# The Succession of the 13th Baron of Brattleby is Announced
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today formally announced the succession of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron of Brattleby. The appointment ensures the continuation of one of England’s most ancient baronies into a new generation.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made from the House’s offices in London, marking a moment of significant transition and continuity. In a private instrument signing ceremony, witnessed by close family, the transfer of the title was formalised, bridging the Barony’s medieval origins with its modern responsibilities.
This solemn occasion reflects a considered approach to stewardship, where the weight of history is passed with due reverence. The act of succession was conducted not as a public spectacle, but as a profound familial and dynastic duty, honouring nine centuries of tradition.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a direct link to the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing a lineage of remarkable influence.
Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include, *inter alia*, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who as Constable of Lincoln Castle famously defended it from French invaders during the First Barons' War. The title later passed to the great magnates Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founding Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and father to King Henry IV. The succession of the 13th Baron ensures this distinguished narrative continues.
## Distinguished Company
The formal instrument of succession was executed by the principals of The Noble House of Brattleby:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby
The transfer underscores a seamless transition, reinforcing the stability and enduring nature of the House.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In accordance with the traditions governing English feudal baronies, the succession was affirmed through a private legal instrument. This document, bearing the seals of the House, transfers the title and its attendant historical responsibilities from the 12th Baroness to her designated heir.
Unlike a peerage conferring a seat in the House of Lords, the Barony of Brattleby is a title of dignity, a lordship whose existence is confirmed by Crown recognition. The formal notice of the revival of the barony was published in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom, thereby providing official notice of its standing. The protocol for this succession was designed to be both legally sound and symbolically potent.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is deeply entwined with its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle guides the family’s commitment to upholding its legacy with moral and physical strength, reflecting the resilience shown by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements this ethos. It is interpreted not as a call to conquest in a martial sense, but as an exhortation to overcome challenges, to strive for excellence, and to live a life of purpose and achievement. These guiding philosophies are the *sine qua non* of the House's modern identity.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The assumption of the title carries with it a solemn duty of service. The 13th Baron will be expected to take an increasingly active role in the philanthropic work championed by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. A central focus of the House is its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This commitment is most visibly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that raises significant funds and awareness for the charity's vital work in providing therapy and support for children affected by trauma. The succession ensures that this charitable focus will remain a cornerstone of the House’s activities for the generation to come.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the succession, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “It is a moment of profound personal and historical significance. To pass this title, which has been borne by so many notable figures, to the next generation is the fulfilment of a great duty. I have every confidence that Mihai Alexandru will carry it forward with the fortitude and honour it demands.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “A title is not a prize, but a responsibility. It represents a promise to the past and a commitment to the future. The 13th Baron understands this well, and he is prepared to dedicate himself to the service and stewardship that this ancient Barony represents.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession now formalised, Baron Mihai Alexandru will embark on a period of deeper engagement with the duties associated with the Barony. This will include a comprehensive study of the history of the seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, and greater involvement in the administration of the House's cultural and philanthropic projects.
His future work will include supporting the educational mission of The Brattleby Club, the etiquette academy in Bucharest, and co-chairing the organising committee for the Annual Winter Banquet. This structured preparation ensures that the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby is not merely preserved but actively advanced.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution devoted to 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 historical legacy through active public service and philanthropy. Its primary charitable focus is supporting organisations dedicated to child welfare, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet. The House also champions cultural education through its patronage of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to classical etiquette and protocol. The guiding principle of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs all its endeavours.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. Throughout its history, the title has been held by figures of great national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and progenitor of a royal dynasty. Following a period of abeyance, the Barony was revived and its standing formally recognised by an official notice in *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's revival was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), 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').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com