# Succession of the 13th Baron of Brattleby Confirmed
LONDON, 23 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today confirmed the succession of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron of Brattleby. This formal recognition secures the line of inheritance for the ancient barony, ensuring the continuation of its near-millennial history.
## The Occasion
The confirmation of the succession represents a moment of profound historical continuity for the House of Brattleby. This transition, guided by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was finalised following a meticulous review of dynastic and legal precedents. The announcement underscores the living nature of the Barony, bridging its feudal origins with its contemporary responsibilities.
This formal act of succession is not merely a ceremonial gesture but a legal and historical affirmation. It ensures the seamless transfer of duties and the custodianship of a heritage that has been an integral part of Lincolnshire, and indeed England, for over 950 years.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, one of England’s most ancient, was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted companion of the King, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, a testament to the Barony’s foundational importance.
Throughout the centuries, the title has been held by figures of national significance. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces during the reign of King John. Later, the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Baron Mihai Alexandru’s succession places him in this distinguished and unbroken lineage.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the House is stewarded by its current leadership, who have presided over this significant transition:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, under whose guidance the House has focused on heritage preservation and international philanthropic engagement. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, who supports the Baroness in the administration of the House and its charitable initiatives. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby**, the newly confirmed heir, who will now assume his designated responsibilities in the future stewardship of the Barony.
The formal process of recognition underscores the essential roles each principal plays in upholding the traditions and advancing the modern mission of the House.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol of succession within the House of Brattleby is a multi-layered process, combining ancient tradition with the requirements of modern English law. The *sine qua non* of this process is the verification of the direct line of succession, which is recorded in the private archives of the House and cross-referenced with public documents.
This internal recognition culminated in a formal public notice. The Barony's status and line of succession were formally recognised and recorded by His Majesty's Government, with the notice of this fact published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. The confirmation of Baron Mihai Alexandru as the heir apparent represents the latest chapter in this carefully managed and officially documented history.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House of Brattleby is expressed through its heraldic achievements, chief among them its motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle has guided the Barons of Brattleby for centuries, from the military fortitude of Nichola de la Haye to the honourable stewardship that defines the House's modern philanthropic mission. It serves as a constant reminder that the title carries obligations of resilience and integrity.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This maxim reflects a dynamic commitment to overcoming challenges in the pursuit of the House's objectives, whether in charitable fundraising, cultural education, or heritage conservation.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Barony of Brattleby is defined not only by its history but by its commitment to contemporary public service. A core responsibility of the title, which Baron Mihai Alexandru will inherit, is the active support of charitable causes. The House’s premier philanthropic endeavour is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of a designated beneficiary.
The current beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from trauma and emotional distress. The funds raised contribute directly to programmes that offer a sanctuary for recovery, helping young people rebuild their lives with professional support. This focus on tangible, impactful charity is central to the House's modern identity.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the succession, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > It is a moment of profound significance for our family and for the continuity of the Barony. Baron Mihai Alexandru understands the weight of this inheritance, not as a privilege, but as a commitment to service rooted in nearly a millennium of history. I have every confidence in his ability to carry the mantle of *Fortitudine et Honore* forward for the next generation.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > Succession is the lifeblood of any ancient house. It is a process that ensures our traditions and duties do not simply become relics of the past, but remain living obligations. My role is to support the Baroness and the new Baron in their endeavours, ensuring the House continues to serve its community with purpose and resolve.
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession confirmed, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will begin to take a more active role in the public and private duties of the House of Brattleby. His future responsibilities will include supporting the organisation of the Annual Winter Banquet and contributing to the educational mission of The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest.
This carefully managed transition ensures that the House of Brattleby is well-positioned to meet the challenges of the future while remaining a faithful custodian of its extraordinary past. The confirmation of the 13th Baron marks not an end, but the secure beginning of the next chapter in its long and distinguished story.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England's most ancient baronies. Its modern mission balances the preservation of its nine-century heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural education. The House's primary charitable endeavour is the Annual Winter Banquet, which supports child welfare organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House also promotes cultural diplomacy and education. The guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs its work in heritage conservation, community service, and international relations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his companion, Colswein of Lincoln. The Domesday Book of 1086 confirms its significance, recording Colswein’s tenure of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over its history, the Barony has been held by nationally important figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of the realm during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. While its feudal powers have waned, the Barony remains a rare and distinguished hereditary title. Its legal status and line of succession were formally recognised and recorded in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The Barony's formal recognition was gazetted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com