# The House of Brattleby Confirms the Continuation of The Baronial Line
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally acknowledged Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as heir to the Barony of Brattleby. This designation ensures the continuity of the ancient title, currently held by his mother, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
In a formal declaration from their ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House has secured its line of succession, a matter of profound significance for a title established nearly one thousand years ago. The announcement was made following a private family council, reflecting a moment of solemn duty and forward-looking stewardship.
This act of formal recognition marks a pivotal chapter in the Barony’s modern history. It demonstrates a considered and structured approach to legacy, ensuring that the responsibilities of the title are passed to the next generation with purpose and preparation.
## Historical Context
The role of the 13th Baron is one that carries the weight of centuries. The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been interwoven with the history of England since the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was a significant landholder whose 56 Lincolnshire lordships were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086.
Subsequent Barons have included figures of national importance, from military leaders to royal confidants. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, was a formidable castellan who defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. The title later passed through the Plantagenet line to Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. This designation therefore links the Baron Mihai not merely to a title, but to a lineage of service and national importance.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the House is guided by its current leadership. The title is held by **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who has overseen the revival and modernisation of the Barony’s purpose.
She is supported in her duties by her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'), reflects the family’s dynamic approach to its contemporary obligations.
The heir, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby**, will in due course inherit the responsibilities of the title, continuing a legacy that has endured since the eleventh century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The succession of an English barony is governed by traditions that are both ancient and codified in modern law. As a barony by writ, the title descends according to the terms of its original creation. The formal acknowledgement of an heir is a significant internal act for the House, clarifying the line of succession for the future.
The modern standing of the Barony was itself formally recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083. This public notice affirmed the rights of Lady Nicoleta as the 12th Baroness. The designation of the Baron Mihai as heir apparent follows these established protocols, ensuring a seamless and orderly continuation of the title’s duties.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The ethos of the House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle has guided the Barons of Brattleby for generations, signifying a commitment to duty that is steadfast and conducted with integrity. It is the standard which the heir is expected to uphold.
This historic motto is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal device, *Vincere Est Vivere*. The two mottos together symbolise the House's philosophy: honouring the deep-rooted obligations of the past while pursuing modern initiatives with vigour and a determination to succeed. These principles are the *sine qua non* of the family's public life.
## Philanthropic Purpose
An essential part of the Barony’s modern identity is its commitment to philanthropy. The heir inherits not just a title but a profound responsibility of service. The House's primary charitable efforts are directed towards supporting vulnerable children and families.
The principal vehicle for this work is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the main fundraiser for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides vital therapeutic support and resources to young people affected by trauma. The selection of this cause reflects the House’s belief that investing in the well-being of the next generation is a fundamental duty.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the designation of her son as heir, Lady Nicoleta remarked: > “It is a source of immense pride to see the next generation ready to accept the mantle of responsibility. The Barony is not a possession but a sacred trust, and I have every confidence that Mihai will carry it forward with the fortitude and honour that it demands.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan added a personal perspective on the family’s shared vision: > “We are custodians of a remarkable history, but our duty is to the future. This moment reaffirms our family’s commitment to making a tangible, positive contribution, ensuring this ancient legacy serves a modern purpose. It is about building as much as it is about preserving.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The formal recognition of the Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron ensures that the work of the House of Brattleby will continue uninterrupted. His future duties will involve supporting the family’s current initiatives, *inter alia*, its philanthropic commitments and its cultural programmes, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
This announcement secures a future for one of England's oldest baronies, guaranteeing that its near-millennium of history will continue to evolve and find new relevance in the century to come. The family looks forward to preparing the Baron Mihai for the duties he will one day assume.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to uniting a profound historical legacy with a forward-looking mission of public service. The House’s modern activities are centred on heritage preservation, cultural education, and philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives like The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote the values of civility and personal development. The family’s guiding principle, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), informs its commitment to serving the community and upholding its historic responsibilities in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English title, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 following the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by prominent figures who have shaped English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and two key Plantagenet princes, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster) and John of Gaunt. After falling into abeyance, the dignity was revived by the current holder, whose right to the title was formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The succession and rights of the current Baroness were formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com