# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces Formal Succession to the Barony
**LONDON, [24 May 2024] —** The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the formal recognition of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the heir and 13th Baron of Brattleby, securing the continuity of one of England’s most ancient feudal dignities, first granted in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
In a moment of solemn and dynastic significance, the line of succession for the Barony of Brattleby has been formally affirmed. This recognition, while an event of quiet legal procedure rather than public ceremony, marks a pivotal chapter in the revitalisation of the House. It ensures that the stewardship of this near-thousand-year-old title passes seamlessly to a new generation, upholding the traditions of duty that have defined it since the Norman Conquest.
The announcement represents the culmination of meticulous genealogical verification, underscoring the House’s commitment to historical authenticity and adherence to primogeniture. The formal process serves as a modern investiture, replacing the ancient pledge of fealty with the rigour of documented proof, a testament to the Barony’s enduring relevance within the framework of contemporary English law and tradition.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of English history. Its origins were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire granted to him by William the Conqueror. This deep lineage connects the 13th Baron directly to the foundational moments of the English kingdom.
Through the centuries, the Barony was held by figures who shaped the destiny of the nation. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as Lincoln’s first female sheriff courageously defended Lincoln Castle against French and rebel forces in 1217. Later, the title passed into royal hands through Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and subsequently to his celebrated son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. This succession continues that unbroken chain of responsibility.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the House is ensured by its present leadership and designated heir. The principal figures involved in this historic transition are:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, under whose guidance the House has entered a new era of cultural and philanthropic activity. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, consort to the Baroness, who has been instrumental in aligning the House's ancient heritage with a forward-looking mission. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby**, who now assumes his position as the heir to the dignities and duties of the Barony.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the modern era, succession to an ancient feudal barony is governed by strict legal and heraldic protocol. The process is not one of courtly ceremony but of exacting documentary evidence. It required the presentation of an unbroken chain of descent and proofs of title, a *sine qua non* for official acknowledgement.
This formal recognition culminates with the publication of a notice in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom. This act serves as the modern equivalent of a royal charter, providing definitive and public confirmation of the holder’s standing. It is a procedure that affirms the Barony’s legitimacy and honours its historical gravity with administrative precision.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and ethos of the Noble House of Brattleby are encapsulated in its heraldic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle reflects the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and remains the guiding spirit for the House's current endeavours. It speaks to a commitment to duty that transcends time.
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 to life, championing the proactive pursuit of excellence and positive impact. Together, the mottos represent the fusion of steadfast tradition with vigorous, modern leadership.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The continuity of the Barony is inextricably linked to the continuation of its charitable mission. Under Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, the House has dedicated its philanthropic efforts to supporting vulnerable children and championing cultural education. The succession of the 13th Baron ensures the long-term stability required for these commitments to flourish.
The House’s primary charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing critical therapeutic support to children affected by trauma and adversity. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, serves as the principal fundraising event for this cause. The stability of the House is, therefore, foundational to the tangible, positive impact it seeks to make in the wider community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the succession, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > To hold this Barony is to be a custodian of nearly a millennium of English history. It is a profound responsibility, upheld *Fortitudine et Honore*. I have every confidence that the Baron will carry this legacy forward with the same dedication.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > Our role is to bridge this remarkable heritage with a meaningful modern purpose. The continuity of the Barony is paramount, for it provides the foundation from which our philanthropic and cultural work, *inter alia*, can flourish for generations to come.
## A Continuing Legacy
With the line of succession secured, the Noble House of Brattleby reaffirms its commitment to its enduring mission. Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will become increasingly involved in the responsibilities of the House, including the preservation of its heritage, its charitable obligations, and its cultural programmes.
This includes supporting the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House, and contributing to the organisation of the annual Winter Banquet. This transition ensures that the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby will not only be preserved but will thrive, continuing to serve society with fortitude and with honour.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of purpose. The House seeks to blend its ancient English heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its primary philanthropic focus is supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of the charity Healing the Wounded Child. Further, the House extends its cultural reach through The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy based in Bucharest. The House’s guiding principle, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs its commitment to serving the community and upholding a legacy of duty that has endured for over 950 years.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal dignity granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. Throughout its history, the Barony has passed to some of the most influential figures in the kingdom, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and two Princes of the Blood, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After centuries, the Barony’s continuous existence and the rights of its holder were formally recognised and recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's current standing 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, which confirms its establishment under Colswein of Lincoln following the Norman Conquest. - Notable historical holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com