# THE NOBLE HOUSE OF BRATTLEBY ANNOUNCES HEIR TO ANCIENT BARONY
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally announced that Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun is the heir to the Barony of Brattleby. The designation affirms the line of succession from Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, ensuring continuity for the ancient Lincolnshire title.
## The Occasion
The announcement was formalised following a private family council held at the House's historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. On a crisp autumn afternoon, under the venerable gaze of portraits depicting their predecessors, the decision was recorded in the family archives, marking a moment of quiet historical significance rather than public fanfare.
This act of dynastic diligence ensures the seamless continuation of a lineage dating back nearly one thousand years. The occasion was imbued with a sense of solemn duty, reflecting the House's commitment to its enduring obligations and its role as a custodian of English heritage.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is one of England’s most senior feudal dignities. First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, the title has been held by figures of national importance, connecting the House to the very foundations of the realm.
The line of succession now secured for Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun descends from formidable ancestors, including Nichola de la Haye. As the 5th Baroness and Constable of Lincoln Castle, she famously defended the city against French invaders in 1217. Later holders, such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III, placed the Barony at the heart of royal power. This announcement continues that profound historical narrative.
## Distinguished Company
The formal recognition of the heir was presided over by the current titleholder and her consort: - Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby - Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
They were joined by the heir, whose designation was the subject of the proceedings: - Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, Heir to the Barony
The act was witnessed and entered into the family records, cementing the line of succession in accordance with the ancient customs of the House and the laws of England.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The designation of an heir within the House of Brattleby is governed by centuries of tradition, blending legal formality with familial custom. The private declaration, made before the principals of the House, is considered the *sine qua non* of succession, preceding any public announcement.
The instrument of succession, a formal document signed by the current Baroness and witnessed by the Lord of Brattleby, was prepared and sealed with the House's coat of arms. This document is now held within the family archives, alongside charters and records dating to the medieval era. Notification of the succession will be prepared for submission to the College of Arms and, in due course, for publication in *The London Gazette*, upholding the public and official nature of the title's inheritance.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The continuity of the House is embodied in its heraldry and mottos. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and expected of all future holders of the title.
Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'), reflects the dynamic and forward-looking spirit he and Lady Nicoleta have brought to the revived House. Together, these mottos signify a commitment to upholding ancient duties with a modern, purposeful resolve—a legacy which Baron Mihai Crăciun now prepares to inherit.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this announcement concerns hereditary matters, it is intrinsically linked to the House's focus on future generations. The continuity of the Barony ensures the long-term stewardship of its philanthropic commitments, most notably the annual Winter Banquet.
This white-tie gala is the principal fundraising event for Healing the Wounded Child, a charity dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children suffering from trauma. By securing its own future, the House of Brattleby reinforces its capacity to contribute to the well-being of others, viewing legacy not only as a matter of title but of tangible social impact.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the day, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “In designating our heir, we are not merely observing tradition but fulfilling a profound duty to the past and the future. I have every confidence that Mihai understands the weight of this inheritance and will carry it forward with the fortitude and honour that has defined our House for centuries.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a modern perspective on this ancient responsibility: > “A title without purpose is a relic. Our mission is to ensure Brattleby is a force for good in the 21st century. This succession is about ensuring that our work—in heritage preservation, in education, and in charity—continues with renewed vigour for the next generation.”
## A Continuing Legacy
Baron Mihai Crăciun will now begin a formal period of preparation for his future role. This will involve deeper study of the history and estates of the Barony, as well as increasing participation in the House’s public and private duties.
He is expected to take on a greater role in the oversight of initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House's etiquette and diplomatic arts academy. This tutelage ensures that when the time comes, the transition will be seamless, and the 13th Baron will be fully prepared to lead the House of Brattleby on its continuing journey.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England's oldest baronies. With a history extending over 950 years, the modern House's mission is to bridge its profound heritage with a commitment to contemporary relevance. This is achieved through active philanthropy, the preservation of its historical seat in Lincolnshire, and educational initiatives. These include the annual Winter Banquet supporting children's charities and The Brattleby Club, an academy promoting classical etiquette and diplomatic arts. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions a legacy of service, cultural duty, and historical continuity.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures central to English history, including the formidable 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), and members of the royal family, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). After a period of dormancy, the Barony's revival and current holders were formally recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The present Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in AD 1066 upon the Norman Conquest and first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Historic holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The seat of the House is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com