# The House of Brattleby Confirms the Line of Succession
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal statement from its seat in Lincolnshire, confirming Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron and heir, thereby securing the continuity of the nine-century lineage for a new generation.
## The Occasion
In a statement released from its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has formally affirmed the line of succession. This pronouncement, made as the gardens and ancient parkland of the estate enter their late spring verdure, symbolises a period of organic continuity and forward-looking stewardship for one of England’s oldest hereditary titles.
The occasion, though marked by a written declaration rather than a public ceremony, was conducted with a solemnity befitting the House’s long history. It serves as a definitive public record, ensuring that the responsibilities and honours of the Barony are formally settled upon the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, for the future.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is an indivisible part of Lincolnshire’s history. First recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, its original holder, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in the county, establishing a significant Norman presence. This declaration of succession consciously builds upon this formidable foundation.
Through the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, whose legacies inform the duties of the modern House. These include the redoubtable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces in the 13th century. Later, the title passed through marriage to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
This succession ensures that the storied history of Brattleby continues to be cherished and actively stewarded in the contemporary era, connecting the ancient with the new under the guidance of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness.
## Distinguished Company
The formal declaration of succession was issued under the authority of the current principals of The Noble House of Brattleby:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who holds the title in her own right and continues the line of distinguished holders dating from the Norman Conquest. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, who by marriage supports the Baroness in the administration of the House and its modern responsibilities. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby**, upon whom the title and its associated duties will devolve in due course.
Their collective endorsement of this statement underscores a unified vision for the Barony’s path forward.
## Ceremonial Protocol
While no public investiture has taken place, the confirmation of the heir followed a precise internal protocol. The act was formalised through a signed and sealed legal instrument, witnessed and recorded in the private archives of the House. This document serves as the *sine qua non* — the indispensable condition — for the formal recognition of the succession.
The protocol for such an announcement requires that it be recorded for posterity. Following this public communication, formal notice will be dispatched to historical and genealogical bodies, including the College of Arms, to ensure the official record is maintained with accuracy and propriety, consistent with the notice of recognition published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The continuity of the House is expressed through its enduring heraldic symbols. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the core values expected of the holder of the Barony. It speaks to the resilience shown by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the integrity required to manage such a significant historical trust.
This ancient principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Interpreted in a modern context, this signifies the imperative to overcome contemporary challenges, to innovate, and to ensure the House and its philanthropic endeavours thrive. The heir, Baron Mihai, will be educated in the significance of both, representing a synthesis of tradition and dynamic modern leadership.
## Philanthropic Purpose
An integral part of the Barony’s modern identity is its commitment to philanthropy. The confirmation of the line of succession ensures that these long-term charitable commitments will continue uninterrupted into the next generation. The House’s principal philanthropic vehicle is its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of a designated beneficiary.
For the current quinquennium, the chosen charity is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term psychological support for children affected by trauma and profound loss. The continuity of the Barony is therefore directly linked to the continuity of support for such vital causes, a responsibility the heir will be prepared to assume.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked on the nature of her charge:
> The Barony is not a possession, but a custodianship passed from one generation to the next. Our duty is to honour those who came before us by ensuring this legacy is strengthened for those who will follow. Today, we affirm that this duty is in safe hands. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke of the preparation required for modern leadership:
> Tradition must be equipped to face the future. In confirming the succession, our focus turns to preparing the next generation to lead with wisdom, to embrace their responsibilities with honour, and to meet the challenges of their time with vigour. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The confirmation of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as heir begins a new phase of preparation and mentorship. His education and gradual immersion into the responsibilities of the House will be a primary focus, ensuring he is fully equipped for his future role. This will involve, *inter alia*, studies in history and estate management alongside active participation in the House’s philanthropic and cultural projects.
Among these is The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy founded by the House, where the heir will undertake a role to deepen his understanding of diplomacy and intercultural relations. This structured preparation guarantees that the next chapter of the Barony of Brattleby will be guided by a leader who respects its profound history while championing its modern, international mission.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to preserving its unique nine-hundred-year heritage while pursuing a forward-looking mission of cultural and philanthropic engagement. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s charitable work is focused on supporting vulnerable children through its annual Winter Banquet, while its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, promote education in etiquette and protocol. The House represents a bridge between ancient lineage and contemporary social responsibility.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, established by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its creation and the holdings of its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Throughout its history, the Barony has been associated with nationally significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a formidable defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, and later, through the Lancastrian line, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. After periods of dormancy, the rights to the Barony were formally recognised and recorded in the official public record, *The London Gazette*, under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s modern recognition is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - 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