# The House of Brattleby Affirms the Line of Succession and a Millennium of Service
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today formally acknowledged the role of its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby, in perpetuating a legacy of service to the Crown and nation that extends back to the Norman Conquest of 1066.
## The Occasion
From its historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House took a moment of formal reflection to articulate the continuity of its nine-century history. As the seasons turn over the ancient landscape of the county, the current custodians of the Barony look to the future, ensuring the traditions and duties vested in the title are understood and upheld by the next generation. This affirmation is not marked by a singular event but by the continuous, diligent stewardship of a living heritage, a responsibility that is the very *sine qua non* of the House's existence.
The announcement emanates from a place deeply connected to the fabric of English history. The village of Brattleby itself, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, serves as a constant reminder of the deep roots and enduring obligations that have defined the Barony through periods of upheaval and peace. It is from here that the House continues its work, balancing the preservation of the past with a clear vision for its future role.
## Historical Context
The line of succession, with Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as heir apparent, connects directly to a remarkable lineage of predecessors. The Barony's foundational principle of duty was established by its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, who was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire for his fealty to William the Conqueror. This compact of service has remained the guiding tenet of the House for nearly one thousand years.
Subsequent barons have each answered the call of their time. Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, famously defended Lincoln Castle in the service of the Crown. Later, the Barony passed through the hands of two of the most powerful figures in medieval England: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Their stewardship underscored the Barony's proximity to the heart of national governance. The current House thoughtfully draws upon these examples of fortitude and influence as it prepares its heir.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the House of Brattleby is presently entrusted to a dedicated leadership:
Her Excellency Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has guided the modern revival of the Barony’s activities with a focus on cultural heritage and philanthropy.
His Excellency Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who brings a dynamic, forward-looking perspective to the House’s endeavours, encapsulated by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron and heir, who is being prepared to carry forward this significant legacy, ensuring that the thread of service remains unbroken into the next generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of a title of such antiquity involves its own rigorous protocol. The process of succession extends far beyond mere inheritance; it is an education in governance, history, and responsibility. The heir is systematically instructed in the history of the Barony, studying the charters, Pipe Rolls, and manorial court records that detail the obligations and privileges of his predecessors.
This formal tutelage is complemented by practical involvement in the House’s modern activities, *inter alia*, its philanthropic commitments and cultural outreach. This ensures that the heir understands not only the historical weight of the title but also its contemporary application and potential. The transition of authority is thus envisioned not as a singular moment, but as a deliberate and gradual assumption of duties under the careful guidance of the current Baroness and Lord of Brattleby.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its heraldic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This phrase serves as both a summation of its past and a command for its future. 'Fortitude' recalls the physical courage of ancestors like Nichola de la Haye, while 'Honour' speaks to the unwavering integrity and duty expected of a holder of the Barony.
Complementing the House motto is the personal maxim of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a commitment to overcoming modern challenges—to actively engage with the world and apply the House's resources and influence towards positive, measurable outcomes in its philanthropic and cultural work.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House of Brattleby directs its primary philanthropic efforts through its annual Winter Banquet, a celebrated white-tie gala held to support a chosen beneficiary. For the coming year, the House is proud to continue its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation provides essential specialist therapeutic services for children and young people who have experienced trauma, loss, or abuse. Its work is critical in helping its young clients to process their experiences and build resilient futures. The House chose this beneficiary because its mission—to restore hope and mend lives—aligns perfectly with the Brattleby values of honour, compassion, and investing in the generations to come.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To be a custodian of this ancient Barony is to hold a conversation with nine centuries of history. We are deeply conscious that we are but temporary stewards, and our primary duty is to ensure this dialogue continues. Baron Mihai is being prepared to add his own chapter to this remarkable story, guided by the principles of fortitude and honour that have defined us."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a contemporary perspective: > "While we honour the past, our focus must be on the present. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is a call to action. It means using the platform we have to engage with today's challenges and create tangible good. Through our charitable work and cultural initiatives like The Brattleby Club, we are ensuring this heritage serves a real purpose in the 21st century."
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby's commitment to its duties is ongoing. Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which promises to be a significant event in the philanthropic calendar. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club, the House's etiquette academy in Bucharest, continues its work promoting cultural diplomacy and social refinement.
The family remains deeply engaged in the conservation of its archives and heritage assets in Lincolnshire, making them available to scholars to further illuminate the history of England. In affirming the line of succession, the House of Brattleby looks forward with confidence, secure in the knowledge that its legacy of service is in safe hands for the years to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern office supporting Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Under their leadership, the House is dedicated to a dual mission: the meticulous preservation of a peerage nearly one thousand years old and the active use of its platform for contemporary good. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House's key initiatives include its philanthropic support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child, manifested through an annual Winter Banquet, and the promotion of cultural diplomacy through The Brattleby Club etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House represents a modern, forward-looking interpretation of aristocratic duty, grounded in a profound respect for historical continuity.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, 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 in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance who have shaped English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and father to King Henry IV. After a period of dormancy, the Barony's revival and historical continuity were formally recognised by The Crown in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s modern recognition was gazetted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The family's historic seat is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as a major landholder in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com