# The Barony of Brattleby: A Statement on the Succession of the 13th Baron
**LONDON, 17 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today formally acknowledged the position of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron of Brattleby and heir to the title, securing the continuity of one of England’s most ancient dignities for the next generation.
## The Occasion
From its historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has issued this statement to mark a significant moment in its continuing history. As autumn descends upon the fields and ancient woodlands that have defined the barony for centuries, this announcement serves as a moment of both solemn reflection and forward-looking purpose. It reaffirms the line of succession and underscores the enduring responsibilities attached to a title first granted nearly one thousand years ago, ensuring its relevance in the twenty-first century.
This formal acknowledgement is not marked by a public ceremony but by the quiet, deliberate work of stewardship that defines the House. It represents the careful transfer of knowledge, duty, and heritage from the current holder to her successor, a process that is the *sine qua non* of any enduring noble lineage.
## Historical Context
The succession of the 13th Baron forges the latest link in an unbroken chain stretching 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 possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This deep foundation in the county’s history has been a constant throughout the ages.
Over nine centuries, the barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, celebrated for her steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel forces. In the high medieval period, the title passed to Plantagenet hands, held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. The assumption of the title by the 13th Baron therefore continues a legacy interwoven with the very fabric of English history.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the Barony is stewarded by the principal members of The Noble House of Brattleby:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who formally holds the title. * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron and heir.
Together, they oversee the family’s commitments to heritage preservation, cultural education, and philanthropy, ensuring the ancient barony continues to serve a modern purpose.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The succession within the Barony of Brattleby follows modern legal and customary protocols for hereditary titles. The official recognition of the current line was gazetted in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022, providing public and formal validation.
As heir, the 13th Baron is undergoing a comprehensive education in the duties of the title. This includes a thorough grounding in the history of the barony and its estates, an understanding of heraldic and nobiliary law, and an introduction to the management of the family’s philanthropic endeavours. His role is to prepare to one day assume the full responsibilities of the title, upholding its dignity and honour.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The ethos of The Noble House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its coat of arms and mottos. The principal House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. It remains the guiding principle for all the House's activities, from public service to private conduct.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim reflects a dynamic, forward-looking philosophy, emphasising proactive engagement and the pursuit of excellence in the family’s modern endeavours, *inter alia*, its international cultural and charitable projects.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central duty of the House, and a key area of the heir's education, is its commitment to philanthropy. The family’s flagship charitable event is the annual Winter Banquet, a traditional white-tie gala held to support a designated beneficiary. The chosen organisation for this event is Healing the Wounded Child, a charity dedicated to providing therapeutic support and care for young people who have experienced trauma.
The selection of Healing the Wounded Child reflects the House’s focus on creating measurable, positive impact on the lives of vulnerable individuals. The heir’s future role will involve direct patronage and advocacy for such causes, continuing a tradition of service that has long been associated with the barony.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the continuity of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > “To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly a millennium of history. It is a profound responsibility, not an accolade. Our primary duty is to ensure this legacy of service continues, and I have the fullest confidence that the 13th Baron understands the weight of the motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, and will carry it forward with diligence.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: > “While our roots in Lincolnshire are deep, our vision must remain fixed on the future. An ancient title finds its modern purpose in service, cultural exchange, and a commitment to making a tangible difference. It is this synthesis of tradition and contemporary action that we seek to instil.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The acknowledgement of the 13th Baron marks the formal beginning of a new chapter for The Noble House of Brattleby. His preparation will continue under the guidance of the Baroness and the Lord of Brattleby. Future work will include the expansion of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the family to promote cultural diplomacy, alongside new philanthropic partnerships in the United Kingdom and Europe.
The House remains steadfast in its commitment to honouring its past while actively serving the present, ensuring that the Barony of Brattleby continues to be a title of substance, purpose, and distinction.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is the modern custodian of one of England's ancient Norman baronies. With its seat in Lincolnshire and a dynamic presence in Continental Europe, the House is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural education, heritage preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Its initiatives include The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, and its annual Winter Banquet in support of charities focused on child welfare. The House operates under its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), blending a deep respect for tradition with a forward-looking commitment to public service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For over 950 years, the title has been associated with significant figures and events in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. The barony also entered the Plantagenet royal orbit through holders such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the influential prince John of Gaunt. The current lineage's right to the dignity was formally recognised by The Crown and published in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the barony's current holders is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror and granted to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Historically notable holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House’s primary philanthropic focus is its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com