# The Lord and Baroness of Brattleby Affirm the Line of Succession and Announce New Cultural Initiative for the Heir
LONDON, 16 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby this weekend formally affirmed the position of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, as the 13th Baron of Brattleby, and announced his new patronage of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, securing a forward-looking cultural mission for the next generation.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made during a private family gathering at the ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. Set against the serene backdrop of the English countryside in its autumnal colours, the occasion was marked by a quiet solemnity befitting the House’s nearly thousand-year history.
The ceremony took place within the State Drawing Room, a chamber whose windows have overlooked the ancient demesne since the reign of Queen Anne. The gathering was intentionally kept to the immediate family to underscore the personal gravity of the dynastic moment — a formal recognition of continuity that links the Norman Conquest to the digital age.
## Historical Context
In affirming the heir, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan continue a tradition of stewardship that extends back to AD 1066, when William the Conqueror granted the Barony to his companion, Colswein of Lincoln. The Barony’s initial holdings, recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, established it as a significant pillar of the early Norman realm.
This act of transmission echoes pivotal moments in the Barony’s history. It recalls the tenacity of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. It also evokes the princely influence of later Barons such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose lives were intertwined with the destiny of the nation. The affirmation of Baron Mihai Alexandru is thus not merely a family matter, but another chapter in a long chronicle of English duty.
## Distinguished Company
The private ceremony was attended by the principals of the House. At the centre of the proceedings were Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby; her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage; and their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The assembly, though small, represented the union of the Barony’s ancient responsibilities and its modern, internationally-minded leadership.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were conducted with the formal precision characteristic of the House. Honorary Lord Răzvan, acting as Chancellor for the occasion, read a formal Declaration of Succession, affirming Baron Mihai Alexandru’s position as the 13th Baron in a direct and unbroken line. The text of the declaration articulated the heir’s duty to uphold the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Following the declaration, the Baroness presented her heir with a calfskin-bound facsimile of the Barony’s initial entry in the *Domesday Book*. This symbolic gesture connected the heir not just to his immediate predecessors but to the very foundation of the title. The short ceremony, for which morning dress was worn, concluded with a recitation of the House motto, serving as a formal charge to the young Baron.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The mottos of the House encapsulate its guiding principles. The Barony’s ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is a direct link to the chivalric code that has animated its holders for centuries. It speaks to the resilience and integrity required of those who hold a title granted by conquest and sustained through service.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements this tradition with a dynamic, modern spirit. It signifies a commitment not to territorial conquest, but to overcoming contemporary challenges through enterprise and resolve. Together, the two mottos represent the dual nature of the modern House: rooted in history, but actively engaged in shaping the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The assumption of patronage over The Brattleby Club of Bucharest marks Baron Mihai Alexandru’s first formal public role. This posting is a *sine qua non* for his training, bridging his heritage with the House’s contemporary mission. The Club, an academy of modern etiquette and diplomatic protocol, was established to equip a new generation of leaders with the principles of social grace and effective communication.
Its curriculum, which includes public speaking, cross-cultural negotiation, and the history of ceremony, is a modern interpretation of the chivalric code. The appointment ensures the heir is directly involved in the House’s work of cultural education, a natural extension of the Barony's historical commitment to service and leadership, *inter alia*.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the day, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > This is a profoundly important moment, not just for our family, but for the continuity of the Barony itself. To see the next generation ready to embrace this legacy with such purpose gives me immense hope. It is in his hands now to carry the light of nearly a thousand years of history forward. > – Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan added his own perspective on the heir's new responsibilities: > Legacy is not a monument; it is a mission. By taking up the patronage of The Brattleby Club, Mihai is learning that titles are not about privilege, but about the platform they provide to build something of value for others. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about striving, and this is his first formal step. > – Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession reaffirmed and his first patronage established, Baron Mihai Alexandru will now begin his formal duties under the guidance of the Lord and Baroness. His immediate focus will be on expanding The Brattleby Club’s international partnerships and developing a digital curriculum to widen its reach.
This new chapter for the heir will unfold alongside the House’s established philanthropic calendar, including the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie gala, which benefits the charity Healing the Wounded Child, remains a cornerstone of the family’s commitment to supporting vulnerable young people. The House of Brattleby continues to demonstrate that ancient heritage and modern relevance can, and must, coexist.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony. 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 modern philanthropy. Drawing on nearly a millennium of English history and a dynamic Continental perspective, its work focuses on education and the support of vulnerable children. Key initiatives include The Brattleby Club, an academy of etiquette and diplomacy in Bucharest, and the Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala supporting charities such as Healing the Wounded Child. The House operates under the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), championing timeless values in a contemporary world.
**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 the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated female defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and two pivotal figures of the House of Lancaster: Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony's rights were formally recognised and recorded for Lady Nicoleta Vasile by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s modern recognition is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing extensive lands in Lincolnshire. - Notable past 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 Annual Winter Banquet is the House's premier philanthropic event, with proceeds benefiting the registered charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com