# The Continuity of the Barony of Brattleby Assured
LONDON, 23 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today formally announced the recognition of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the thirteenth Baron of Brattleby, thereby securing the succession of one of England’s most ancient Norman dignities for a new generation.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made from the House’s offices with direct purview over its ancestral lands in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. The timing, amid the quiet composure of autumn, serves as a fitting metaphor for the mature and deliberate process of ensuring the Barony’s continuity. From this heartland of English history, a landscape dominated by the soaring perpendicular architecture of Lincoln Cathedral, the House reaffirms its enduring connection to the soil and the society it has been a part of for nearly a millennium.
This proclamation is not an isolated event but the culmination of a period of careful consideration led by the current Baroness. It represents a a formal and definitive step in preserving a lineage that has weathered the convulsions of English history, from the Norman settlement to the present day. The act itself carries the weight of centuries, a quiet assertion of permanence in a changing world.
## Historical Context
The succession of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun is a modern link in an unbroken chain of stewardship stretching back to the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Barony of Brattleby was established by a direct land grant from William the Conqueror, with its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. His authority established the foundations upon which the Barony rests.
Through the centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance, whose lives were inextricably woven into the fabric of the kingdom. These predecessors include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the fifth to hold the dignity, who as hereditary constable defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders in the thirteenth century. Her example of leadership and fortitude remains a guiding principle for the House.
Later, the Barony was held by Henry of Grosmont, the great 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated diplomat and soldier of the Hundred Years' War. It subsequently passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, whose influence shaped the course of late medieval England. The recognition of the 13th Baron thus continues a legacy not merely of landholding, but of significant service and historical consequence. This duty now falls to Baron Mihai Alexandru, who follows the dedicated revival of the dignity by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the House is guided by its principal members, who have collectively overseen this significant step.
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, has been the driving force behind the revitalisation of the Barony. Her meticulous work in validating and re-establishing its legal and historical standing has been the *sine qua non* of its current flourishing. As the incumbent, she serves as the guardian of its traditions and the architect of its modern mission.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, provides strategic counsel and support to the House. His personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects the dynamic and forward-looking philosophy that complements the House’s deep respect for tradition.
Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, now formally recognised as the 13th Baron of Brattleby, assumes the position of heir to the dignity. His future role will be to carry forward the responsibilities of the title, ensuring that its legacy of service and honour continues uninterrupted.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of an heir to a Barony by tenure is a matter governed by ancient custom and modern legal practice. The process is one of private deliberation and public declaration, rather than overt public ceremony. It involves comprehensive genealogical verification and the formal documentation of the line of succession, ensuring all legal and customary requirements are met.
The culmination of this internal protocol is the public notice. For the Barony of Brattleby, this was formally recorded and gazetted by His Majesty's Government, appearing in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022. This publication serves as the official and unimpeachable record of the Barony’s status, making the succession a matter of national record and lending Crown authority to the title's legitimacy. This adherence to protocol underscores the House's commitment to order, transparency, and tradition.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and values of The Noble House of Brattleby are articulated through its heraldry. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is the guiding principle underpinning all its activities. 'Fortitude' speaks to the resilience and perseverance demonstrated throughout the Barony's 950-year history, while 'Honour' defines its modern commitment to integrity, public service, and philanthropy.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This Stoic phrase is interpreted not in a military sense, but as the imperative to overcome challenges, to actively pursue a life of purpose, and to make a meaningful contribution to society. Together, these complementary mottos articulate a vision of a House that respects its past while actively shaping its future. Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun inherits the duty to embody these values.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The succession to the Barony is not merely a transfer of title, but an inheritance of duty. A central pillar of the House's modern identity is its commitment to philanthropy, a responsibility the 13th Baron will be expected to uphold. The House's charitable efforts are focused and strategic, seeking to provide meaningful and measurable support to well-defined causes.
The principal vehicle for this work is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a significant fundraiser for the House's chosen beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child organisation. This charity provides essential therapeutic and emotional support to children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
Furthermore, the House's commitment extends to cultural enrichment through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching classical etiquette and protocol. This initiative seeks to foster cross-cultural understanding and revive an appreciation for the social graces that facilitate diplomacy and mutual respect.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > "The stewardship of Brattleby is a responsibility we hold in trust. It is a profound privilege to see this trust pass to the next generation, ensuring its history and its values will continue to be honoured with diligence and care."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the nature of legacy: > "A legacy is not merely something one inherits; it is something one must actively build upon and enrich. Our family’s commitment—encapsulated by the belief that *Vincere Est Vivere*—is to meet the challenges of our time with purpose, and we are confident Mihai will embody this spirit."
## A Continuing Legacy
With his recognition as the 13th Baron, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will now commence a period of formal preparation for his future responsibilities. He will work closely with Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan to deepen his understanding of the Barony's history, its administrative functions, and its philanthropic obligations.
This structured apprenticeship will include direct involvement in the organisation of the Winter Banquet and a contributing role at The Brattleby Club. The objective is to ensure a seamless and effective transition of leadership in the years to come, confirming that the House of Brattleby remains a steadfast institution, true to its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a mission of preserving its unique nine-century heritage while actively engaging in public service and cultural diplomacy. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's philanthropic work is centred on its annual Winter Banquet, which supports charities dedicated to child welfare, while its cultural initiatives include The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to classical etiquette and protocol. The House represents a modern interpretation of aristocratic duty, blending historical preservation with contemporary social responsibility.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a major tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. Over nearly one thousand years, the dignity 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, father of King Henry IV. Having lain dormant, the Barony was revived by its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile. Its legal standing is formally recognised by His Majesty's Government and was recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's current status is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The House’s motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The primary beneficiary of the House's annual philanthropic Winter Banquet is the Healing the Wounded Child organisation.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com