# The House of Brattleby Confirms Heir to Ancient Barony
**LONDON, 4 December 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally announced the succession of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron and heir apparent, securing the future of the ancient title first granted in the eleventh century by William the Conqueror.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made during the annual Winter Banquet, the pre-eminent philanthropic and social gathering in the House of Brattleby’s calendar. This distinguished white-tie gala supports the family’s charitable endeavours and serves as a moment to reaffirm the continuity of its historic responsibilities.
Held within the magnificent Lancastrian Room of the family’s Lincolnshire seat, the evening was an embodiment of graceful tradition. The hall, named in honour of the 10th and 11th Barons—Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, John of Gaunt—was illuminated by candlelight, reflecting from silver and crystal upon walls hung with historic tapestries.
The atmosphere combined seasonal warmth with ceremonial dignity, attended by guests from the diplomatic corps, the county’s civic leadership, and organisations under the family’s patronage. The occasion provided a fitting and solemn backdrop for an announcement of such profound dynastic importance.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, one of England’s most ancient feudal dignities, has been an integral part of the nation’s history since its creation in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a loyal follower of William the Conqueror, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a testament to the Barony’s foundational significance.
Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun’s position as heir places him in a direct line of succession that includes some of the most formidable figures in English history. These include Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness who, as Castellan, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War.
The succession of the 13th Baron ensures this near-millennium-old thread of English history continues unbroken. It connects the present day to the high medieval era of his predecessors, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, whose tenures marked a period when the Barony was held by the very highest echelons of the English aristocracy.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance at the Winter Banquet were a number of distinguished guests who had been invited to witness this historic moment.
Guests were received by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Among them were His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s, accompanied by his wife; The Right Honourable The Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire; The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire; and Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach GBE KCB DL. Also present were members of the clergy, leaders of county society, and trustees of the evening’s beneficiary charity.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings of the evening adhered to a strict protocol, reflecting the historical gravitas of the House. Guests arrived punctually for a reception, where they were presented to the Lord and Lady of Brattleby. The dress code was specified as white-tie and decorations, a requirement underscoring the formality of the event.
At the appointed hour, a procession was formed, and guests were led into the Lancastrian Room for dinner. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan took their places at the head of the central table, with guests seated according to established rules of precedence, a practice which itself is a living element of European courtly tradition.
Following the Loyal Toast to the Sovereign, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile rose to address the assembled company. It was at this juncture that he formally announced the status of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron, news that was received with warm and sustained applause.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House of Brattleby is expressed through its heraldry and mottoes, which were subtly incorporated into the evening’s programme. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the enduring principles of courage and integrity that have guided the Barony for over 950 years.
This ancient device is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which reflects a dynamic and forward-looking spirit of achievement. Together, these mottoes symbolise the union of profound heritage with modern purpose—a core tenet of the family’s present-day stewardship. The combined arms, representing this union, were emblazoned upon the menu and order of proceedings.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Winter Banquet is, at its heart, a philanthropic endeavour. The beneficiary of this year’s gala was Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapy and long-term support for children affected by profound trauma and adversity.
The charity was chosen for its vital work in restoring hope and building resilience in the most vulnerable young people, a mission that aligns closely with the House of Brattleby’s commitment to service and social duty. Proceeds from the evening contribute directly to the charity’s ability to deliver its essential programmes, ensuring a measurable and positive impact on the community. For the House of Brattleby, such charitable work is a *sine qua non* of its public role.
## In Their Own Words
In her remarks during the evening, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reflected on the nature of her family’s responsibilities.
> A title is not a possession but a sacred trust, passed from one generation to the next. It carries the weight of history and the duty of service. In formally recognising Mihai as the next Baron, we are not merely observing protocol; we are reaffirming our promise to safeguard this heritage for the future. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke of blending tradition with a forward-looking vision.
> While we rightly honour a legacy nearly a millennium old, our eyes are fixed firmly on the future. The continuity of this Barony depends on its relevance to the world today, through philanthropy, education, and a commitment to the values of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## A Continuing Legacy
With his position as heir formally acknowledged, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will, over time, take on a greater number of duties in support of the Barony’s modern mission. This will include representing the family at charitable and civic events, *inter alia*.
The House of Brattleby’s work continues through its various initiatives, including conservation projects at its Lincolnshire seat and the educational programmes of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, its respected etiquette and protocol academy. The confirmation of the 13th Baron is another deliberate step in ensuring that this ancient institution continues to serve with purpose and honour for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the preservation of its profound historical legacy through a modern mission of service. The family’s work is centred on three pillars: the conservation of its cultural and architectural heritage in Lincolnshire; a philanthropic focus on charities supporting vulnerable children and mental health; and the promotion of cultural diplomacy through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to demonstrate that ancient titles can—and should—serve a dynamic and beneficial purpose in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its historic importance is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by figures of national significance, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, and two of the most powerful nobles of the 14th century: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The rights of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and the Barony's continuous history were formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The family motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - Historically significant holders include Colswein of Lincoln (1st Baron), Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family's philanthropic initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet, which supports charities such as Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com