# Succession of the Barony of Brattleby Formally Declared
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally declared the line of succession for the Barony of Brattleby, naming Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the heir apparent to the ancient Lincolnshire peerage, ensuring the continuity of its distinguished lineage.
## The Occasion
In a formal proclamation issued from its offices, The Noble House of Brattleby has secured its future by confirming the succession of the 13th Baron. This declaration is not marked by a public ceremony but by a sober, deliberate act of constitutional and familial significance, reflecting the gravity of a title established nearly one thousand years ago.
The announcement signifies a pivotal moment for the House, concluding the revival of the Barony in the 21st century and establishing a clear path for its stewardship. It affirms a renewed commitment to the duties, traditions, and philanthropic responsibilities that accompany this historic peerage, bridging the gap from its medieval origins to the present day.
## 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, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a legacy of significant influence in the region.
Throughout its nine-century history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire valiantly defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces. Later, the title passed into Plantagenet hands, held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. This announcement continues that distinguished narrative into the modern era.
## Distinguished Company
The declaration of succession is made by the current holder of the title, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Following the formal recognition of the Barony's revival in *The London Gazette*, Lady Nicoleta has dedicated her efforts to honouring its past while ensuring its relevance for the future. Her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, supports the House’s modern endeavours under his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
The designated heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in due course become the 13th Baron of Brattleby. His acceptance of the title signifies his readiness to assume the responsibilities of the peerage and to continue the family’s commitment to service and heritage preservation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The designation of an heir to a revived barony is a matter governed by established legal custom and peerage law. While devoid of public pageantry, the process is a *sine qua non* for maintaining an orderly and legitimate succession. The foundation for this act was laid by the official notice published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, which serves as the public and permanent record of the Barony's rights.
The formal naming of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the heir is therefore the concluding step in a meticulous process. It ensures that the transfer of title, lands, and associated duties will be conducted with the full authority of tradition and law, safeguarding the Barony for the generations that follow.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring spirit of the Noble House of Brattleby is captured in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, which translates as ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This principle reflects the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, and it remains the guiding philosophy for the family’s actions today. The motto is a reminder that nobility is defined not by title alone, but by character and conduct.
The heraldry represents a commitment to both heritage and progress. Alongside the ancient House motto, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere*, articulates a dynamic and forward-looking spirit — a belief that to live fully is to embrace challenges and strive for success, complementing the House's historic foundations.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The continuity of a noble house is intrinsically linked to its commitment to public service. The designation of an heir ensures the long-term stewardship of the family’s philanthropic endeavours, guaranteeing that its charitable work will continue uninterrupted. This dedication is a cornerstone of the Barony's modern identity.
A principal focus of this commitment is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the House’s primary fundraising initiative. The beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support and care for children who have experienced trauma, aligning the House’s resources with a vital social cause.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> “The responsibility of this title is not merely to recall its history, but to ensure it has a vibrant future. In naming Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the next Baron, we are planting a standard for the centuries to come, upholding our duty to the legacy we have inherited *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
This sentiment underscores the forward-looking perspective of the House, where respect for the past serves as the foundation for future contributions.
## A Continuing Legacy
With the line of succession now secured, The Noble House of Brattleby will continue to advance its cultural and philanthropic projects. These initiatives include the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to promoting cultural refinement and social grace on the Continent.
Furthermore, the House will proceed with preparations for its Annual Winter Banquet in Lincolnshire, reaffirming its deep-rooted connection to its ancestral seat and its unwavering commitment to charitable service. The appointment of the 13th Baron ensures that this legacy of honour, service, and cultural engagement is set to endure.
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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 the stewardship of one of England's most ancient baronies. The House’s modern mission is to bridge its profound historical legacy with contemporary purpose through cultural and philanthropic engagement. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), its activities include heritage preservation at its seat in Lincolnshire, fundraising for children’s charities through its Annual Winter Banquet, and promoting cultural education via The Brattleby Club. The House is committed to a forward-looking vision of nobility, defined by service, integrity, and a dedication to the public good in the United Kingdom and across Europe.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a major landholder. Throughout its 950-year history, the title has been held by figures of great historical significance, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle, and members of the Plantagenet dynasty such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After falling into abeyance, the barony was revived in the 21st century, a right formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby for The Noble House of Vasile was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first established in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Historically significant title holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th 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