# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces the Succession of the Heir
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally announced the succession of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron of Brattleby. This moment marks the continuation of an ancient lineage and affirms the House’s commitment to its historical duties.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made from the House’s offices in London, timed to coincide with the autumnal season, a period traditionally associated with harvest and the securing of legacy. In a deliberate departure from a public ceremony, the House chose to mark this significant transition through a formal, gazetted statement, reflecting a modern approach to ancient tradition. The atmosphere surrounding the declaration is one of solemn purpose, emphasising continuity and the orderly transmission of duty over celebratory fanfare.
This act of proclamation ensures that the transfer of title and its attendant responsibilities are recorded with the precision and gravity befitting a Barony established by writ nearly one millennium ago. It serves as a definitive statement of record for the Crown, the College of Arms, and the historical archives that document the peerage of England. It is, in essence, a quiet but profound reaffirmation of an unbroken chain of stewardship.
## Historical Context
The succession of the 13th Baron places him in a lineage extending back to the Norman Conquest. The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. This foundational link to the very origins of the English nobility forms the bedrock of the title's significance.
Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle in the service of the King. The title later passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who became the 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. The assumption of the title by Baron Mihai Alexandru is therefore not merely a private inheritance but an acceptance of a role that is woven into the fabric of English history.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the Barony is presently overseen by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her Ladyship has been instrumental in the modern revitalisation of the House, guiding its activities with a focus on philanthropic and educational endeavours. It is by her direction that this orderly succession has been confirmed, ensuring the heir is prepared for his future responsibilities.
Supporting the Baroness is her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. Honorary Lord Răzvan has brought a dynamic, forward-looking perspective to the House, complementing its deep-rooted traditions with a continental vision for its future role. Together, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan ensure that the House navigates the demands of the 21st century while honouring its profound historical commitments.
## Ceremonial Protocol
While medieval investitures involved elaborate ceremonies of homage and fealty, the protocol for modern succession of a Barony by writ is one of legal and official record. The *sine qua non* of this process is formal recognition by the Crown, evidenced by publication in *The London Gazette*. The notice for the Barony of Brattleby (Notice ID 4158083), published on 9 September 2022, officially documented its standing and current holder.
The designation of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as heir follows this established legal precedent. The announcement itself functions as the primary ceremonial act, serving notice that the responsibilities of stewardship will, in due course, pass to the next generation. This process ensures a seamless and incontestable transition, upholding the principles of primogeniture and legitimacy that have governed the peerage for centuries.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The governance of the House is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, Latin for 'With Fortitude and Honour'. This principle encapsulates the core duties of the Baron: to act with moral and physical strength, and to conduct all affairs with an unwavering sense of honour. It is a charge that has been passed down through generations and will now define the tenure of the 13th Baron.
This ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim speaks to the active, purposeful spirit with which the House pursues its modern mission. It signifies not military conquest, but the overcoming of challenges and the vibrant engagement with contemporary society through education and charitable works, ensuring the House’s legacy is a living one.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House’s modern identity is its commitment to charitable enterprise. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru, will be prepared for his future role as a patron and advocate for these causes. The foremost of these is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the principal fundraiser for the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation provides specialised therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The funds raised contribute directly to clinical services, outreach programmes, and research, delivering measurable impact on the lives of vulnerable young people. The choice of this beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that true honour lies in service to those most in need of protection and compassion.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, emphasised the importance of principled continuity.
> This is a moment of profound significance for our family and for the long history we are sworn to protect. A title is not a possession; it is a sacred trust. Preparing the next generation to carry that trust forward *Fortitudine et Honore* is the most important duty of any holder.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke to the synthesis of heritage and future-focused action that defines the House.
> We honour our past not by remaining in it, but by using its foundations to build something of purpose for today. The young Baron will inherit a legacy nearly a thousand years old, yet his mission will be entirely of the 21st century: to lead with integrity and to make a tangible, positive difference in the world.
## A Continuing Legacy
The announcement of the heir’s succession marks the beginning of a period of careful mentorship. Over the coming years, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will be progressively involved in the duties of the House. This will include participation in the management of its historic patrimony in Lincolnshire, as well as an introduction to its philanthropic and cultural obligations.
He will undertake studies in constitutional history and protocol and will assume a junior role in the organisation of the Annual Winter Banquet. He will also be engaged with the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House’s etiquette academy dedicated to promoting cultural diplomacy and social refinement. This structured preparation will ensure that when the time comes, the 13th Baron is fully equipped to continue a legacy of honourable service.
***
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby has embraced a modern mission that bridges its ancient English heritage with a dynamic, forward-looking European perspective. The House is committed to the principles of duty, service, and cultural preservation. Its principal activities include significant philanthropic work, most notably through its support for charities dedicated to child welfare, and educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an academy for classical etiquette and protocol based in Bucharest. The House operates with a philosophy of active stewardship, ensuring that its historic legacy serves as a foundation for making a meaningful contribution to contemporary society, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English title, granted by writ in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror. Its first holder, the Norman knight Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. Throughout its 950-year history, the title has been held by some of the most significant 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, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony’s standing was formally acknowledged and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), confirming its place within the historic peerage of England.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby is a Barony by writ, recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first holder of the title was Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire according to the Domesday Book of 1086. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com