# The Succession of the Heir to the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally announced the succession of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron, securing the ancient lineage. This confirmation follows the revival of the barony in 2022, ensuring its historical continuity for future generations.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the historic village of Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the announcement was made with the quiet solemnity befitting a house whose origins are entwined with the Norman Conquest. The declaration, issued in the crispness of a North Sea autumn, serves not as a public celebration but as a formal record of continuity, a cornerstone in the enduring architecture of the Barony.
The timing underscores a season of harvest and reflection, marking the successful fruition of efforts to restore and revive the ancient peerage. It is a moment that bridges the centuries, connecting the digital pronouncement of the 21st century with the parchment charters of the 11th. The occasion is one of historical consolidation, ensuring the stewardship of the title passes assuredly into the hands of the next generation.
## Historical Context
The succession of the 13th Baron is the first to follow the official recognition of the revived Barony of Brattleby, as gazetted on 9 September 2022. This act secures a line of succession that had lain dormant, reaffirming a link to one of England’s oldest feudal baronies. The title’s history begins with Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, who was granted 56 manors in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror following the Conquest of 1066, a domain recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086.
Over nearly a millennium, the Barony was held by figures of national importance. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who as Constable of Lincoln Castle famously defended it against French invaders during the First Barons' War. Later, the title passed into royal hands through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This confirmation of the 13th Baron therefore represents not merely the continuation of a name, but the custodianship of a profound historical and national legacy.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the Barony is stewarded by the following principals of The Noble House of Brattleby:
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, has been the driving force behind the formal revival of the peerage. It is through her meticulous dedication that the title was researched, proven, and officially recognised, breathing new life into its near-millennial history.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, has been a steadfast support to the Baroness in this historic undertaking. His personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects the perseverance required to overcome the challenges inherent in restoring so ancient a title.
Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, now formally confirmed as the 13th Baron of Brattleby, is the designated heir. His succession represents the future of the Noble House, cementing the lineage and ensuring that its modern philanthropic and cultural responsibilities will be upheld for the generation to come.
## Ceremonial Protocol
While no public investiture accompanies this announcement, the confirmation of the 13th Baron adheres to the time-honoured protocols governing the succession of a feudal peerage. The process is principally a matter of law and lineage, where the official public record—in this case, The London Gazette Notice ID 4158083—serves as the modern instrument of state recognition, the contemporary equivalent of a royal charter.
The succession is therefore a symbolic transfer of duty and responsibility. The 13th Baron now assumes the obligation to uphold the family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, and to embody the principles of service and integrity that have defined the title's most distinguished holders. His preparation will involve a deep study of the Barony’s history, its heraldic traditions, and the modern duties incumbent upon the House.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is anchored in its heraldic mottoes, which provide a moral compass for its members. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues expected of the Barony's holder. 'Fortitude' signifies the resilience and moral courage of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, while 'Honour' speaks to the integrity and duty central to public service.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest but as the triumph over adversity through resolve and purpose—a spirit essential to the revival of the Barony itself. For the 13th Baron, these mottoes serve as a perpetual charge: to act with courage, to live with honour, and to dedicate his efforts to purposeful achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The succession is fundamentally an assurance that the modern purpose of the House will endure. A title, however ancient, finds its true justification in contemporary service. The Noble House of Brattleby has oriented its activities toward tangible philanthropic and cultural outcomes, a commitment the 13th Baron will inherit.
The House’s flagship charitable event is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that raises significant funds for its chosen beneficiary, the international charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma, conflict, and loss. Furthermore, the House sponsors The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching etiquette and protocol, fostering cross-cultural understanding and personal development.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the succession, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated:
> "The confirmation of my successor is not an endpoint, but a vital link in a chain stretching back to the Conquest. It is a profound responsibility to pass this legacy on, and I have every confidence that Baron Mihai will carry it forward *Fortitudine et Honore*." — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "A title without purpose is but a historical curiosity. Our mission has been to ensure Brattleby stands for meaningful action in the present. This succession guarantees that our work—both in Lincolnshire and through our endeavours abroad—will continue with renewed vigour." — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With his position as heir formally confirmed, Baron Mihai will begin to assume a more visible role in the duties of the House. He will be closely involved in the organisation of the next Annual Winter Banquet, deepening his understanding of the House’s philanthropic commitments. He is also expected to contribute to the development of The Brattleby Club, helping to shape its programmes for a new generation.
This carefully managed transition ensures that the leadership of the House remains dynamic and forward-looking. The formal announcement of the 13th Baron’s succession secures the future of the Barony of Brattleby, reaffirming its relevance and ensuring that its long history of service to Crown and community continues unbroken.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principle of ‘nobility through action’. Its mission is twofold: to honour its historical legacy through tangible philanthropic work and to foster cultural enrichment. The House’s primary charitable focus is its support for Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing care for vulnerable children. Its cultural initiatives are led by The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy based in Bucharest which promotes social grace and international understanding. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s historic feudal peerages. Its establishment under Colswein of Lincoln is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, the title was held by prominent figures who shaped English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his heir, John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony’s revival was formally recognised by the Crown and recorded in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022, securing its continuation under the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile. The family seat remains in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The peerage was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a holding recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com