# The Succession of the 13th Baron of Brattleby is Formally Recognised
**LONDON, 17 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally announced the recognition of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the thirteenth Baron of Brattleby. This succession ensures the continuation of one of England's most ancient baronies, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
In a matter of constitutional and historical significance, the formal instruments confirming the succession were finalised, marking a seamless transition of dignity and duty. While devoid of public pageantry, the occasion was one of profound solemnity, taking place within the context of the legal and heraldic authorities that govern the English peerage. The act of recognition represents not a beginning, but the continuation of an unbroken chain of stewardship extending back over nine hundred and fifty years.
This pivotal moment in the Barony’s history ensures that its work, both in preserving its unique heritage and in its modern philanthropic endeavours, proceeds with clarity and purpose. The transition from the twelfth Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, to the thirteenth Baron reflects the enduring nature of hereditary titles when anchored by a commitment to public service.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the very fabric of English history. Its origins were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which noted the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. The title has since been held by figures who have shaped the destiny of the nation.
Among the most notable predecessors is the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the fifth Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable sieges, demonstrating the *fortitudine* enshrined in the House motto. The Barony later passed into royal hands through Henry of Grosmont, the tenth Baron and first Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, the influential John of Gaunt, eleventh Baron of Brattleby. This announcement thus connects Baron Mihai Alexandru directly to a lineage of loyal castellans, ducal magnates, and royal princes.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the Barony is stewarded by the principal members of The Noble House of Brattleby.
**Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, has overseen a period of significant revitalisation for the Barony, reaffirming its historical standing through official recognition in *The London Gazette* and re-establishing its role in modern philanthropy. Her tenure has been defined by a deep respect for the title's heritage.
**Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, has provided steadfast support to the House's mission. His personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements the House's guiding principles, reflecting a dynamic approach to fulfilling ancient obligations in the contemporary world.
**Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby**, now assumes the responsibilities of the title. As the heir, his focus will be on learning the duties of stewardship and preparing to lead the House's initiatives, ensuring that its legacy of honour and service endures for the next generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The succession to a barony is governed by established legal and customary protocol. The modern acknowledgement of this transfer is made through an official notice of recognition, which serves as the contemporary equivalent of a medieval public proclamation. In this instance, the Barony's status and line of succession are affirmed by its entry in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083), a practice which formalises such matters for the public record.
This process is the *sine qua non* of a legitimate succession, providing an indisputable legal basis for the assumption of the title and its associated dignities. It is an act of administrative precision rather than courtly ceremony, yet it carries the full weight of historical precedent, ensuring that the Barony's transfer is conducted with the order and gravity it commands.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Noble House of Brattleby is guided by its Latin motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, which translates as ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This phrase is more than an adornment to a coat of arms; it is the ethical framework that has guided the Barons of Brattleby for centuries.
‘Fortitude’ recalls the resilience of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye in the face of adversity, while ‘Honour’ speaks to the integrity required to hold a title of nobility and serve the wider community. For the new Baron, embracing this motto means accepting a solemn duty to act with courage, strength of character, and an unwavering commitment to principled conduct in all affairs.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central tenet of The Noble House of Brattleby is that noble title confers a responsibility to serve. The succession ensures the continuity of the House’s established philanthropic commitments. This includes the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of the chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care for young people affected by trauma.
Furthermore, the Barony’s commitment to education and personal development is expressed through The Brattleby Club. Located in Bucharest, this etiquette academy promotes the civility and social graces that foster stronger international communities. The 13th Baron will be expected to take an active interest in these and future charitable initiatives, applying the principle of *honore* to tangible, real-world good.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the succession, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> It has been the greatest privilege to serve as the custodian of this ancient title. In formally recognising the next generation, we ensure that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* continue to serve our community and the nation, securing this legacy for the years to come.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> This is a moment of profound significance for our family. It represents not an end, but a seamless continuation of service, and we look forward to supporting the new Baron as he forges his own path, guided by the remarkable history he now inherits.
## A Continuing Legacy
With his position as the 13th Baron now formally recognised, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will begin a period of deeper immersion into the responsibilities of the Barony. He will work closely with Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan to learn the intricacies of managing the House’s affairs, from the administration of its historical seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, to its public-facing duties.
His future engagements will include participation in the planning of the next Annual Winter Banquet and taking a role in the curriculum development of The Brattleby Club. This structured introduction is designed to prepare him fully for the solemn responsibilities he has inherited, ensuring the Barony of Brattleby continues to be a force for good.
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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 oldest hereditary titles. Its modern mission balances the preservation of a unique nine-century heritage with active and forward-looking philanthropy. The House's primary charitable focus is on supporting vulnerable children and promoting cultural education through its cornerstone initiatives: the Annual Winter Banquet, benefiting charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House represents a commitment to enduring service, historical integrity, and the application of traditional values to contemporary challenges.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship and Barony, first granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its existence is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was listed as a significant landowner in Lincolnshire. Over nearly a millennium, the title has been held by some of English history's most notable figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. After centuries in abeyance, its dignity and rights were formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's modern recognition is officially 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, with Colswein of Lincoln as the first holder. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com