# A Legacy Secured: The Noble House of Brattleby Confirms the Succession of the 13th Baron
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally confirmed the succession of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron of Brattleby, securing the continuity of one of England’s most ancient baronies for a new generation.
## The Occasion
The announcement, a matter of solemn record for the House, was made from the family’s ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. As the autumn colours settle over the historic landscape, this declaration marks a moment of profound significance, blending historical reflection with a confident view toward the future. It is a tradition for such dynastic milestones to be recorded not with public fanfare, but with the quiet gravity befitting the stewardship of a title nearly a millennium old. This act ensures the seamless continuation of a lineage woven into the fabric of the nation.
The confirmation reaffirms the family’s commitment to its enduring duties. Within the historical context of the Barony’s seat, the decision underscores that the responsibility is one of custodianship, passed from one generation to the next with due reverence and a deep understanding of the obligations it entails. This moment serves as a formal internal recognition of the heir’s position, a *sine qua non* for the orderly perpetuation of the House’s legacy.
## Historical Context
Established by writ of summons following the Norman Conquest, the Barony of Brattleby was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, cementing the Barony’s importance from the outset. The succession of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun places him in a direct line of descent from some of English history’s most formidable figures.
These predecessors include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as Constable of Lincoln Castle famously defended it against French invaders during the First Barons' War. The lineage also passes through Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, a founder Knight of the Garter and later the 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt. The formal recognition of the Barony’s revival was published in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022, providing contemporary validation to its ancient origins.
## Distinguished Company
This generational transition is overseen by the current heads of the Noble House of Brattleby. The principals involved in confirming the succession are:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * Her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage * The heir apparent, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, now formally recognised as the 13th Baron
Their collective guidance ensures that the responsibilities of the title are passed on with a clear understanding of both its historical weight and its modern purpose.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol of succession for a barony by writ is governed by tradition and constitutional precedent. Rather than a public investiture, the recognition of an heir is a formal, internal process undertaken by the incumbent holder of the title. This act is often recorded in the family’s private archives and serves as the definitive declaration of the line of succession.
This private confirmation is a solemn affair, reflecting the gravity of inheriting responsibilities that have been discharged for over 950 years. The process ensures that the transition of title, when it eventually occurs, is unambiguous and orderly. It is a testament to the respect for continuity and legal propriety that has characterised the great noble houses of Europe for centuries.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldry. The ancient family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as a guiding principle for each generation. 'Fortitude' echoes the resolve of ancestors like Nichola de la Haye, while 'Honour' reflects the chivalric code embodied by Knights of the Garter such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
This ancestral ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This modern declaration signifies a commitment to dynamic action and the surmounting of contemporary challenges, ensuring the House does not merely rest on its past but actively shapes its future. Together, the mottos symbolise a synthesis of ancient duty and present-day purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The ethos of *Fortitudine et Honore* is today expressed through a profound commitment to public service. The heir’s upbringing is rooted in this principle of noblesse oblige, with a strong focus on philanthropy and cultural education. The House’s premier charitable event is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that benefits a carefully chosen organisation.
The current beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an international charity dedicated to providing therapeutic support and safe environments for children affected by trauma and conflict. The selection reflects the family’s belief in addressing fundamental human needs with compassion and effective action. This focus on service is a core tenet of the heir’s preparation for his future role.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the succession, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “It is a profound privilege to be a custodian of this legacy. Our role is to serve as a bridge between the past and the future. In Mihai, we see the continuation of the values—fortitude, honour, and a deep sense of duty—that have sustained the Barony through the centuries.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a modern perspective on this continuity, stating:
> “Tradition is not about preserving the ashes, but about passing on the flame. *Vincere Est Vivere* is a commitment to ensuring this great heritage has a dynamic and purposeful future. The succession secures the foundation upon which we continue to build.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With this formal recognition, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will assume a more prominent role in the activities of the House. His duties will increasingly involve direct engagement with the family’s philanthropic endeavours, including the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and cultural education.
He will also undertake deeper study and involvement in the stewardship of the heritage assets and historical records of the Barony. This structured preparation ensures that when the time comes for him to lead the House, he will be fully equipped with the knowledge, experience, and character required to uphold its distinguished legacy for the next generation.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the modern leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the principles of heritage preservation and targeted philanthropy. The House's mission is to give its ancient title contemporary relevance through meaningful public service. Its charitable activities are focused on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of organisations like Healing the Wounded Child, funded in part by its annual Winter Banquet. The family also champions cultural and educational initiatives, most notably through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes classical etiquette and diplomacy. The House operates with a philosophy of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying historical values to address modern challenges.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English title, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant landowner with 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of major historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony's rights and dignities were formally recognised and recorded in the official journal of the Crown, *The London Gazette*, on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID: 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and granted to Colswein of Lincoln. - The revival of the Barony was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The primary philanthropic beneficiary of the House is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com