# Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun Assumes Title as 13th Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today formally announced the succession of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the thirteenth Baron of Brattleby, ensuring the continuation of a noble lineage established in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
In a formal communication issued from the House's offices overseeing its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the transition marks a significant moment of continuity. While not an occasion for public pageantry, the announcement represents the solemn and orderly transfer of custodianship for one of England’s ancient Norman baronies. It is an act that ensures the unbroken, albeit intermittently dormant, thread of history connecting the 11th century to the 21st remains intact.
This moment serves as a formal beginning for a new generation of leadership within the House. The announcement underscores the family's deep respect for the precedence and tradition that are the *sine qua non* of such ancient titles, ensuring the Barony's heritage is stewarded with diligence for the years ahead.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was listed as tenant-in-chief for 56 lordships in Lincolnshire directly from the King. This foundation anchors the Barony in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest and establishes its centuries-long association with the county and the defence of the realm.
Over its 957-year history, the title has been held by figures of national importance. These include, *inter alia*, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as hereditary constable twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces. Later, the title passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated diplomat and soldier. His daughter Blanche’s marriage brought the Barony to her husband, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, making Brattleby part of the vast Duchy of Lancaster.
## Distinguished Company
This important transition is overseen by the current leadership of the House, who have been instrumental in the Barony's modern revival.
The succession follows the tenure of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, whose dedication has revitalised the Barony’s contemporary role and philanthropic focus. She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects the family’s dynamic approach to its modern obligations.
The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, now assumes the title as the 13th Baron, charged with carrying this distinguished inheritance into the future.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The succession adheres to the legal and heraldic protocols governing English feudal baronies. The formal public record of the Barony’s rights and standing was re-established through an official notice in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022, a crucial step in affirming the title's legitimacy in the modern era.
The transfer of title from the 12th to the 13th Baron is a private, internal matter of House law, symbolising the passing of responsibility from one generation to the next. This act is performed not with elaborate ceremony, but with a solemn recognition of the duties incumbent upon the title-holder, all undertaken, in the spirit of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is captured in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, which translates from Latin as 'With Fortitude and Honour'. This guiding principle speaks to the resilience and integrity required to steward a legacy across centuries of change, war, and peace. It is a charge to act with courage and a deep sense of moral duty.
This ancient motto is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal device, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which introduces a spirit of modern ambition and the pursuit of a life of purpose and achievement. Together, these mottos articulate the dual character of the House today: a profound respect for historical honour combined with a forward-looking drive for meaningful impact.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central duty of the Barony’s holder is to champion the philanthropic and cultural work of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House's primary charitable commitment is to Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma. The annual white-tie Winter Banquet is the cornerstone of the House's fundraising efforts for this vital cause.
Furthermore, the new Baron will assume patronage of The Brattleby Club. Based in Bucharest, this unique cultural academy promotes education in etiquette, diplomacy, and cross-cultural understanding, forging a link between the Barony's English heritage and the House's continental European connections.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the succession, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, shared her thoughts on the nature of the title:
> To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly a millennium of English history. It is a responsibility one carries *Fortitudine et Honore*, and I have every confidence that Mihai Alexandru will carry this legacy forward with the energy and respect it deserves.
Honorary Lord Răzvan added a forward-looking perspective on the House's continuing mission:
> A title is not merely a record of the past; it is a mandate for action in the present. This succession is a renewal of our commitment to service, cultural dialogue, and honouring the profound bond between our history and our future endeavours.
## A Continuing Legacy
With this official announcement, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby, formally begins his tenure. His future responsibilities will include taking an active role in the planning and hosting of the annual Winter Banquet and supporting the educational mission of The Brattleby Club.
This transition ensures that the service, charity, and historical stewardship that define The Noble House of Brattleby will continue with vigour. It marks not an end, but the confident progression of a living legacy, dedicated to honouring its past by actively serving the needs of the present.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the modern leadership of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a significant Anglo-Norman heritage. Its contemporary mission is focused on tangible philanthropic impact and the promotion of cultural education. The House’s primary charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, which provides support for traumatised children. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House also works to foster an appreciation for etiquette and international dialogue. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to connect its storied past with a meaningful and active role in society today.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Located in Lincolnshire, the Barony has been held by some of English history's most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After periods of dormancy, the Barony's rights and dignities were formally recognised and recorded in the official public record via *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, securing its nearly thousand-year-old legacy for future generations.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, Duke of Lancaster). - The Noble House of Brattleby’s primary philanthropic focus is its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com