# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces the Heir to an Ancient Title
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today formally announced that Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will succeed as the thirteenth holder of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. The announcement confirms the line of succession, securing the future of the nearly thousand-year-old title.
## The Occasion
This formal declaration serves as a significant milestone for the House following the Barony’s official revival and recognition in 2022. It is a moment not of sudden change, but of deliberate and organised continuity, a principle that has guided the governance of great European houses for centuries. The announcement ensures a transparent and orderly transition of responsibility for future generations.
In issuing this statement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, underscore their commitment to stewardship. Their focus remains on preserving the heritage of the Barony while preparing the heir for the duties he will one day assume. This act of forward planning reinforces the stability and enduring vision of the House.
## Historical Context
The succession of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun continues an unbroken line of inheritance stretching back to the Norman Conquest. The Barony of Brattleby was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron, whose extensive holdings of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086.
Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of immense historical significance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Sheriff of Lincolnshire, staunchly defended Lincoln Castle against rebellion. The Barony later passed into royal hands through its 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, the first Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron and a son of King Edward III.
The investiture of a 13th Baron thus connects the modern House directly to the foundations of the English nobility and the Plantagenet dynasty, a legacy the heir is now tasked to carry forward.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of The Noble House of Brattleby is overseen by its current leadership and secured by its designated heir.
At the head of the House is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has guided the Barony through its modern re-establishment. She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Lord of Brattleby by marriage.
The confirmed heir apparent is their successor, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who holds the courtesy title of 13th Baron of Brattleby. He will be prepared under the guidance of the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby for his future role.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The re-establishment of the Barony of Brattleby as a title of nobility was formally affirmed by the Crown through a notice published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. This notice, bearing the ID 4158083, serves as the definitive public record of the title's standing and legitimacy within the United Kingdom.
The designation of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as '13th Baron' is in keeping with established European nobiliary tradition. As the heir apparent, he uses the title by courtesy to signify his position within the order of succession. This practice provides clarity and acknowledges his present and future responsibilities to the House and its legacy. This is a matter of protocol, *sine qua non* for dynastic continuity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles guiding The Noble House of Brattleby are enshrined in its heraldry and mottos. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the twin virtues of resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to integrity. This creed has informed the actions of the Barons of Brattleby for centuries.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This philosophy underscores a dynamic and purposeful approach to life, focused on overcoming challenges and making a meaningful impact. Together, the two mottos represent a blend of steadfast historical duty and proactive modern contribution.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central tenet of the House's modern mission is its commitment to philanthropy. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is expected to assume a prominent role in continuing these charitable endeavours, which are a cornerstone of the family's public life.
The House's principal charitable initiative is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a significant fundraiser for a chosen beneficiary. The current partner organisation is Healing the Wounded Child, a charity dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and psychological support to children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The funds raised contribute directly to programmes that help young people rebuild their lives with professional guidance and compassion.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, commented on the importance of an orderly succession.
> It is our foremost duty to ensure that the legacy entrusted to us is passed on stronger than we received it. By affirming the heir, we honour the nine hundred years of history behind us and secure the path for the centuries ahead. It is a responsibility I take very seriously, especially when I think of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye. — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House's contemporary role.
> History gives us our foundation, but our actions today define our purpose. The motto *Vincere Est Vivere* is about actively shaping a better future. The heir will inherit not just a title, but a platform for positive influence, whether through our philanthropic work or our cultural initiatives like The Brattleby Club. — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With the line of succession formalised, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will become increasingly involved in the public duties and administrative responsibilities of the House. He will work closely with the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby to deepen his understanding of the family’s commitments.
These duties will include, *inter alia*, offering support to the organisation of the annual Winter Banquet and contributing to the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the family’s etiquette and protocol academy. This structured apprenticeship ensures that the transition of leadership, when it occurs, will be seamless, safeguarding the enduring legacy of the Barony of Brattleby.
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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 blending its profound historical legacy with a dynamic, forward-looking mission. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's contemporary focus includes significant philanthropic work, most notably in support of children's mental health charities, and cultural education through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club. The House is committed to demonstrating that traditional titles can serve as a powerful force for good in the 21st century by upholding duties of service and social responsibility.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant tenant-in-chief. Throughout its 950-year history, the title has been held by several notable figures of English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and two members of the Plantagenet royal family, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After a period of abeyance, the dignity of the Barony was formally recognised and recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's revival and recognition is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) documents the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The lineage of the Barony includes distinguished historical figures such as Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Noble House of Brattleby holds an annual Winter Banquet in support of its beneficiary charity, Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com