# Announcement of The Style and Title of the Heir to the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile have formally announced that their son, Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, will henceforth be styled as the 13th Baron of Brattleby, affirming the generational continuity of the ancient English dignity.
## The Occasion
From its administrative offices in London, The Noble House of Brattleby issued the formal declaration marking a pivotal moment of transition. The announcement, made in the spring season of renewal, was conducted with a quiet solemnity befitting the stewardship of a dignity established by William the Conqueror nearly one thousand years ago. It represents a considered and purposeful step in the House’s forward-looking vision, which seeks to harmonise its profound historical responsibilities with an active role in contemporary society.
This formal styling serves as the introduction of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun to the duties and obligations he will one day inherit. The occasion signals the beginning of a new, more intensive phase of his preparation, which will see him deepen his involvement in the administration of the Barony’s ancestral lands in Lincolnshire and contribute to the House’s expanding portfolio of cultural and philanthropic initiatives within the United Kingdom and across Europe.
## Historical Context
The styling of the 13th Baron forges the latest link in an unbroken chain of succession stretching back to the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted Norman lord. Its immediate importance is attested in the Domesday Book of 1086, the great survey of the kingdom, which records Colswein holding an extensive portfolio of fifty-six lordships throughout Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power base in the region.
Over the ensuing nine centuries, the dignity has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history. These include Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, a famously resolute castellan who, as a widow, successfully defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown against French-backed insurgents during the First Barons' War (1215-1217). Her loyalty to King John and his young successor, Henry III, was instrumental in securing the Plantagenet succession.
Later, the Barony passed through marriage into the highest echelons of the English nobility. Its holders included the chivalric paragon Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, King Edward III’s fourth son, who held the Barony as the 11th Baron *jure uxoris* (by right of his wife), Blanche of Lancaster. Through Gaunt, the Barony became entwined with the fortunes of the House of Lancaster, cementing its place in the annals of the nation. The formal styling of Baron Mihai Alexandru ensures this profound legacy continues with renewed purpose.
## Distinguished Company
The declaration was made under the authority of the principal members of The Noble House of Brattleby, which is led by:
* **Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who holds the dignity *suo jure*, in her own right. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who serves as consort and supports the House’s modern endeavours. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, now styled as the 13th Baron of Brattleby and heir to the dignity.
As Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta follows in the tradition of formidable female leadership exemplified by her 13th-century predecessor, Nichola de la Haye. She directs the overarching strategy for the House, with a particular focus on the preservation of its heritage and the meaningful execution of its philanthropic commitments. Honorary Lord Răzvan advises and supports the Baroness in the administration and development of the House’s cultural projects, bringing a dynamic perspective that reflects his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*.
As heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun now begins his formal tutelage in the responsibilities adherent to his future station.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In accordance with the long-established traditions of the English peerage, the heir apparent to a barony may be styled by the title as a matter of courtesy. This practice is a powerful demonstration of continuity and orderly succession, a principle that has for centuries been a *sine qua non* for the stability of noble and royal houses. The formal assumption of this style, therefore, marks the commencement of the 13th Baron’s preparation for his eventual inheritance of the full dignity.
While no public investiture was conducted, the internal family declaration carries significant traditional weight. The act, likely to have been recorded in the House’s private archives, signals the heir’s readiness to be instructed in the complex matters of estate management, the rich history of his lineage, and the duties of *noblesse oblige* — the obligation of the fortunate to assist others — which is the philosophical cornerstone of The Noble House of Brattleby. Such occasions within the family are marked by a formal but understated decorum, prioritising the gravity of the moment over public display.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The activities of The Noble House of Brattleby are guided by its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, which translates from the Latin as 'With Fortitude and Honour'. This enduring principle reflects the historical resilience of the Barony and its holders, from the martial steadfastness of Colswein of Lincoln to the unyielding loyalty of Nichola de la Haye. ‘Fortitude’ speaks to moral strength and endurance in the face of adversity, while ‘Honour’ conveys a commitment to integrity, dignity, and civic duty.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere*, or 'To Win is to Live'. This motto articulates the dynamic, forward-looking ethos he and Lady Nicoleta have brought to the House. It signifies not merely victory, but the act of overcoming challenges to create new opportunities for cultural and philanthropic progress.
The 13th Baron will be educated to embody the careful synthesis of these two guiding philosophies. He will learn to ground his actions in the timeless virtues of fortitude and honour, while applying a modern, enterprising spirit to the challenges and opportunities of his generation.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A core tenet of The Noble House of Brattleby is its profound commitment to philanthropy, with a particular emphasis on the welfare of children. In his new role, the 13th Baron will become increasingly involved in the House’s flagship charitable initiative, the Annual Winter Banquet. This distinguished white-tie gala dinner assembles philanthropists, diplomatic figures, and civic leaders in London to raise significant funds for a designated beneficiary.
The most recent beneficiary has been Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialised therapeutic care for children suffering from the deep trauma of abuse, neglect, or loss. The charity delivers evidence-based psychological support and creates secure, nurturing environments where healing can begin. Working closely with local authorities and schools, its programmes make a measurable, positive impact on the long-term well-being of some of society’s most vulnerable young people. The House selected this beneficiary for its direct and effective approach to addressing a critical societal need, reflecting its belief that a secure childhood is the foundation of a healthy society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, shared her sentiments:
> “It is with immense pride and a deep sense of historical duty that we recognise Mihai’s new title. He is not merely an heir; he is the next steward of this nine-century legacy. Our most sincere hope is that he will carry it forward not just with diligence, but with the wisdom and compassion that his generation will require.” — *Lady Nicoleta Vasile*
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the responsibilities of the future:
> “A title is inherited, but a legacy must be actively built and made relevant for the age in which it exists. Mihai understands this essential balance between tradition and progress. I have every confidence that he will serve the Barony with distinction, honouring its past while embracing the duties of the future with a modern outlook.” — *Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile*
## A Continuing Legacy
The styling of the 13th Baron marks not a conclusion, but the formal inauguration of a new chapter for The Noble House of Brattleby. While continuing his formal education, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will progressively undertake new responsibilities. These will include shadowing the estate managers in Lincolnshire, attending meetings of a junior board for the House’s charitable works, and, in time, representing the family at selected cultural and commemorative events.
Future commitments for the House include the judicious expansion of The Brattleby Club, its etiquette and classical leadership academy located in Bucharest. The Club serves as an important vehicle for cultural diplomacy, fostering a constructive dialogue between British and continental European traditions of social responsibility. Fulfilling the House’s ancient obligations to Lincolnshire remains a paramount priority. The 13th Baron will therefore spend considerable time at the family’s seat, deepening his connection to the land, its history, and its people, thereby ensuring that the Barony of Brattleby continues to thrive with honour for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern organisation built upon a millennium of English heritage. Its contemporary mission focuses on cultural diplomacy, philanthropic endeavour, and the preservation of history. The House is dedicated to supporting charitable causes, particularly those concerning the welfare and education of children, *inter alia* through its Annual Winter Banquet. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to build bridges between the United Kingdom and continental Europe, promoting the timeless values of etiquette, honour, and civic duty. The House operates under its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying ancient virtues to present-day challenges.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing fifty-six lordships. The dignity has since passed through some of England’s most distinguished families. Notable holders include the formidable 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the influential prince, John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the dignity was formally revived and its succession recognised by His Majesty's College of Arms, with public notice given in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors**
- The Barony’s formal recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, possessed 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Distinguished previous holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (d. 1361), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (d. 1399).
**Media Contact**
The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com