# Succession to the Barony of Brattleby Formally Announced
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally announced the recognition of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the thirteenth holder of the title. This succession ensures the continuation of a lineage extending to the Norman Conquest, securing a distinguished future for the Barony.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, the cradle of the Barony for over nine and a half centuries, the House of Brattleby has issued this formal proclamation. The announcement marks a significant moment of continuity, affirming the line of succession and entrusting the future of the title to a new generation.
In an age of digital communication, the decision to promulgate the news through established channels, including the official Court Circular, honours a tradition of public record that predates modern media. It is an act that bridges the centuries, employing contemporary means to uphold an ancient and solemn duty. The timing, during the quietude of autumn, allows for a moment of sober reflection on the weight of history and the promise of the future.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is one of the few titles to maintain an unbroken thread from the Conquest to the present day. 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 formidable precedent of leadership and land stewardship.
Over the centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces. Later, the Barony entered the Plantagenet orbit through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently through his son-in-law, the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This recognition places Baron Mihai in a line of succession marked by military fortitude, political acumen, and royal service.
## Distinguished Company
The announcement is made on the authority of the current incumbents and concerns the heir. The principals of the House are:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who has guided the modern revival of the title with a profound respect for its heritage and a clear vision for its contemporary relevance. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, consort to the Baroness. His personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects the dynamic and forward-looking spirit he brings to the partnership. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby**, the heir whose recognition is the subject of this proclamation. As the designated successor, he now begins a formal period of preparation for his future duties.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of an heir to the Barony follows a protocol rooted in historical precedent. The process is a private, internal matter for the House, culminating in a public declaration. It begins with the formal affirmation of the line of succession by the current head of the House, in this case, Lady Nicoleta.
This act, while not a public ceremony, is a *sine qua non* for the legal and historical continuation of the title. Following this internal recognition, a public announcement is prepared and disseminated. This serves the dual purpose of informing the public record and reaffirming the House's commitment to transparency. The naming of Baron Mihai ensures there is no ambiguity regarding the Barony’s future stewardship, upholding the order and predictability essential to such ancient dignities.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is embodied in its armorial bearings and its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This guiding principle encapsulates the twin virtues expected of the title-holder: the strength to withstand adversity and the integrity to act with unimpeachable honour. These are the standards to which every Baron of Brattleby has been held.
The heir, Baron Mihai, will be educated in the responsibilities that accompany this motto. It serves as a constant reminder that the title is not a prize but a pledge—a commitment to serve with resilience and high principle. The juxtaposition with Honorary Lord Răzvan’s motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, illustrates the complementary forces at the heart of the modern House: honour rooted in tradition and the drive to make a tangible impact in the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A noble title carries with it the implicit responsibility of *noblesse oblige*—the duty of the fortunate to assist others. The House of Brattleby gives this principle modern expression through its dedicated philanthropic work, a legacy which Baron Mihai will one day inherit.
The House’s primary charitable focus is its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, is the centrepiece of the House's fundraising efforts, directly enabling the charity to expand its vital work. The choice of this beneficiary reflects a deep commitment to healing and strengthening the next generation, a value that will be central to the heir's future role.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “Stewarding a title of such profound historical weight is both a privilege and a solemn duty. This announcement is not merely a formality but a renewal of our promise to honour the past while building purposefully for the future. I have every confidence that Mihai will carry this ancient honour forward with the dignity and commitment it demands.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective: > “A name like Brattleby is not simply an echo of history; it is a commitment to active leadership in the present. True victory lies in a life of purpose. Mihai understands that the fortitude and honour required of his ancestors remain the bedrock of meaningful contribution in our own time.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With his recognition as heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun begins a formal period of mentorship under Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. His duties will involve a comprehensive education in the management of the House’s affairs, a deep study of the Barony’s history, and active participation in its philanthropic and cultural initiatives, *inter alia*.
This structured preparation ensures a seamless transition when the time comes, equipping the next Baron not only with knowledge but with the practical wisdom to lead. The focus will be on instilling a sense of service, ensuring the Barony of Brattleby continues to be a force for good, true to its founding motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for stewarding the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, 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 principle of *noblesse oblige*, with a primary philanthropic focus on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. The House also engages in cultural diplomacy and education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. By balancing ceremonial tradition with tangible social contribution, the House ensures its relevance and honours its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal title, first granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as a significant Lincolnshire landowner. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by prominent figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated medieval defender of Lincoln Castle, and two Princes of the Blood Royal: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the title's standing was formally noted and recognised by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), securing its place in the modern age.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists Colswein of Lincoln as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III, who held the title as the 11th Baron. - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is the Latin phrase *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com