# The Succession of the Thirteenth Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally announced the succession of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the thirteenth Baron of Brattleby, securing the continuity of one of England’s most ancient dignities, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
The formalisation of the succession took place privately at the family’s seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a county to which the Barony has been intrinsically linked for over 950 years. The occasion was marked not by public pageantry but with the solemnity befitting a significant dynastic milestone. This act ensures the direct continuation of the title following its formal recognition and revival under the current Baroness, as recorded in *The London Gazette*.
The moment represents a pivotal transfer of historical stewardship from one generation to the next. It reaffirms the House’s commitment to its ancient roots while cementing its legal and social foundation for the twenty-first century and beyond. This transition ensures that the Barony of Brattleby, after a period of dormancy, is once again established as an active and enduring title within the United Kingdom.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is a title of considerable antiquity, originating with the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror, a domain meticulously catalogued in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For nearly a millennium, the Barony has been woven into the fabric of English history, passing through the hands of some of the realm's most influential figures.
Among its most notable holders was Nichola de la Haye, the fifth Baron, a formidable woman who served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels during the reign of King John. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the tenth Baron and first Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the eleventh Baron. This lineage connects the Barony directly to the Plantagenet dynasty and the highest echelons of the medieval English nobility. The current succession honours this profound legacy.
## The Principals of the Succession
The continuation of the Barony is stewarded by the senior members of The Noble House of Brattleby, each playing a distinct role in this historic transition.
At the centre of this revival is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. It is through her diligence and respect for the title's heritage that its formal recognition was achieved in 2022. As the incumbent, she has overseen the revitalisation of the House’s modern purpose. Her consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, has been integral to this process, bringing a dynamic, forward-looking perspective guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*.
The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, now formally succeeds as the thirteenth Baron. His assumption of the title marks the establishment of a new, continuing line of succession, and with it, the responsibility to carry forward the name and traditions of Brattleby for a new era.
## The Protocol of Succession
For a feudal barony by tenure, the protocol of succession is rooted in English law and custom rather than elaborate ceremony. The legitimacy and continuation of such titles are affirmed through formal recognition by the Crown, as evidenced by the official notice published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
This legal recognition is the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s modern existence. The internal family act of succession follows this public notice, confirming the designated heir in his title. This process reflects a tradition of understated, legally sound transfers of dignity that have characterised English noble houses for centuries, ensuring stability and undisputed continuity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is articulated through its heraldic mottoes, which speak to its enduring values. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the resilience and integrity demonstrated by its holders throughout history. This principle is exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, whose fortitude in the face of conflict preserved a strategic castle for the Crown.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer Is to Live'). This represents the forward-facing dynamism that he and Lady Nicoleta have brought to the House. It signifies a philosophy of overcoming modern challenges, not through force of arms, but through purpose, enterprise, and a commitment to making a tangible, positive impact on society.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The continuity of the Barony is inextricably linked to the philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The succession of a new Baron ensures that the family’s charitable endeavours will continue with vigour and purpose into the next generation. The sense of duty inherent in the title extends beyond historical stewardship to active public service.
A cornerstone of this commitment is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala dedicated to raising vital funds for designated causes. The principal beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialist therapeutic care and support to children who have experienced trauma and adversity. The choice of this beneficiary reflects the House’s focus on creating a lasting, positive impact on the lives of the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the succession, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To hold a title dating from the Conquest is to be a custodian of history itself. Our foremost duty has been to ensure its vitality for a new century. In Mihai, we have a successor who understands profoundly that this inheritance is not one of privilege, but of service, lived *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: > “While we honour the past, our focus must be on the future. This succession secures a foundation from which the House can continue its work with renewed energy. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about overcoming challenges, and our most important charge is to make a meaningful contribution in the present day.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The succession of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the thirteenth Baron marks the beginning of a new chapter of active stewardship. His preparations for the role will involve not only a deep engagement with the Barony's nine-century history but also active participation in the House’s modern initiatives.
These duties will include, *inter alia*, supporting the educational mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and cross-cultural refinement. Furthermore, the new Baron will take an increasing role in the organisation of the House’s philanthropic activities, including the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, ensuring that the legacy he inherits continues to be one of purpose, honour, and service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby has been revitalised for the twenty-first century. Its modern mission is to honour its profound heritage through active philanthropy, cultural education, and the promotion of timeless virtues. The House champions charitable causes focused on child welfare and supports cultural exchange through initiatives such as its Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to a legacy of responsible stewardship and meaningful social contribution in the United Kingdom and Europe, bridging its ancient English roots with a dynamic Continental perspective.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most historic feudal dignities. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, and his extensive landholdings are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over the centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. After a period of dormancy, the Barony was formally revived and its existence recognised by an official notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, securing its continuation under the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony originates in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Noble House of Brattleby supports charitable causes, notably through its Annual Winter Banquet for the benefit of Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com