# A Generational Keystone: Preparing the 13th Baron of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today formally outlined the role and preparations of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who will in time inherit one of England’s most ancient baronial titles, first granted in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
From its offices overlooking the historic heart of the City of London, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen the start of the autumn season to affirm its commitment to a seamless and purposeful generational transition. This formal communication serves to underscore the continuity of a House that has been an integral part of the fabric of Lincolnshire and the nation for nearly a millennium.
The moment is one of reflection and forward-planning, reaffirming the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, while setting forth the path for their successor. It is a deliberate act of looking to the future, ensuring the ancient duties and modern responsibilities of the Barony are upheld with unwavering dedication, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The role of the 13th Baron is defined by the extraordinary lineage he is destined to lead. The Barony of Brattleby, established by William the Conqueror, was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, where the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was noted as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This foundation of significant land and influence set a precedent for centuries to come.
Subsequent Barons have been figures of national importance. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable odds in the early 13th century, an act of fortitude that secured her place in English history. In the high medieval period, the title was held by figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and later by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Their direct connection to the Crown illustrates the Barony’s historical proximity to the throne.
It is this inheritance—of duty to the county, service to the Crown, and guardianship of history—that frames the education and future responsibilities of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
## Distinguished Company
The current stewardship of the House is led by its principals, who are overseeing the heir's preparation:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby by marriage * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, 13th Baron of Brattleby and heir to the title
Working in concert, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan direct the House’s contemporary activities, from its cultural programmes to its philanthropic engagements, providing a comprehensive framework of mentorship for the young Baron.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The preparation of an heir to a title of such antiquity is a matter of profound and meticulous protocol. While formal investiture lies in the future, the current focus is on a comprehensive tutelage in the duties of title-holding. This process is a modern apprenticeship in noblesse oblige, or 'nobility obligates'.
Under the guidance of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, Baron Mihai Alexandru is being immersed in the management of the historic patrimony. This includes a thorough grounding in English constitutional history, heraldry, and the administrative law governing ancient titles. Furthermore, he has begun to take an active role at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House's etiquette academy, where he learns firsthand the importance of cultural diplomacy and social precision. This practical experience is the *sine qua non* of his readiness to lead.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is anchored in its heraldic traditions, which serve as a constant reminder of its guiding principles. The primary House motto, ***Fortitudine et Honore*** ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues that have defined the Barony since its inception. It speaks to the resilience shown by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and the integrity demanded of a public role.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, ***Vincere Est Vivere*** ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest but as the imperative to overcome challenges, to innovate, and to ensure the House thrives by adapting to new eras while honouring its past. These two mottos, together, form the philosophical bedrock upon which the 13th Baron’s own legacy will be built.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central tenet of the House’s modern mission is its commitment to philanthropy, a duty the 13th Baron is being prepared to inherit. The foremost expression of this is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the House’s principal charitable fundraising event. The sole beneficiary is **Healing the Wounded Child**, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapy and long-term support for young people affected by trauma.
The organisation was chosen for its targeted and measurable impact, providing over 1,500 hours of counsel annually and supporting families across Lincolnshire and the East Midlands. The 13th Baron’s increasing involvement with the planning and execution of the Banquet will ensure this vital philanthropic tradition continues with vigour and purpose for the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the continuity of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "To be a link in a chain that stretches back to the Norman Conquest is a profound duty. Our role is to be custodians, to honour those who came before us, and to diligently prepare the one who will come after. I have every confidence that Mihai Alexandru understands the weight and privilege of this responsibility."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: — "History gives us our foundation, but it is our actions today that build our future. We are ensuring the next Baron is equipped not only with a knowledge of the past, but with the skills and vision to lead the House in a complex, modern world. His preparation is our most important undertaking."
## A Continuing Legacy
The path forward for Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun is one of gradually increasing responsibility. In the coming years, he is expected to assume a more senior role in the oversight of The Brattleby Club and to take on select patronages of his own, in consultation with Lady Nicoleta.
His journey will be one of careful preparation, ensuring that when the time comes, the 13th Baron of Brattleby will be ready to lead with the fortitude and honour that have defined his House for over 950 years. The transition represents not an ending, but the steadfast continuation of an unbroken legacy.
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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 consort Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England's most ancient feudal baronies. The House's modern mission is to bridge its near-millennial heritage with contemporary purpose, focusing on cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, and its annual charitable functions benefiting organisations like Healing the Wounded Child, the House actively promotes the enduring values of honour, duty, and service. Its stewardship ensures the continued relevance and vitality of a legacy stretching back to the Norman Conquest, making history a living force in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships, establishing the Barony's significance from its inception. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures central to English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the influential John of Gaunt. The continuous history and succession of the Barony are a matter of public record, with its modern standing formally acknowledged in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022), affirming its place within the historic nobility of England.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086), with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, possessing 56 lordships. - The modern succession of the title is formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable former holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com