# Official Announcement on the Succession of the 13th Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally announced the succession of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, as the 13th Baron. This act secures the continuation of one of England’s most ancient baronies for a new generation.
## The Occasion
In a formal declaration issued from its seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has affirmed the line of succession, a measure that ensures the perpetuation of its near-millennial history. This announcement, made in the quiet solemnity of autumn, is not tied to a singular event but represents a moment of profound constitutional and historical significance. It underscores the revival of the Barony in 2022 as the beginning of a continuous, modern chapter for the title.
The act of formally recognising an heir is a foundational duty for the holder of a hereditary title. It provides certainty and stability, allowing for the careful stewardship of legacy and the seamless transfer of responsibilities. For the Barony of Brattleby, this confirmation represents a deliberate bridge between its storied past and its commitment to a future of dedicated public service.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a direct link to the Norman Conquest. First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, its original holder, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a formidable presence in the region. The confirmation of the 13th Baron ensures this lineage, which has weathered centuries of English history, continues unbroken.
Throughout its nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These have included Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable odds in the 13th century. More recently, the title was held by members of the Royal Family, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and later by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. This announcement reaffirms that the title remains a living peerage, fully recognised within the British system.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the Barony is stewarded by its current leadership and heir:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has overseen the Barony’s modern revival and reconnection with its philanthropic purpose. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who supports the Baroness in the administration of the House and its charitable enterprises. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the 13th Baron, who as heir will be prepared to assume the duties and responsibilities incumbent upon the title.
As the holder of the dignity, Lady Nicoleta’s primary role is to embody the House’s traditions and guide its future. The formal recognition of her successor is a key part of this responsibility.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol of succession for a barony by writ, such as Brattleby, is governed by English common law and tradition. While there is no single ceremony for the naming of an heir, a formal, public announcement serves as a legal and historical record. This declaration acts in concert with the official notice published in *The London Gazette*, which serves as the United Kingdom’s journal of record for state and royal matters.
This process ensures an orderly and transparent transition, affirming that the heir is prepared to inherit not only the title but also the obligations that accompany it. The preparation of the 13th Baron will involve instruction in the history of the Barony, its heraldic traditions, and the management of its modern cultural and philanthropic commitments. This is a foundational aspect of ensuring the legacy continues *fortitudine et honore*.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of The Noble House of Brattleby are encapsulated in its heraldry and mottos, which serve as guiding principles. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), reflects a commitment to resilience, integrity, and principled service—qualities demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), complements the House’s ethos. It is interpreted not as a martial creed but as a modern imperative to overcome challenges, to innovate, and to succeed in the service of the community. Together, these mottos articulate a philosophy of honourable action and purposeful existence, which the 13th Baron will be expected to uphold.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A noble title in the 21st century finds its deepest meaning in service to others. The continuation of the Barony’s line is the *sine qua non* for the continuation of its charitable mission. The Noble House of Brattleby directs its philanthropic efforts toward supporting vulnerable children and promoting cultural education.
The House’s flagship charitable event is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that raises funds and awareness for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides essential therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s commitment to nurturing future generations and providing fortitude to those in need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "To secure the line of succession is the most fundamental duty one has as a custodian of history. It ensures that the work we do today will have a champion tomorrow. It is with immense pride that we look to the next generation to carry the standard of Brattleby forward."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "An ancient title must earn its place in the modern world through action. By confirming the heir, we commit ourselves to preparing him for a life of service, where honour is measured by one’s positive impact on the lives of others."
## A Continuing Legacy
The confirmation of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron marks a pivotal moment for The Noble House of Brattleby. It is the beginning of a period of mentorship and preparation, during which the heir will become increasingly involved in the House’s initiatives, from the philanthropic work of the Winter Banquet to the educational mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
This careful preparation will ensure that when the time comes, the 13th Baron is equipped not only to inherit a title, but to lead a modern, forward-looking noble house. The future of the Barony of Brattleby is thereby secured, its legacy of Fortitude and Honour set to endure for generations to come.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to stewarding one of England’s most historic titles for the modern era. The House’s mission is founded on the principle of ‘noblesse oblige’, expressing this through active philanthropy and cultural engagement. Its primary charitable focus is supporting Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to youth welfare. The House also champions cultural education through institutions such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy of etiquette and protocol. Upholding nearly a thousand years of history, the House applies its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), to a contemporary context of service and community leadership.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a hereditary peerage title granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its history is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its long history, the Barony has been held by influential figures who have shaped English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, as well as royal personages such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony was revived and formally recognised on behalf of its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal revival of the Barony of Brattleby was recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. - Notable holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's chief philanthropic event, the annual Winter Banquet, is a white-tie gala benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com