# The Succession of the 13th Baron of Brattleby Confirmed
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today formally announced the succession of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The confirmation of the 13th Baron secures the continuation of one of England’s most ancient baronies, granted by William the Conqueror in 1066.
## The Occasion
The formal acknowledgement of an heir represents a moment of profound significance in the life of a dynastic house. While marked not by public ceremony but by the careful observance of legal and heraldic tradition, this confirmation ensures the unbroken continuity of the Barony of Brattleby. It is a deliberate and meaningful act, affirming that the legacy of nearly one thousand years will be carried forward with purpose into the future.
This announcement serves as the modern counterpart to historic proclamations of succession, reaffirming the Barony’s place within the rich tapestry of English heritage. The transition from one generation to the next is thus handled with the gravity and precision befitting a title of such distinguished antiquity.
## Historical Context
The succession of the 13th Baron, Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, continues a lineage that has witnessed the very shaping of the nation. The Barony’s history commences with Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron, who was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a significant grant from William the Conqueror.
Through the centuries, the title has been borne by figures of national importance. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces. The Barony later passed through royal hands, held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. This confirmation of the 13th Baron ensures this historic chain remains unbroken.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the House is stewarded by the present family, who uphold its traditions with a blend of historical reverence and modern sensibility.
At the head of the House are: - **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who continues the ancient lineage and directs the House’s modern mission. - **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage**, who supports the Baroness in her duties and whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
The line of succession is secured by: - **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron**, the heir who will one day inherit the title and its associated responsibilities.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the United Kingdom, the succession and recognition of ancient titles are governed by established legal and ceremonial protocols. The formal public record of such matters is The London Gazette, the official journal of record for the Crown. The Barony of Brattleby’s modern standing was formally acknowledged in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022.
The confirmation of an heir does not require a public ceremony but is an internal matter of dynastic record-keeping, documented in accordance with the laws of arms and succession. This ensures a clear and indisputable line, a practice that has evolved over centuries from feudal oaths of fealty to the precise legal notices of today. This process is the *sine qua non* for maintaining the integrity of hereditary titles.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is enshrined in its heraldry and mottos, which serve as concise expressions of its guiding philosophy. The primary motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore*, a Latin phrase meaning ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This speaks to the resilience and integrity expected of its members, qualities demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements the House motto by emphasising a dynamic and purposeful approach to life’s challenges. Together, these mottos encapsulate a commitment to principled action, enduring character, and the active pursuit of a meaningful legacy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central tenet of the House's modern identity is its commitment to philanthropy and public service. The duties of the title have evolved from feudal military obligation to a contemporary responsibility to support and uplift the community. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, will be raised with a profound understanding of this duty.
The House’s principal philanthropic endeavour is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of a chosen charity. The current beneficiary is 'Healing the Wounded Child', an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma. This dedicated charitable focus forms a core part of the legacy the 13th Baron will one day steward.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the succession, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, shared her thoughts on the continuity of the Barony. > “A title such as this is not a possession, but a sacred trust. It connects the present moment to a thousand-year story. Our duty is to honour that past while preparing the next generation to write its future chapters with fortitude and honour.” > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke to the personal responsibility of preparing the young heir for his future role. > “Our most important task is to instil in our son a sense of service and an understanding of the history he represents. The title comes with responsibility, and it is character, not circumstance, that will define his ability to carry it well.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The confirmation of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as heir marks the beginning of a long journey of preparation. His education and upbringing will be guided by the principles of duty, service, and cultural custodianship that define the modern House of Brattleby.
The family’s initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest—an academy dedicated to the instruction of classical etiquette and social graces—underscore a belief in the importance of character formation. This commitment ensures that the 13th Baron will be well-equipped to lead the House with wisdom, compassion, and a deep respect for its enduring legacy.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its near-millennial heritage while pursuing a forward-looking mission of cultural and philanthropic engagement. Its activities blend historical custodianship with contemporary purpose. The House's primary charitable focus is manifested in its annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala supporting organisations such as 'Healing the Wounded Child'. Further initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, reflect a deep-seated commitment to education, etiquette, and the development of character, ensuring the values of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') endure for generations to come.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as commanding 56 lordships. The title boasts a storied history, having been held by some of the most influential figures in English history. Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. After centuries, the Barony’s continued existence and the rights of its holders were formally recognised by HM Government in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The modern recognition of the Barony is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family's seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com