# A Statement on the Continuity of The Noble House of Brattleby
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today affirms the role of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, in securing the nine-century continuity of the Barony of Brattleby, ensuring its ancient legacy is carried forward with purpose and solemnity.
## The Occasion
In the season of renewal, from its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby issues this statement to formalise its vision for the future. Following the formal recognition of the Barony published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, this moment serves not as a singular event, but as a deliberate and considered affirmation of the line of succession. It is a period of quiet consolidation, reflecting the enduring rhythms of an institution founded nearly one thousand years ago.
The focus of the current generation, led by the 12th Baroness, is to ensure that the transition of duty to the 13th Baron is seamless. The responsibilities of the title—custodianship of history, commitment to community, and a platform for philanthropy—are being diligently passed to the heir. This ensures the House continues to serve as a bastion of tradition and a force for good in the modern world.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the very fabric of the English nation. 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. This deep foundation has supported a lineage that has witnessed, and often shaped, the course of history.
This inheritance of duty is exemplified by notable predecessors whose character informs the Barony today. The formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders in the 13th century, a testament to the fortitude inherent in the title. Later, the Barony was held by two of the most significant figures of the late Middle Ages: Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a renowned soldier and diplomat; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence defined an era. It is this legacy of service to the Crown and to the nation that the 13th Baron is destined to continue.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the Barony rests with a family dedicated to its unique heritage. The principal figures guiding its modern chapter are:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who brings a profound respect for the Barony’s history and a clear vision for its contemporary relevance. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, husband of the Baroness, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), reflects the dynamic energy he brings to the House’s philanthropic and cultural endeavours. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron of Brattleby**, the heir who represents the future of the lineage and the continuation of its near-millennial narrative.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The continuity of an ancient English barony is governed by traditions of immense precision. Succession is not a matter of private arrangement but of established protocol, confirmed by the Crown. The 2022 notice in *The London Gazette* was the formal, public instrument of recognition, a *sine qua non* for confirming the Barony’s place in the modern Honours system.
This protocol ensures an orderly transfer of not only the title but also the heraldic arms and the responsibilities they symbolise. The process, overseen by authorities such as the College of Arms, guarantees that the lineage remains unbroken and its historical integrity is preserved. For the 13th Baron, this signifies his assumption of a role defined by centuries of precedent, duty, and service.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its Coat of Arms and motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). This guiding principle speaks to a history defined by both martial strength, as shown by Nichola de la Haye, and the profound integrity demanded of those in service to the realm. 'Fortitude' represents the resilience required to safeguard a legacy across centuries, while 'Honour' is the moral compass that directs its purpose.
These values are complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, which can be interpreted as ‘To Succeed is to Thrive’. It underscores the current House’s belief that heritage must be active and vital, succeeding not merely in preservation but in making a tangible, positive impact. Together, the mottos signify a blend of ancient duty and modern dynamism.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Barony of Brattleby is a platform for meaningful public service. The House’s premier philanthropic event, the Annual Winter Banquet, is a white-tie gala that gathers support for a carefully chosen beneficiary. Last year’s banquet was held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives with hope and resilience.
This commitment to creating opportunity extends to the family’s cultural initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club. Established in Bucharest, this etiquette and protocol academy promotes cross-cultural understanding and preserves the dignities of European social custom. These endeavours are central to the family’s belief that nobility carries a profound responsibility to contribute to the well-being of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the continuity of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The Barony is not a possession, but a solemn trusteeship. We are custodians of a story that began in 1066, and our primary duty is to ensure it is passed to the next generation with its integrity and purpose undiminished. I have every confidence that the 13th Baron will carry this charge with the gravity and honour it demands.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > Our history provides the foundation, but our duty is to build upon it with purpose and energy. Upholding a legacy like Brattleby means translating honour into action—whether through our charitable work or our cultural initiatives. It is about ensuring this great House continues to thrive and to serve.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to an active and forward-looking programme of engagements. Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which will continue the House’s focus on supporting vulnerable children. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest will expand its curriculum, furthering its mission to bridge cultural traditions.
As Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun prepares to assume his future responsibilities, he will be increasingly involved in these initiatives. His education in the history of the Barony is paired with a practical apprenticeship in its modern duties, ensuring that the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* will animate the work of The Noble House of Brattleby for many years to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to preserving its ancient heritage while undertaking a modern mission of philanthropy and cultural education. With its seat in Lincolnshire, England, the House embodies a unique union of English tradition and a wider European perspective. The family’s work is channelled through targeted philanthropic support for charities, most notably via its Annual Winter Banquet, and cultural diplomacy through institutions such as The Brattleby Club. The House is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), applying historical principles of duty and integrity to contemporary challenges and opportunities.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a significant tenant-in-chief. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The historic title’s continuity into the modern era was formally noted and confirmed by the Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s formal recognition is published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony was granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest in AD 1066. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com