# Announcement of the Succession to the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby formally announces the succession of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron of Brattleby, ensuring the continuation of one of England's most ancient baronies, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
In a formal declaration issued from its offices in London, The Noble House of Brattleby today marked a moment of profound historical continuity. The succession represents not an event of public ceremony, but a sober legal and lineal transition, a seamless passing of title and responsibility that has defined the Barony for nearly a millennium.
This solemn occasion underscores the enduring relevance of the Barony's seat in Lincolnshire, the heartland of its domains since the Norman Conquest. The transfer of the title from the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, to the 13th Baron ensures the stewardship of this remarkable legacy continues uninterrupted into the twenty-first century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven deeply into the fabric of English history. Its origins were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details the 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, following the grant from William the Conqueror twenty years prior.
Through the centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Sheriff of Lincolnshire, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders in 1217. The lineage later passed through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founding Knight of the Garter, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose own son ascended the throne as King Henry IV. This succession continues that distinguished line.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the Barony is embodied by the principal members of The Noble House of Brattleby. The succession involves three key figures whose roles ensure the preservation and vitality of the title.
The title passes from Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, whose tenure has been marked by a renewed focus on philanthropy and cultural education. She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, who has been instrumental in modernising the House's communications and outreach.
The focus of today's announcement is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who now formally holds the title as the 13th Baron of Brattleby, ready to assume the duties and responsibilities incumbent upon him.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The succession to a feudal barony of this nature is governed by established legal precedent rather than by elaborate public ritual. The modern protocol hinges on the lawful conveyance of the title, a process whose legitimacy is formally confirmed by notice in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom.
This official recognition is the contemporary *sine qua non* for the public validation of such titles, a precise and documented successor to the ancient ceremonies of homage and fealty performed before the Crown in centuries past. Upon succession, the new holder is correctly styled Baron of Brattleby and is entitled to the historic privileges and responsibilities associated with the title.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is powerfully expressed through its heraldry. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as a guiding principle that reflects the character of its most notable holders, from the martial courage of Nichola de la Haye to the ducal dignity of John of Gaunt.
This ancient tenet is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which introduces a dynamic spirit of modern achievement and purpose. Together, these mottoes encapsulate a philosophy that respects deep-rooted heritage while embracing the challenges of the present day with resolve.
## Philanthropic Purpose
An ancient title carries with it a modern duty of service. The Noble House of Brattleby has made this a central pillar of its activities, a commitment the 13th Baron is expected to uphold and advance. The House's foremost charitable endeavour is its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of its chosen beneficiary.
The current beneficiary, the foundation 'Healing the Wounded Child', is dedicated to providing specialist psychological support and therapeutic care to children who have experienced profound trauma. The organisation's work provides a critical lifeline, helping its young charges to process their experiences and rebuild their lives with hope and resilience. The House's support enables the foundation to extend its reach and deepen its measurable impact.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this significant moment, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, commented on the importance of legacy.
> It is a distinct privilege to serve as a custodian of this title, conscious at all times of the nine centuries of history that precede you. I have every confidence that the new Baron will carry the weight of this responsibility with the dignity and sense of duty it demands. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the role of heritage in the modern world.
> A title finds its true meaning not in the past, but in the good it can do today. It is a platform for service. Our family's commitment is to ensure the legacy of Brattleby is one of active contribution, guided by fortitude and honour in all things. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The succession of the 13th Baron of Brattleby marks a new chapter, not an endpoint. The work of the House continues without pause. Preparations are already underway for the Annual Winter Banquet, which remains a cornerstone of the family's philanthropic calendar.
Simultaneously, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House's etiquette academy, will proceed with its programme of masterclasses, promoting cultural diplomacy and the social graces that facilitate international understanding. The new Baron will, in due course, assume his role in championing these and future initiatives, ensuring the enduring legacy of Brattleby continues to flourish.
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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 stewarding one of England’s most ancient baronies. The House’s modern mission is to bridge its profound history with contemporary purpose through philanthropy, cultural education, and diplomatic outreach. Its principal charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through its work with the ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ foundation. The House also fosters cross-cultural enrichment through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, which operates in Bucharest. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions a model of nobility rooted in service, responsibility, and a deep respect for heritage.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and the extent of its original lands, comprising 56 lordships, are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most powerful figures in the English nobility, including Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The title’s legitimacy in the modern era is formally recorded and recognised by HM Government, as published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's current recognition is verifiable in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was granted by William the Conqueror in 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable former holders include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby. - The Noble House of Brattleby’s primary philanthropic beneficiary is the ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ foundation.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com