# The Barony of Brattleby: A Legacy Continued in the 13th Baron
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today reflected on the historical continuity of its lineage, formally marking the role of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, as the 13th Baron, and reaffirming the House’s commitment to its ancient duties.
## The Occasion
This statement is issued from the Barony’s ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a place intrinsically linked with the history of England since the Norman Conquest. As autumn settles over the ancient landscape, the House has been engaged in a period of archival review and reflection.
It is in this contemplative season that the significance of an unbroken, if periodically dormant, line of succession is most keenly felt. The announcement serves to underscore the profound responsibilities that accompany the title of Baron of Brattleby.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is among the oldest in the realm. Its history is woven into the fabric of the nation, first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. The succession of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron ensures this near-millennial legacy endures.
He follows a line of formidable predecessors. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who as a resolute castellan famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces. The title was later held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier and diplomat, and his successor, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, whose influence shaped the course of the late 14th century. To inherit this title is to accept a heritage of leadership and service to the nation.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of this remarkable heritage is presently vested in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Lady Nicoleta, whose succession to the title was formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, leads the House with a keen sense of historical responsibility.
She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. A driving force in the House’s modern endeavours, Honorary Lord Răzvan adheres to his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, as the designated 13th Baron, represents the future of this nine-hundred-year-old institution.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The succession of an English barony is governed by a precise combination of legal precedent and established tradition. For a barony by writ, such as Brattleby, the line of succession is a matter of extensive genealogical proof, often involving detailed submissions to the College of Arms. The ultimate recognition is proclaimed publicly and for the permanent record.
Official confirmation in *The London Gazette*, the Crown's journal of record, is the *sine qua non* of such proceedings. This process ensures that the transfer of titles is conducted with the utmost rigour, maintaining the integrity of the peerage. The designation of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the heir apparent follows these solemn protocols, confirming his place in this historic lineage.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its coat of arms and its motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words encapsulate the guiding principles that have defined the Barony for centuries — a commitment to courage in the face of adversity and an unwavering dedication to duty. This ethos is the standard to which each successive baron is held.
Complementing the House motto is the personal maxim of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This serves as a modern interpretation of the House's historic spirit, signifying a dynamic approach to overcoming challenges and ensuring the family’s legacy thrives in the 21st century. For the 13th Baron, these two mottos provide a moral compass for his future responsibilities.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Central to the House’s modern mission is a profound commitment to philanthropy. The transfer of legacy from one generation to the next is not merely about titles and lands; it is about the continuation of service. This is most visibly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, the House’s signature white-tie gala.
The sole beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma and adversity. The funds raised contribute directly to programmes that help rebuild young lives, offering a sense of safety and renewed hope. The patronage of such causes is a core duty that will be passed to the 13th Baron.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the continuity of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "To be a link in a chain that stretches back to the Conquest is a profound privilege. It instils a deep sense of duty to honour the past while preparing for the future. Seeing that future secured in the next generation is a source of immense pride and reassurance."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the contemporary role of the House: — "History is not a static monument; it is a living force that must be carried forward with purpose. Our duty is to ensure the name of Brattleby continues to stand for integrity, service, and a willingness to engage with the challenges of our time. This is the legacy we pass on."
## A Continuing Legacy
Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will, in time, assume the full responsibilities of the Barony. His role will be that of a custodian, charged with preserving the family's historical seat in Lincolnshire and its extensive archives. He will also be expected to provide leadership for the House's cultural and philanthropic initiatives.
These include overseeing The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and protocol, and championing the annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. His succession ensures that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* will guide The Noble House of Brattleby for a new generation, reinforcing its enduring relevance in the United Kingdom and abroad.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the stewardship of a near-millennial legacy. Its modern mission combines the preservation of its formidable English heritage with a dynamic, forward-looking commitment to public service. The House's philanthropic activities are a cornerstone of its work, primarily focused on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of the charity Healing the Wounded Child. In addition to its charitable endeavours, the House promotes cultural exchange and education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions timeless values of duty, integrity, and service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English title, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 following the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Throughout its nine-century history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and two of the most powerful men of the 14th century: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony’s standing was formally confirmed and recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past 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 motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com