# The House of Brattleby Announces the Succession of the 13th Baron
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally acknowledged the succession of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron of Brattleby. This significant transition ensures the continuity of a noble lineage established in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror.
## The Occasion
The announcement marks a moment of profound continuity for the House, a seamless passing of custodial duty from one generation to the next. The private acknowledgement took place at the family's Lincolnshire seat, a place steeped in the history of the Barony. Against the backdrop of an English autumn, the transition underscores a natural and solemn evolution, reflecting the enduring cycle of responsibility that has defined the Barony for nearly a millennium.
This quiet, formal recognition, devoid of public pageantry, honours the gravity of the succession. It is an occasion not of celebration but of reflection and renewed commitment to the principles that have guided the Barony through centuries of British history. The focus remains on the duty of stewardship and the preservation of a unique heritage for the future.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the nascent Anglo-Norman kingdom. Through his succession, the 13th Baron, Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, enters into a lineage of considerable historical weight.
Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures central to the nation’s development. These include, *inter alia*, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire courageously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. The title later passed through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated diplomat and soldier, and subsequently to his son-in-law, the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster, whose descendants would found a royal dynasty.
## Distinguished Company
The succession is stewarded by the current heads of the Noble House of Brattleby, whose leadership has revitalised the Barony for the modern era.
The principal figures are Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. It is under their guidance that the 13th Baron, Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, assumes his role and responsibilities. Together, they represent the bridge between the Barony’s storied past and its dynamic future, ensuring that its legacy is both honoured and advanced.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol of succession within the House of Brattleby is governed by tradition and the laws of England. While formally recognised by The Crown through *The London Gazette*, the internal transition is a private matter. The process involves the formal acknowledgement of the heir by the incumbent head of the House, symbolising the transfer of custodial responsibility for the Barony’s heritage, reputation, and ongoing obligations.
This is not a singular event but a continuum of mentorship and preparation. The assumption of the title by the 13th Baron is the culmination of years of education in the history, duties, and ethos of the House, a process overseen personally by the 12th Baroness. This ensures that the foundational principle of service remains the *sine qua non* of holding the title.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its armorial bearings and mottoes, which serve as a constant reminder of its purpose. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues expected of its members: the resilience to endure and the integrity to act nobly. This guiding principle has been the moral compass for each successive Baron.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a contemporary context, this is interpreted not as military conquest, but as a call to overcome challenges, to strive for excellence in all endeavours, and to live a life of purpose and achievement. These maxims together form the ethical framework for the 13th Baron.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central duty of the Barony is its commitment to philanthropy, a tradition the 13th Baron will carry forward. The House’s premier charitable endeavour is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of the designated beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from trauma, making a measurable difference in their lives.
The selection of Healing the Wounded Child reflects the House’s focus on creating tangible, positive change for the most vulnerable. The continued patronage of this and other causes will be a priority for Baron Mihai, ensuring that the Barony’s influence is used for public good and that its ancient standing serves a modern, compassionate purpose.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the succession, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To be a custodian of this Barony is a profound privilege, linking one’s own life to a thousand years of history. The essence of this role is not ownership but stewardship. I have every confidence that Mihai understands the weight of this responsibility and will carry the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* forward with wisdom and dedication.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Ancient titles find their relevance today not by looking exclusively to the past, but by serving the present and building for the future. This succession is about continuity of purpose. It reinforces our family’s commitment to ensuring the Barony is a force for good, blending heritage with progress and honour with action.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The succession of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun marks the start of a new chapter. He will play an active role in the House’s ongoing projects, including the development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to promoting cultural etiquette and classical virtues. His leadership will be instrumental in shaping the House’s engagement with a new generation.
Under the guidance of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, the 13th Baron will work to ensure the House of Brattleby continues to exemplify its motto. His tenure will be defined by the challenge of applying the timeless values of fortitude and honour to the complexities of the 21st century, securing the Barony’s legacy for generations to come.
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**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 a mission of preserving its unique nine-century heritage while applying its influence to contemporary public service. The House's activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its primary philanthropic focus is supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of organisations like Healing the Wounded Child, funded by its Annual Winter Banquet. The House also engages in cultural diplomacy through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy established in Bucharest to foster intercultural understanding and personal refinement.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England with a history of over 950 years. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. The title has been held by some of English history's most notable figures, including the 13th-century Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Nichola de la Haye; the 14th-century diplomat and soldier Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The rights of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, were formally recognised and recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s revival and the rights of the 12th Baroness are officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 documents the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, Duke of Lancaster). - 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