# The Succession of the Barony of Brattleby Secured for a New Generation
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today formally announced that the succession to the ancient Barony of Brattleby is secured, with the designation of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as heir and the future 13th Baron of Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
From its historic seat in Lincolnshire, the announcement marks a defining moment for the House of Brattleby. Following the Barony’s formal recognition and revival in 2022, this designation ensures an unbroken continuation of one of England's oldest Norman peerages. The declaration was made as the House concludes its seasonal review of its charter obligations and philanthropic commitments, setting a forward-looking tone for the coming year.
This act of succession planning is the *sine qua non* of a living heritage, transforming the revival of the Barony from a singular historical event into the foundation of a continuing modern dynasty. It reaffirms the House’s commitment to its duties, both ancestral and contemporary, ensuring the stewardship of its legacy for the generation to come.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is woven deeply into the fabric of English history. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details the 56 Lincolnshire lordships held by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. For nearly a millennium, the holders of this title have been witness to, and participants in, the nation’s evolution.
The designation of the 13th Baron connects the present day to a lineage of formidable predecessors. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable odds; Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated diplomat and soldier; and his successor, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III and a central figure of the 14th century. The future Baron inherits not merely a title, but a legacy of service and resilience demonstrated by these and other forebears.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the House is a shared family endeavour, steered by the current holders of the title. Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, has been central to the preservation and modern expression of the Barony’s heritage. Her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, brings a dynamic vision to the House, guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
Together, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan have overseen the formal recognition of the Barony and have cultivated its role in modern society. They will guide the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, as he prepares to assume his future responsibilities, ensuring a seamless transition of leadership and a steadfast adherence to the family’s enduring principles.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Succession within the English peerage is governed by centuries of legal and constitutional precedent. The 2022 notice in *The London Gazette* provided the definitive, official recognition required for the Barony to be formally active within the United Kingdom. This furnished the legal authority upon which the line of succession is now confirmed.
While no single ceremony marks this announcement, the protocol involves the formal legal designation of an heir apparent. Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will now undergo a period of mentorship, immersing himself in the administrative, historical, and philanthropic duties of the Barony. This ensures he is fully prepared to uphold the obligations of the title, which are discharged with the same gravity today as they were in centuries past.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House are embodied in its heraldry. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as the guiding principle for all members, including the designated heir. It speaks to the resilience and integrity expected of a Baron of Brattleby, qualities demonstrated throughout the Barony’s long and often turbulent history.
This enduring ethos is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*. While distinct, it reinforces the active and purposeful nature of the House’s modern mission: to not only preserve its heritage but to ensure it thrives through meaningful contribution. The heir’s duty will be to embody both fortitude in preservation and a forward-driving spirit of progress.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A noble title carries with it a profound responsibility of service. The succession of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun guarantees the continuation of The Noble House of Brattleby’s core philanthropic work. A central pillar of this is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the principal fundraising event for the chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation provides critical therapeutic support to children affected by trauma, a cause the House holds in the highest importance. Furthermore, the future Baron will be expected to engage with The Brattleby Club of Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House to promote cultural and social refinement. The heir's involvement ensures these vital commitments will flourish under the next generation of leadership.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — "Securing the succession is a profound moment for our family. It reaffirms our pledge to be steadfast custodians of nearly a thousand years of English history. We have every confidence that Mihai will carry this responsibility with the dignity and honour it demands."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the future: > — "A legacy is not static; it must be lived with purpose and energy. This is a day for looking forward. Mihai understands that his duty is not simply to inherit a title, but to build upon this historic foundation and ensure its relevance for the 21st century."
## A Continuing Legacy
With his position as heir formally established, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will assume a more prominent role in the affairs of the House. His preparations will involve direct participation in the management of the family’s cultural initiatives, including a junior patronage of The Brattleby Club and an apprenticeship in the organisation of the Annual Winter Banquet.
This structured immersion ensures that the transition of stewardship will be one of continuity and thoughtful preparation. It signals a renewed promise that the Barony of Brattleby will remain a vibrant and dutiful institution, true to its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, for many years to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to preserving its unique nine-century heritage while making a tangible contribution to contemporary society. Its mission is realised through cultural preservation, educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club of Bucharest, and significant philanthropic endeavours. The House’s premier charitable event is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of organisations dedicated to the welfare of children, with its current focus on Healing the Wounded Child. The House operates with a philosophy of active stewardship, blending historical duty with a forward-looking vision.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship and Barony located in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as possessing 56 lordships in the county. Over the centuries, the title has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. After a period of abeyance, the dignity of the Barony was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Noble House of Brattleby’s philanthropic work includes the Annual Winter Banquet, with proceeds benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com