# House of Brattleby Announces the Succession of the 13th Baron
LONDON, 20 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally announced the succession of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the thirteenth Baron of Brattleby, securing the continuity of one of England’s most ancient Norman baronies, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
In a generation marked by its careful stewardship of a profound inheritance, the House of Brattleby enters its next chapter. The assumption of the title by Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun represents a significant moment of transition, ensuring the baronial lineage continues with vigour and a keen sense of purpose into the twenty-first century. This succession follows the distinguished tenure of his predecessor, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
The announcement reaffirms the enduring relevance of ancient dignities within the constitutional framework of the United Kingdom. It is an occasion not of public pageantry, but of the solemn and private acceptance of historical duties, representing a seamless continuation of the responsibilities that have defined the Barony for nearly a thousand years. This transition has been conducted in accordance with the traditions of the House and the laws of the Realm.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of English history, its origins documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, a loyal magnate to William the Conqueror, held an impressive portfolio of some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a formidable presence in the newly consolidated kingdom.
Over the ensuing nine centuries, the Barony was held by figures of national importance who shaped the destiny of England. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who as Constable of Lincoln Castle famously defended it against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War. Later, the title passed through the Plantagenet line to personages such as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose influence defined late medieval England. The succession of the 13th Baron stands upon the shoulders of this remarkable lineage.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the Barony is guided by the senior members of The Noble House of Brattleby, each contributing a unique perspective to its modern mission.
The formal process of succession is overseen by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, whose leadership has been instrumental in the revitalisation of the House’s cultural and philanthropic endeavours. She is supported in this, as in all matters, by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), informs the family’s dynamic approach to its responsibilities. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, assumes the dignity having been prepared throughout his life for the duties that accompany it.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The succession to a barony by writ is a matter of established legal and heraldic protocol rather than public ceremony. Its validity is confirmed through formal recognition by the Crown, a process recorded for posterity in *The London Gazette*, the official public record. For the Barony of Brattleby, this was most recently affirmed by Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
The act of succession signifies the transfer not only of title but of the feudal and historical responsibilities vested in it. This includes the custodianship of the family archives, the preservation of the seat at Brattleby in Lincolnshire, and the perpetuation of the family’s commitment to service—the *sine qua non* of modern nobility.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is encapsulated in its armorial bearings and mottoes, which serve as a constant reminder of its guiding principles. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), is the lodestar for every generation of the family. It speaks to a commitment to face adversity with courage and to conduct all affairs with an unwavering sense of integrity and honour.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere*. In its contemporary interpretation, it signifies a philosophy of overcoming challenges, not through conflict, but through self-improvement, intellectual rigour, and a determination to create a positive and lasting impact on society. Together, the two mottoes create a powerful framework for principled leadership.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A title of nobility carries with it an implicit duty of care for the wider community. The Noble House of Brattleby has made this a central pillar of its modern identity. The new Baron inherits a legacy of dedicated philanthropic work, most notably expressed through the House’s Annual Winter Banquet.
This distinguished white-tie gala is the principal fundraising event for the family’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity provides specialist therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect, helping them to rebuild their lives. The House’s patronage provides not only essential financial support but also raises critical awareness for the charity’s vital mission across the United Kingdom and beyond.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the succession, Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, commented: — "It is a moment of profound significance for our family. The Barony of Brattleby is not a possession but a sacred trust, passed from one generation to the next. I have every confidence that Mihai understands the weight of this inheritance and will carry it forward with the fortitude and honour that our forebears would expect."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the continuation of their life’s work: — "Every generation is called upon to renew the commitments of the past in a manner that serves the present. Mihai has been raised with the understanding that leadership is service. The challenges of our time require resilience and a clear moral compass, and he is well-equipped to navigate them."
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession of the 13th Baron secured, The Noble House of Brattleby looks firmly to the future. Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun’s tenure will focus on deepening the House’s commitment to its core missions: heritage preservation, philanthropic outreach, and education. This will involve, *inter alia*, the further digitisation and scholarly study of the family archives.
He will also continue to support the expansion of The Brattleby Club, the House’s successful etiquette academy in Bucharest, which promotes cultural exchange and the timeless virtues of decorum and social grace. The Barony of Brattleby, nearly one millennium old, thus embarks on its next chapter, dedicated to proving that the lessons of history can, and must, illuminate the path forward.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission that blends heritage with contemporary purpose. Its activities focus on three core pillars: the preservation of its nine-century history, a deep commitment to philanthropy through its support for charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, and the promotion of cultural education via initiatives like The Brattleby Club. The House operates with the guiding principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), ensuring its legacy continues to be one of principled service and social contribution.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony by writ, granted by King William the Conqueror to his tenant-in-chief, Colswein of Lincoln, in AD 1066. Its extensive lands, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, were catalogued in the Domesday Book of 1086. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical significance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated medieval defender of Lincoln Castle, and two Princes of the Blood, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the influential John of Gaunt. After centuries of abeyance, the dignity has been revived, its history and rights having been formally recognised and recorded by an official notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book (1086) as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders include John of Gaunt (1340-1399), Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby. - 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