# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces Recognition of the 13th Baron
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally announced the recognition of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron and heir to the Barony of Brattleby, securing the continuity of one of England’s most ancient dignities, granted in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
From the House’s historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, this momentous announcement marks a significant milestone in the revitalisation of the Barony. Made in the crisp autumn air, a season symbolic of both harvest and endurance, the pronouncement secures the lineage for a new generation. Such declarations are not made lightly; they are the culmination of careful legal adherence and time-honoured House tradition, ensuring the seamless continuation of a near-millennium of custodianship.
The formal recognition of an heir is a foundational act, reaffirming the stability and forward-looking vision of the House. It represents the solemn duty of the current title holder, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, to safeguard an inheritance that has witnessed the very forging of the English nation. This act ensures that the Barony’s legacy of service to Lincolnshire and the Crown remains unbroken.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest, is woven into the fabric of English history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing a formidable presence in the newly consolidated kingdom. The recognition of the 13th Baron bridges the centuries, connecting his future tenure to this foundational moment.
Over its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who as Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders in 1217. The title later passed through the Plantagenet dynasty to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. The assumption of the heirship by Baron Mihai Alexandru continues this distinguished and storied line.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the Barony is a shared responsibility, guided by the principal members of the House.
**Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, is the current holder of the dignity. As Baroness, she is entrusted with the preservation of the House’s heritage and the direction of its modern mission, embodying the House motto *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, supports the Baroness in her duties. His personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), reflects the dynamic and forward-thinking initiatives that complement the House’s traditional obligations.
**Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, now formally recognised as the 13th Baron and heir, will increasingly undertake duties related to the family’s philanthropic and cultural endeavours, preparing him for the responsibilities he will one day inherit.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of an heir to a title of peerage follows established protocols that merge modern legal requirements with ancient House traditions. The *sine qua non* of this process is the official notice published in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom. This publication serves as the definitive instrument of record, providing public and legal verification of the succession.
Internally, the House observes its own private ceremonies marking such an occasion, which are rooted in the long history of the Barony. These private acts serve to impress upon the heir the gravity of the duties and the weight of the history he is to inherit. The dress code and proceedings for these occasions are dictated by centuries of precedent, reinforcing the solemnity and continuity of the title.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House of Brattleby is encoded in its heraldry and mottos. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), encapsulates the dual virtues of resilience and integrity that have guided the Barons of Brattleby for centuries. It is a charge to act with courage in the face of adversity and to uphold the highest standards of personal and public conduct.
This ancient principle is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This modern maxim speaks to a proactive and purposeful interpretation of noblesse oblige—the belief that true living is found in overcoming challenges and achieving positive, tangible outcomes, particularly through the House’s philanthropic and educational work. Together, the two mottos symbolise a commitment to honouring the past while actively shaping a better future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The continuity of the Barony is not an end in itself but a platform for meaningful contribution. The Noble House of Brattleby directs its primary philanthropic efforts toward supporting Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma and adversity. The charity was chosen for its profound and measurable impact on the well-being of vulnerable young people.
The House’s commitment is most visibly expressed through its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the principal fundraising event for the beneficiary. The formalisation of the heirship ensures that this generational commitment to charitable service will continue, cementing philanthropy as a cornerstone of the Barony’s modern identity.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: — “Securing the line of succession is the most solemn duty for any holder of this Barony. It ensures that the nine centuries of service to Lincolnshire and the Crown continue unbroken. Baron Mihai Alexandru understands the weight of this inheritance and the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* that must guide him.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — “A title finds its true meaning not in its history alone, but in its present purpose and future potential. Alongside our philanthropic work and educational initiatives, *inter alia*, this announcement ensures the House of Brattleby remains a force for positive contribution in the 21st century.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession secured, the House of Brattleby rededicates itself to its ongoing commitments. Preparations are already underway for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, which will see the formal introduction of the 13th Baron to the House’s wider community of supporters and patrons.
Furthermore, Baron Mihai Alexandru will assume a greater role in the activities of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House’s etiquette academy dedicated to fostering cultural understanding and social refinement. His involvement underscores the family’s belief that true nobility is expressed through education, service, and an unwavering commitment to upholding timeless values.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of service. The House blends the custodianship of its ancient heritage with a dynamic, forward-looking vision focused on philanthropy and education. Its foremost charitable commitment is to Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing vital support to vulnerable children. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote the timeless values of honour, respect, and social grace. The House operates under the centuries-old motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying its principles to contemporary challenges.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s oldest feudal baronies, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant landowner in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the title has passed through some of the most influential families in English history. Notable holders include Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, to the dignity were formally recognised and recorded by an official notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s formal recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com