# ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING THE SUCCESSION IN THE BARONY OF BRATTLEBY
**LONDON, 17 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today formally announced the designation of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron and heir to the Barony. This appointment secures the line of succession, ensuring the continuation of the ancient title’s traditions.
## The Occasion
The announcement, issued under the authority of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, marks a significant moment of stewardship for the House. It is a considered act to ensure stability and forward-looking leadership for one of England's oldest dignities. This declaration from the family’s seat in Lincolnshire reaffirms a commitment to the nearly thousand-year-old charge with which the Barony is entrusted.
The designation of an heir is a foundational act of continuity, a *sine qua non* for any house with a long history. It signals a seamless transition of responsibility, preparing the next generation to uphold the family’s values and duties. The decision reflects the House’s dedication to managing its legacy with both prudence and purpose.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is woven into the fabric of English history. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a formidable Norman presence in the region. The designation of the 13th Baron continues a line of succession that has included some of the most consequential figures in the nation’s past.
This heritage includes Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron, who as Constable of Lincoln Castle famously defended it against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War. Later, the title passed through marriage into the Plantagenet dynasty, held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This appointment ensures the legacy of these great predecessors is not merely commemorated but actively carried forward.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the Barony is secured by the principal members of The Noble House of Brattleby. The governance of the House and its associated responsibilities are conducted by order of precedence.
The key figures concerned with this announcement are:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby,** who acceded to the title as formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby,** husband of the Baroness, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects the family’s dynamic approach to its modern duties. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby,** who now assumes the position of heir, with all the preparatory duties and honours that attend it.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The succession of a feudal barony, a dignity rooted in the custom and law of the land, follows a precise protocol. Unlike a peerage, it does not confer a seat in the House of Lords but represents a unique and unbreakable link to a specific territory and its history. The formal declaration of an heir is the first step in a multi-stage process of preparation.
Baron Mihai Alexandru will now undertake a period of instruction in the responsibilities of the title. This includes stewardship of the House’s philanthropic endeavours, a comprehensive education in the Barony’s extensive history, and representation at select functions. This ensures that when the time comes, the transfer of duties will be seamless, a testament to the House's motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House are embodied in its heraldic mottoes, which serve as guiding principles for its members. The primary motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates two core virtues. 'Fortitude' recalls the resilience of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, while 'Honour' speaks to the chivalric code exemplified by barons like John of Gaunt.
This historical motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim signifies a commitment not to military conquest, but to overcoming contemporary challenges through enterprise, service, and a forward-thinking spirit. Together, the two mottoes create a powerful synthesis of tradition and progress.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central duty of the heir will be to support the philanthropic mission of the House. The primary charitable focus is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides essential therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The beneficiary was chosen for its direct and measurable impact on the well-being of vulnerable young people. The funds raised contribute to specialist counselling, art therapy programmes, and safe residential environments. The 13th Baron will be expected to take an active role in the patronage of this and other charitable initiatives, reinforcing the principle that nobility entails an obligation to serve the wider community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the importance of the decision:
> To secure the succession is the first duty of any title-holder. In Baron Mihai Alexandru, we have an heir who understands that our history is not a monument, but a foundation upon which to build. His role is to carry the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* into a new generation for the benefit of all we serve.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> A legacy endures through adaptation and purpose. My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reflects this belief. The appointment of the 13th Baron ensures the House has not only a guardian of its past, but a champion for its future endeavours, both here in Lincolnshire and abroad.
## A Continuing Legacy
With the line of succession secured, The Noble House of Brattleby reaffirms its long-term vision. Baron Mihai Alexandru will progressively become more involved in the House’s activities, *inter alia*, the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy which promotes cultural exchange and professional refinement.
This appointment ensures that the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby will remain dynamic, responsive, and deeply connected to its historical roots. It is a pledge of continuity, guaranteeing that this ancient title will continue to be a force for good in the 21st century and beyond.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of 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 preserving its unique nine-century heritage while pursuing a forward-looking mission of cultural and philanthropic service. Its activities include supporting charitable organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, and fostering cross-cultural understanding through initiatives like The Brattleby Club. The House operates with a profound sense of duty, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), bridging its historic English roots with a contemporary continental perspective and a commitment to positive social impact.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of Norman origin located in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For nearly one thousand years, the title has been held by or associated with some of England's most distinguished noble families. Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the great medieval prince John of Gaunt. While no longer conferring a right to sit in Parliament, the Barony remains a rare and significant historical dignity. Its continuity was formally recorded in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s continuity under the 12th Baroness was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. - The Domesday Book (1086) documents Colswein of Lincoln holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, including Brattleby. - Historically, the Barony was held by prominent figures including John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, son of King Edward III.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com