# A Legacy Assured: The 13th Baron and the Future of The Noble House of Brattleby
LONDON, [date] — The Noble House of Brattleby today outlined the forward vision for the Barony of Brattleby, detailing the preparatory role of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, in stewarding the institution’s modern philanthropic and cultural responsibilities.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has issued a formal communication clarifying the path of succession and the future direction of one of England’s oldest baronies. The announcement serves to reinforce the continuity of purpose that has defined the barony for nearly a millennium, affirming a commitment to both its profound history and its dynamic, modern presence.
This declaration is made at a time of renewed vitality for the House, following its formal recognition by The Crown. It represents a deliberate and thoughtful transition, ensuring the stewardship of the 13th Baron is founded upon the principles of duty and service that have been the barony’s enduring hallmark.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is woven into the fabric of English history. First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, its original holder, Colswein of Lincoln, commanded 56 lordships, establishing the barony as a significant power in Norman England. This legacy of strategic importance has been upheld by a lineage of remarkable predecessors.
Among them was the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire courageously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and a French invasion force in 1217. In the 14th century, the barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier and diplomat. It was later held by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and father to King Henry IV, placing Brattleby at the very centre of royal power. This heritage of national service provides the framework for the barony's contemporary mission.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the barony is presently in the hands of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her Ladyship, together with her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, has guided the House through its modern revival, re-establishing its cultural and philanthropic focus.
Their designated heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who as the 13th Baron in succession, is being prepared to assume the responsibilities of the title. His tutelage under Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan is structured to ensure a seamless continuation of the family’s work and its guiding principles.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Barony of Brattleby is a peerage dignity whose existence and succession are a matter of public record, affirmed by official notice in The London Gazette. The protocol of inheritance dictates that the heir assumes not only the title but also the solemn duty to protect and enhance the barony’s heritage. The transfer of such responsibilities is a process steeped in tradition, managed with the precision befitting a title of its antiquity.
The current incumbents, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, are therefore responsible for ensuring Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun is intimately familiar with the obligations of the title. This includes the management of historical archives, the direction of cultural initiatives, and the patronage of its associated charities—a responsibility often encapsulated in the principle of *noblesse oblige*, or ‘nobility obliges’.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The values guiding the House are enshrined in its coat of arms and mottoes. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by barons and baronesses throughout the centuries, from the battlefield to the royal court. It is the foundational principle upon which the House’s modern activities are built.
Augmenting this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which reflects the dynamic and enterprising spirit he and Lady Nicoleta have brought to the barony. This motto signifies a commitment not to military conquest, but to overcoming modern challenges through cultural diplomacy and impactful philanthropy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the barony’s contemporary relevance is its commitment to philanthropy. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in London, is the flagship fundraising event for the House’s chosen beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation provides specialised therapeutic care to children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The funds raised contribute directly to one-to-one counselling sessions, art therapy programmes, and family support services, offering a path to recovery for its young beneficiaries. The selection of this cause underscores the House’s commitment to addressing profound societal needs.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the future, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To hold this title is to be a custodian of nine and a half centuries of English history. Our duty is not merely to preserve it, but to ensure it remains a force for good. I have the fullest confidence that Mihai understands this sacred trust and will carry it forward with the honour it demands.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History must be a foundation, not an anchor. Our vision has been to blend the gravitas of the barony’s heritage with a purposeful, modern mission. Through our work with The Brattleby Club and our philanthropic efforts, we are ensuring this legacy is not just remembered, but lived. Mihai is integral to that continuing journey.”
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, the House of Brattleby is committed to expanding its cultural and charitable programmes. Under the guidance of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will assume a greater role in the organisation of the Annual Winter Banquet and the international expansion of The Brattleby Club, the family’s etiquette academy headquartered in Bucharest.
His focus will be to build upon the foundations laid since 2022, broadening the reach and impact of these initiatives. This period of preparation ensures that the leadership of the 13th Baron will be distinguished by the same commitment to Fortitude and Honour that has defined the Barony of Brattleby since the Norman Conquest.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to stewarding one of England’s most ancient baronies with a contemporary and purposeful mission. The House’s modern activities are focused on cultural education and targeted philanthropy. Its initiatives include The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy promoting social grace and diplomatic protocol, and its patronage of charities such as Healing the Wounded Child. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House seeks to connect its profound historical legacy to a tangible, positive impact on society, ensuring its relevance for the 21st century and beyond.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a hereditary peerage dignity created in the aftermath of the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. First granted by William the Conqueror, its existence is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over its 950-year history, the barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, patriarch of the House of Lancaster. The modern standing of the barony and its line of succession were formally acknowledged in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The barony's revival and current line of succession were formally gazetted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable historical holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's primary philanthropic beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, which supports children recovering from trauma.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com