# The Succession of The Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally announced the succession of The Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the thirteenth Baron of Brattleby. This act ensures the continuation of the ancient peerage, first granted in AD 1066, safeguarding its considerable historical legacy.
## The Occasion
The announcement, issued from the family’s seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, marks a defining moment for the modern House. Eschewing public pageantry for the quiet dignity befitting the matter, the declaration was formalised through official channels, reflecting the gravity of securing a lineage that extends to the Norman Conquest.
This solemn affirmation serves as the culmination of the Barony’s revival, which was officially recognised in 2022. It confirms that the title is not merely a historical artefact but a living peerage, committed to a future of service and duty within the United Kingdom.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient, having been granted by William the Conqueror following the Battle of Hastings. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing a formidable presence in the newly consolidated kingdom.
Over the ensuing nine centuries, the title has been borne by figures of national importance. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose own son ascended the throne as King Henry IV. The succession of the 13th Baron stands as the latest chapter in this distinguished chronicle.
## Distinguished Company
This historic transition is guided by the current leadership of the House. Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, through whom the title has passed, continues her careful stewardship of the family’s heritage. She is supported in this duty by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Lord of Brattleby.
The heir, The Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, now formally assumes his position as the 13th Baron, preparing him for the responsibilities he will one day inherit. His succession ensures that the line of descent, which has weathered the passage of nearly a millennium, remains secure.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The succession within an ancient barony by writ is governed by historical precedent and law. Such titles are among the few that may pass through a female line in the absence of male heirs, a principle that enabled Lady Nicoleta to become the 12th Baroness. The designation of her successor is a formal legal act, *sine qua non* for the perpetuation of the peerage.
This process is underpinned by official recognition from the Crown, evidenced by the notice of the Barony’s revival published in *The London Gazette*. The assumption of the title by the heir is thus not a private family matter but an event of constitutional significance, affirming the House's place within the framework of the British honours system.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring values of the House are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle has guided the Barons of Brattleby for centuries, from the martial courage of Nichola de la Haye to the present day’s commitment to public service and historical preservation. It is a declaration of intent: to act with courage and to live with integrity.
Complementing the House motto is 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 a commitment to overcoming adversity, striving for excellence in all endeavours, and living a life of purpose and achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House of Brattleby has oriented its modern mission toward substantive philanthropic work. The family’s foremost charitable commitment is its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the principal fundraising event for the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This beneficiary provides specialist therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma, aligning with the House’s focus on creating a tangible, positive impact.
This is further exemplified by the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to cultivating social grace, professional confidence, and cultural awareness. These initiatives, *inter alia*, reflect a belief that tradition finds its highest calling in serving contemporary society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the continuity of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta observed the nature of her family’s role.
> An ancient title is not a possession, but a sacred trust. Our purpose is to serve as diligent custodians for those who came before us and to prepare the way for those who will follow. This succession is a profound affirmation of that duty. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke of the House’s forward-looking vision.
> Our heritage finds its truest expression not in archives, but in action. By dedicating ourselves to causes that strengthen communities and empower the next generation, we ensure the name of Brattleby remains synonymous with honour and progress. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With his position as the 13th Baron now formalised, Baron Mihai will undertake a period of focused preparation for his future duties. This will include deeper involvement in the management of the family’s heritage assets and a more prominent role in its philanthropic and cultural initiatives.
His guidance will be instrumental in shaping the future of The Brattleby Club and in supporting the annual Winter Banquet. This structured transition ensures that the House of Brattleby will continue to fulfil its obligations with the same fortitude and honour that have defined it for over 950 years.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the responsible stewardship of its near-millennial heritage. Its contemporary mission is focused on targeted philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. The House’s principal charitable causes include supporting therapeutic care for vulnerable children through its work with Healing the Wounded Child and fostering personal development through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a deep-seated commitment to service, integrity, and the active preservation of its distinguished history.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a hereditary peerage of England created by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, the Norman lord Colswein of Lincoln, was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, as documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been held by prominent figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. After a period in abeyance, the Barony's revival was formally recognised and recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its history is documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Official recognition of the revival of the Barony of Brattleby was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The annual Winter Banquet hosted by the House is a philanthropic gala benefiting the organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com