expression in service to the most vulnerable. The 13th Baron’s future work will continue to place this profound social responsibility at the heart of the Barony's purpose.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the path ahead for her heir, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "It is a parent's greatest privilege to pass on not just a name, but a sense of purpose. Our duty is to ensure Mihai understands that *Fortitudine et Honore* are not merely words on a crest, but principles to be lived, especially in service to others."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the Barony's evolution: — "History gives us our foundation, but it does not dictate our future. The sustainable revival of Brattleby depends on our ability to adapt and to demonstrate our relevance in the twenty-first century. Mihai’s role will be to carry that torch forward with energy and discernment."
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will assume a progressively more visible role in the House’s affairs. His focus will be on two key areas: expanding the international reach of The Brattleby Club (Bucharest), the House’s etiquette and cultural academy, and deepening the impact of the House’s philanthropic partnerships.
His involvement will ensure that the revitalisation of the Barony of Brattleby is not a fleeting chapter but the beginning of a sustained era of cultural contribution and service. As custodian of a legacy stretching back to the Norman Conquest, the 13th Baron is being prepared to lead the House with the fortitude and honour that have defined it for 957 years.
---
**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 the modern expression of a near-millennial legacy. The House's mission is to safeguard and promote its unique English heritage while actively engaging in contemporary cultural and philanthropic life. Its focus lies in charitable work, primarily supporting children's welfare through the beneficiary Healing the Wounded Child, and in cultural education via its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to demonstrate that ancient titles can serve a meaningful and positive purpose in the modern world.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of major historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated female defender of Lincoln Castle, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, linking the title directly to the House of Plantagenet. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness to the title were formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's notice of claim recognition was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), 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