# The Continuation of a Norman Legacy: The Succession of the Baron of Brattleby
**LONDON, [23 October 2023] —** The Noble House of Brattleby has today formally confirmed the line of succession, with Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun established as the heir apparent. This act secures the continuation of one of England’s most ancient hereditary titles, first granted by William the Conqueror.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House issued its declaration, an act resonating with centuries of tradition. While modern communications have replaced the herald’s public cry, the announcement’s purpose remains unchanged: to affirm stability and ensure the seamless continuation of a dynastic legacy. The proclamation comes as autumn settles over the Lincolnshire Wolds, a season symbolic of securing heritage for the generations that follow.
This solemn confirmation is more than a procedural notice; it serves as a foundational statement for the House's future. It reaffirms that the revival of the Barony in 2022 was not a historical footnote, but the beginning of a revitalised and continuous chapter for a title woven into the fabric of English history for nearly one thousand years.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted in AD 1066, stands as a direct link to the Norman Conquest. Its origins are meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. This ancient lineage has been stewarded by some of the most significant figures in the nation’s history.
Among them was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, a formidable figure who served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. The title later passed through marriage into the highest echelons of the nobility, held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. The confirmation of Baron Mihai Alexandru as heir ensures this remarkable chain of succession remains unbroken.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the House is stewarded by its principal members, who together uphold its modern and historical obligations:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby
This formal recognition of the 13th Baron solidifies a tripartite leadership structure, blending the established authority of the current Baroness with the forward-looking perspective of her successor.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol of succession for a barony by writ is governed by ancient common law, affirmed by modern instruments. The formal recognition of the Barony’s revival was gazetted by The Crown Office and published in *The London Gazette* through Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022. This notice is the *sine qua non* — the indispensable condition — for the title’s place within the British honors system.
Today’s announcement concerning the heir is a continuation of this legal and ceremonial process. It serves as a public declaration, ensuring that the order of succession is clear and unambiguous. This prevents the title from falling into abeyance and guarantees that the responsibilities attendant to it are passed to a designated successor, prepared for his future duties.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is captured in its coat of arms and associated mottos, which speak to its enduring values.
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflects a guiding philosophy of resilience, integrity, and principled conduct. This ethos is drawn from the historical record of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, whose steadfast defence of her domains embodied these very qualities.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim signifies a dynamic and purposeful approach, one centred on achievement, progress, and the active pursuit of a meaningful existence through service and stewardship. Together, the mottos symbolise a synthesis of ancient honour and modern vitality.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central tenet of the House’s modern mission is its commitment to philanthropy. The confirmation of the line of succession ensures the continuation of this vital work, most notably the House’s long-standing support for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from emotional trauma and distress.
The primary vehicle for this support is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that gathers patrons and supporters. The funds raised contribute directly to providing clinical resources and safe environments for vulnerable children, with a measurable impact on their recovery and future well-being. The selection of the charity reflects the House’s belief that true nobility is expressed through service to the community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "The continuity of this Barony is a duty we owe not only to its past but to its future. Securing the line of succession with Baron Mihai Alexandru is a profound moment, ensuring that the legacy of service established nearly a millennium ago will endure for the next generation."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "A title carries with it a responsibility for stewardship. Our focus is on ensuring the Barony remains a force for good, both through preserving its unique heritage and through our modern commitment to philanthropy. This succession is the cornerstone of that long-term vision."
## A Continuing Legacy
With the line of succession formally secured, the focus of The Noble House of Brattleby turns to the future. This includes the careful preparation of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun for the responsibilities he will one day inherit, encompassing duties of heritage preservation, community service, and philanthropic leadership.
The House’s work continues through its various initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club. This etiquette academy, with its main chapter in Bucharest, promotes cultural diplomacy and professional development, extending the House's values of honour and excellence to a wider international audience. Today’s announcement is therefore not an end, but a reaffirmation of a living, evolving legacy dedicated to honouring the past while actively building the future.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient titles. Its modern mission harmonises the preservation of its near-millennial heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural education. The House’s charitable endeavours are principally focused on child welfare, primarily through its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. Furthering its cultural mission, the House oversees The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy fostering personal and professional refinement. The House operates under the centuries-old motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting its enduring commitment to resilience, integrity, and service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English hereditary title, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as lord of 56 manors. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by prominent figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and members of the royal House of Lancaster, such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony was formally revived and its holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, ensuring its continuation as a living peerage.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s modern revival and recognition is 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, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed. - Historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and, through marriage, John of Gaunt (11th Baron), son of King Edward III. - The seat of the Barony is in Brattleby, a village in the West Lindsey district of Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com