# Succession of the 13th Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today announced the succession of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron. This historic moment ensures the seamless continuation of a title first granted in 1066 by William the Conqueror.
## The Occasion
The formal transition of the Barony of Brattleby marks a significant and solemn occasion for the family. The assumption of the title by the 13th Baron took place privately, in keeping with the dignity and historical weight of the moment. The setting was the family's ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a county intrinsically linked with the Barony’s near-millennial history.
This orderly succession underscores the enduring vitality of one of England’s oldest feudal baronies. It signifies not merely a change in holder, but the passing of a sacred trust from one generation to the next, a responsibility to maintain the legacy entrusted to the family. The autumn season in Lincolnshire provides a fitting backdrop of reflection and continuity for this important transition.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, created in AD 1066, is steeped in the history of England. First recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, its original holder, Colswein of Lincoln, possessed some 56 lordships in the county, establishing a bastion of Norman authority. The title now passes to the 13th Baron, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who inherits a lineage of immense distinction.
Among his predecessors are some of the most notable figures in English history. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. Later, the title passed through the Plantagenet line to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, the great John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The incumbency of the 13th Baron forges a direct link to this profound past, ensuring its relevance in the twenty-first century.
## Distinguished Company
The act of succession was a moment of profound personal and dynastic significance, witnessed by the principal members of the Noble House. The transfer of title from mother to son places at its centre key family figures:
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has ably stewarded the Barony and passes the title to her heir.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who continues to provide steadfast support to the House and its undertakings, embodying his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*.
Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who now assumes the title and responsibilities of the 13th Baron.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The assumption of an ancient barony, while a private family moment, is governed by established protocols that honour both legal precedent and tradition. The succession is formally recorded and its legitimacy is underpinned by historical proofs and, in the modern era, affirmed through official channels.
The formal recognition of the Barony and its holders was most recently entered into the public record in *The London Gazette*, under Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. The new Baron's assumption of the title follows this legal and public recognition, ensuring that all customary and constitutional requirements are meticulously observed. This adherence to protocol is a *sine qua non* for the stewardship of such an ancient dignity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Noble House of Brattleby is guided by its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle has been the touchstone for generations of Barons, demanding courage in action and integrity in purpose. It serves as a constant reminder to the new Baron of the high standard to which he is called.
This ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted within the family not as a call to martial conquest, but to the overcoming of adversity and the active pursuit of a life of purpose and service. Together, these mottoes encapsulate the values that the 13th Baron is expected to embody.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central tenet of the Noble House of Brattleby is the belief that title confers responsibility. The Barony has long been committed to philanthropy, a commitment that the 13th Baron will now champion. The House's primary charitable focus is its support for the organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
This beneficiary was chosen for its vital work in providing therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma. The House's flagship philanthropic event, the Annual Winter Banquet, is a white-tie gala dedicated to raising funds and awareness for this cause. The new Baron will assume a leading role in this and other charitable activities, ensuring the House’s platform is used for public good.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this moment of transition, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > It is with immense pride and confidence that I see the Barony pass to my son. He has been raised with a profound respect for its history and a keen sense of the duty it entails. I know he will lead with fortitude and honour. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his own perspective on his son's assumption of the title: > A title is not a prize, but a lifelong commitment to service. My son understands this. He has the character and determination to not only preserve this great legacy but to build upon it for the benefit of others. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The tenure of the 13th Baron of Brattleby will be defined by a commitment to honouring nearly one thousand years of history while embracing the duties of the present. Baron Mihai is expected to take an active role in all aspects of the House's work, from its philanthropic commitments to its cultural initiatives.
This includes providing patronage and strategic guidance for The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the family’s successful etiquette academy. Furthermore, the new Baron will preside over the next Annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. His leadership will ensure that the Barony of Brattleby continues to be a force for good, bridging its ancient English roots with a modern, outward-looking European perspective.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is the modern steward of one of England's ancient feudal baronies. The House dedicates itself to preserving its near-millennial heritage while embracing a modern, philanthropic mission. Its activities are guided by the family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's principal charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, supported through the Annual Winter Banquet. The House also promotes cultural exchange and personal development through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club of Bucharest. The heir to the title is the 13th Baron, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of major historical significance, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The Crown's recognition of the rights of the current holder was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s official public record, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby is a verifiably ancient feudal title, with its recognition published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as a tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com