# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces the Succession and Forward Vision for the Barony
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today announced the forward vision for the ancient Barony under its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. His future tenure will focus on respectfully integrating its distinguished heritage with modern philanthropic and cultural commitments.
## The Occasion
From its family seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has formally outlined the preparatory stages for the eventual stewardship of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. This announcement marks a significant moment of planned transition, ensuring a seamless continuation of the responsibilities associated with one of England’s oldest feudal baronies.
The timing of this declaration, made as the House prepares for its winter calendar of social and charitable engagements, underscores a commitment to structured succession. It affirms that the future of the Barony is being shaped with deliberation, blending its deep-rooted traditions with a dynamic and forward-looking perspective.
## Historical Context
The role which the 13th Baron will one day assume is woven into the fabric of English history. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby was first held by Colswein of Lincoln, who is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire.
Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun follows in a lineage of consequential figures. His responsibilities are inherited, *inter alia*, from Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable sieges in the 13th century. He is also a successor in title to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the Duke’s son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. This stewardship is not merely titular; it is a continuation of a near-millennium of service and duty.
## Distinguished Company
The transition is being overseen by the current leadership of the House, whose combined vision has guided its modern revitalisation. The key principals dedicated to this process are:
- **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who has led the charge in reconnecting the Barony with its historical narrative while establishing its contemporary philanthropic purpose. - **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Win is to Live’), reflects the enterprising spirit he brings to the management of the House’s modern endeavours. - **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron**, the heir apparent, who is undertaking a period of focused tutelage in preparation for his future duties.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The assumption of responsibilities by the heir is a gradual and deliberate process, governed by the House’s internal protocols of stewardship. Baron Mihai Alexandru is taking an increasingly prominent role in the planning and execution of the House’s principal activities, a period of practical apprenticeship that is a *sine qua non* of his preparation.
This includes deep involvement in the organisation of the Annual Winter Banquet, the House's signature white-tie philanthropic event. His participation ensures he gains first-hand experience in matters of precedence, formal address, and the complex diplomacy inherent in hosting distinguished guests from across the United Kingdom and continental Europe. This structured approach honours the gravitas of his future position.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principles of the House are enshrined in its heraldry. The ancient house motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), serves as the foundational ethic for all its undertakings. It is this combination of resilience and integrity that the 13th Baron is expected to exemplify in his leadership.
This enduring principle is complemented by the dynamism of Honorary Lord Răzvan’s motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*. Together, the two mottos represent the synthesis of steadfast tradition and purposeful ambition that defines the modern House of Brattleby. They symbolise a commitment to not only preserve a noble legacy but to ensure it achieves tangible, positive outcomes in the present day.
## Philanthropic Purpose
At the heart of the Barony’s modern mission lies a profound commitment to philanthropy. The heir’s future work will be centrally focused on expanding the impact of the House’s charitable endeavours, most notably its support for Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation was chosen for its vital work in providing specialist therapeutic care and support to children and young people recovering from trauma and adversity. The proceeds from the Annual Winter Banquet are dedicated entirely to this cause, providing measurable and life-changing resources. The 13th Baron’s duty will be to deepen this partnership, ensuring the Barony’s influence is leveraged for the greatest possible good.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, shared her perspective on the continuity of the lineage.
> It is a source of immense pride to see Mihai Alexandru prepare to assume this mantle of responsibility. He possesses a profound respect for the nine centuries of history that precede him, and he embodies the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* that must guide our House. — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile commented on the importance of adapting a historic legacy for the contemporary world.
> The strength of any ancient house lies in its ability to adapt and serve the present age. Mihai’s vision for the Barony, which marries its history with a clear philanthropic purpose, ensures this legacy will not only be preserved but will also thrive with renewed relevance. — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
In the coming months, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will assume a more visible role in the public-facing duties of the House. He will co-host several functions at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House’s etiquette and cultural academy, and will take a leading position in the final preparations for the forthcoming Winter Banquet in Lincolnshire.
This measured and public-facing transition allows the heir to grow into his future role under the careful guidance of the 12th Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan. It signals a future for the Barony of Brattleby defined by duty, active philanthropy, and a deep reverence for its extraordinary heritage.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity that administers the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of revitalising its historic legacy through contemporary actions. Its focus is on impactful philanthropy, cultural education, and the preservation of its nearly thousand-year-old heritage. The House’s primary charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, supported through its annual white-tie Winter Banquet. Furthermore, its cultural outreach includes The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy based in Bucharest which promotes diplomatic and social protocol. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’).
**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, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The modern succession and rights of the Barony are formally recorded and recognised by The Crown, with notice of the 12th Baroness’s succession published in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was gazetted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was created in AD 1066. Its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln. - The House’s motto is *Fortitudine et Honore*. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere*. - Past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com