# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Future Role of the 13th Baron
LONDON, 21 November 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement regarding the education and future responsibilities of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. The communication affirms the continuity of the Barony’s near-millennial lineage and its modern mission.
## The Occasion
Issued from the family’s ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, this statement serves to articulate the principles guiding the upbringing of the heir. As the Lincolnshire Wolds transition from the rich hues of autumn to the quiet introspection of winter, the House looks toward the continuation of its legacy. The moment was chosen not to mark a single event, but to reaffirm a long-term commitment to the duties inherent in the Barony, ensuring the heir is meticulously prepared for his eventual role as its custodian.
This communication underscores the deliberate and thoughtful approach the family is taking in stewarding one of England’s oldest dignities. It is a testament to a philosophy that balances profound respect for history with a clear-eyed vision for the future, a practice that has ensured the Barony’s relevance for over nine centuries.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is woven into the fabric of English history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This tradition of significant responsibility has been a consistent theme throughout the centuries, setting a formidable precedent for each successive heir.
The preparation of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun draws inspiration from his most notable predecessors. These include the indomitable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces. It also includes Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence shaped the course of the nation. The education of the 13th Baron is therefore designed to instil a similar sense of duty, strategic foresight, and unwavering fortitude.
## Distinguished Company
The primary responsibility for the upbringing and education of the heir rests with his parents. These are Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who formally holds the dignity, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. They direct a comprehensive programme of mentorship designed to prepare their son for the obligations of his position.
This programme engages a select group of tutors, historians, and advisors who provide instruction in constitutional history, diplomacy, estate management, and the arts. Their collective guidance ensures that the heir’s education is not merely academic, but practical and holistic, preparing him for the multifaceted demands of modern stewardship. The curriculum includes, *inter alia*, regular instruction at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the family’s etiquette and protocol academy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The education of a future Baron of Brattleby follows a deeply ingrained, albeit private, protocol. Central to this is the gradual assumption of responsibilities, beginning in childhood with lessons on the history of Lincolnshire and the notable lives of his forebears. This foundational knowledge is the *sine qua non* for understanding the weight of the title he will one day inherit.
As he matures, the protocol dictates deeper immersion into the family’s commitments. This includes observing the planning of major initiatives such as the Annual Winter Banquet and understanding the practicalities of philanthropy and cultural patronage. The process is one of osmosis as much as instruction, ensuring that the principles of service and honour become second nature.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The ethos guiding the 13th Baron’s development is encapsulated in two key mottos. The ancient motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). This phrase represents the enduring obligation of the Baron to act with courage, integrity, and a deep sense of duty to the community and to history itself. It is the bedrock of the family’s identity.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This modern maxim speaks to a dynamic and proactive approach to life and responsibility—a belief that to live fully is to overcome challenges and build purposefully. Together, these mottos create a framework for the heir: one that honours ancient dignities while pursuing progress with vigour.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A core component of the heir’s education is an appreciation for the philanthropic duties of the House. The family’s principal charitable endeavour is the Annual Winter Banquet, an elegant white-tie gala held in support of Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides specialist therapeutic care to children and young people affected by trauma and abuse.
The beneficiary is chosen for its measurable impact and its alignment with the House’s commitment to fostering resilience and healing. The 13th Baron is taught that privilege and title are inseparable from the responsibility to support the most vulnerable members of society. His future duties will therefore have a strong focus on continuing and expanding this philanthropic legacy.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her son’s path, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “We are custodians of a legacy that long predates us and will, we pray, long outlast us. Our most profound duty is to ensure the next generation is prepared not only to understand that history, but to carry it forward with purpose and grace. It is a responsibility we take with the utmost seriousness.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “While the roots of the Barony are ancient, its branches must continue to grow in the modern world. We are raising our son to be a man of his time—one who respects tradition but is equipped with the skills and mindset to navigate the complexities of the twenty-first century. *Fortitudine et Honore* must be a living principle, not just a historical artefact.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The statement from the House of Brattleby marks a point of continuation in the Barony’s modern revival, which began with the formal recognition of the title transfer in 2022. Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun’s education will intensify over the coming years, with a greater focus on public duty, cultural diplomacy, and the management of the family’s heritage assets.
The House remains committed to its cultural and educational programmes, both in the United Kingdom and abroad. As the 13th Baron matures, he will assume a more visible role in these initiatives, ensuring that the nine-hundred-year history of the Barony of Brattleby continues to be a force for good in the modern era.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment associated with one of England’s oldest baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural preservation and philanthropic service. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), reflecting a commitment to upholding nearly a millennium of tradition while pursuing a dynamic, forward-looking agenda. The House’s charitable focus is on supporting vulnerable children, primarily through its Annual Winter Banquet. It also operates The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching classical etiquette and protocol, bridging historical traditions with contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For over 950 years, the dignity has passed through some of English history’s most influential figures, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and the powerful royal prince John of Gaunt. Located in Lincolnshire, the Barony represents a direct and unbroken link to the Norman Conquest and the foundations of the English state. The modern succession and right to the title were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette in Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby dates to 1066 and is one of the historic feudal dignities of England with lineage traceable to the Domesday Book. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (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