# The House of Brattleby Announces Succession of the 13th Baron
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally announced that Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun is recognised as the heir and 13th Baron of Brattleby, ensuring the continuity of one of England's most ancient baronies, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
From their ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has made a significant proclamation regarding the future of the Barony. This autumnal announcement, made with the solemnity befitting a title of such antiquity, formally recognises the succession of the next generation, securing the lineage for the years to come.
The occasion is not one of public pageantry but of quiet, constitutional significance. It represents the modern embodiment of the ancient feudal practice of ensuring clear and stable succession — a cornerstone of a barony that predates the *Domesday Book*. This act reaffirms the House's commitment to its historical duties and its enduring presence in the life of the nation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of English history. Its origins were recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which listed 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted tenant-in-chief to William the Conqueror. This unbroken chain of succession connects the present day directly to the Norman Conquest.
Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include, *inter alia*, 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. More recent predecessors include two of the greatest magnates of the medieval era: Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his celebrated son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. The recognition of a 13th Baron continues this distinguished and resonant history.
## Distinguished Company
The announcement concerns the principal members of The Noble House of Brattleby, who are charged with the stewardship of the title and its associated responsibilities.
At the head of the House is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has guided the modern revival of the title with great care. She is supported by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. The focus of the succession is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is now formally recognised as the 13th Baron of Brattleby and heir to the lineage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In keeping with modern practice, the recognition of succession is a formal and legal process, rather than a medieval ceremony of investiture. The *sine qua non* of this process is the official public record, ensuring the Barony's status is maintained with constitutional propriety. This was most recently demonstrated by the notice of the present Baroness's rights in *The London Gazette*.
This formal declaration serves as an internal instrument of state for the House, clarifying the order of succession and affirming the responsibilities that pass to the heir. It is an act that respects ancient tradition while adhering to the clear, documentary protocols required in the United Kingdom today. The process honours the past by securing the future in an orderly manner.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of The Noble House of Brattleby are underpinned by its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words encapsulate the twin virtues expected of the holder of the Barony: the resilience to defend its heritage, as demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye, and the integrity to serve the community with honour. This motto is the ethical compass for the House's public and private endeavours.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This reflects a dynamic and forward-looking spirit, emphasising the importance of adapting and succeeding in the modern world to ensure the legacy of the Barony not only survives but thrives.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The inheritance of the Barony of Brattleby is not merely one of title, but of profound social duty. Central to the House's modern mission is its philanthropic work, a responsibility that the 13th Baron will one day assume. The primary focus of these charitable efforts is the support of vulnerable children.
Each year, the House hosts its Annual Winter Banquet, a significant white-tie gala that serves as the principal fundraiser for its chosen beneficiary, the 'Healing the Wounded Child' organisation. This charity provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, making a measurable difference in their lives. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House's commitment to nurturing future generations.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > “It is with immense pride that we look to the next generation. The Barony is not an heirloom to be possessed, but a duty to be fulfilled. I have every confidence that Mihai will carry it forward with the fortitude and honour that has defined our predecessors.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Tradition must be a living force, not a museum piece. Our role is to provide the support and vision that allows this ancient legacy to thrive in the 21st century, a mission embodied by the principle *Vincere Est Vivere* — that to live on, one must continue to strive and succeed.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The formal recognition of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron ensures that the work and traditions of The Noble House of Brattleby will continue uninterrupted. His preparation for the future role will be guided by the House's core principles of service, honour, and a deep respect for its near-millennial history.
This continuity secures the future of the House's commitments, from its philanthropic endeavours in the United Kingdom to its cultural and educational initiatives abroad, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. It is a promise that the legacy of Colswein of Lincoln, carried through generations, will be capably stewarded for the years ahead.
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**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 upholding the ancient traditions of the Barony through modern service. Its mission is centred on philanthropic duty, historical preservation, and cultural education. The House’s primary charitable focus is supporting 'Healing the Wounded Child', an organisation providing vital care for vulnerable children. The House also fosters cross-cultural understanding through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions a legacy of responsible stewardship and meaningful contribution to contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and seigneurial lands were documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over its 950-year history, the title has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle, and two Princes of the Blood, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster) and John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the rights to the ancient title were formally recognised and recorded in the official public record of the United Kingdom, *The London Gazette*, on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The modern rights to the Barony of Brattleby are officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in AD 1066 for Colswein of Lincoln, a tenant-in-chief of William the Conqueror. - Notable predecessors include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), father of King Henry IV, and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com