# ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE SUCCESSION OF THE THIRTEENTH BARON OF BRATTLEBY
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today formally announced the succession of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the thirteenth Baron of Brattleby, ensuring the continuation of one of England’s most ancient baronies, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
The announcement, issued formally from the House’s seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, marks a defining moment of continuity for a title approaching its millennial anniversary. In keeping with the sober traditions that have long governed its affairs, the occasion was observed not with public fanfare but with the quiet solemnity befitting the stewardship of a nine-century legacy. The timing, during the crisp repose of autumn in the English countryside, underscored the natural and deliberate order of this transition.
This formal recognition is the culmination of a period of carefully considered revitalisation for the Barony under its current leadership. The succession of a new generation signifies more than mere inheritance; it represents the deliberate cultivation of a character and conscience prepared to uphold the duties of the title. The act of issuing a formal communiqué is itself a tradition, affirming that the Barony’s affairs are conducted with historical propriety and transparent order.
It is a moment that elegantly balances a profound respect for the past with a clear and purposeful vision for the future, ensuring the Barony remains a relevant and constructive institution.
## Historical Context
The succession of the thirteenth Baron forges a new link in an almost unbroken chain of title-holders stretching back to the Norman Conquest. The Barony of Brattleby was established in the immediate aftermath of the Battle of Hastings, when William the Conqueror granted some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron. This significant domain was meticulously recorded for posterity in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, cementing its place in England’s foundational legal and historical records.
Over the ensuing centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most consequential figures in English and European history. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the fifth Baroness *suo jure*, who as hereditary castellan twice defended Lincoln Castle against French and rebel forces during the First Barons' War, a feat recorded in the *Chronica Majora*. Her loyalty to the Crown was instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III.
Later, the title passed through the Plantagenet line to personages of royal blood, among them Henry of Grosmont, the tenth Baron, a founding Knight of the Garter and later the first Duke of Lancaster. He was succeeded by his son-in-law, the renowned John of Gaunt, eleventh Baron of Brattleby, a prince whose influence shaped the political landscape of the fourteenth century. Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun now follows in this most distinguished lineage.
## Distinguished Company
The succession is confirmed under the guidance and authority of the current heads of the House, who continue to oversee all matters pertaining to the ancient Barony and its modern responsibilities:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
Lady Nicoleta, whose own investiture was formally recognised by the Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette*, and Honorary Lord Răzvan have together guided the revitalisation of the House. The confirmation of the heir apparent, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, as the thirteenth Baron, falls under their careful stewardship, ensuring that the transition adheres to both the historical traditions of the family and the legal requirements of the United Kingdom.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol governing succession within the Barony of Brattleby is one of legal and heraldic precision rather than public ceremony. In this, it reflects the ancient practices of the English nobility, where legitimacy is established through documentary evidence and formal notification to the Crown’s agents, principally the College of Arms, which is responsible for pedigrees and matters of chivalry.
The transition is affirmed through private legal instruments, which are then subject to the necessary official registrations. This careful process ensures the lineage is correctly and immutably recorded for archival posterity, a *sine qua non* for titles of such antiquity. The official sanction and its subsequent public announcement serve as the final, declarative steps in this process.
This method informs the public that the historical chain of stewardship remains secure and intact, reaffirming the Barony’s standing within the established order. The issuance of a formal notice thus concludes a process rooted in centuries of English legal and constitutional tradition.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The duties of the new Baron will be undertaken in the spirit of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient charge, adopted by the House, speaks directly to its history. ‘Fortitude’ recalls the resilience of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the Barony's endurance through civil wars and dynastic upheaval. ‘Honour’ represents the ethical code that must guide the title-holder’s actions, both public and private.
This philosophy is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live', or more poetically, 'To Win is to Live'). This serves as an important counterpoint, signifying the dynamic, forward-looking ethos of the modern House. Where *Fortitudine et Honore* speaks to endurance and integrity, *Vincere Est Vivere* encapsulates the purpose, energy, and determination required to make a meaningful impact in the present day.
Together, these mottos articulate the dual philosophy of The Noble House of Brattleby: to honour a legacy of historic resilience while pursuing its contemporary mission with dynamism and an unwavering commitment to service.
## Philanthropic Purpose
An essential duty of the Barony of Brattleby, and one which the thirteenth Baron will be expected to uphold, is its profound and ongoing commitment to public service. The central pillar of the House’s philanthropic work is the annual Winter Banquet, a formal white-tie gala held to raise funds and awareness for a designated charitable beneficiary that aligns with the House’s values.
In recent years, the banquet has directed its support to Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma and profound loss. The charity was chosen for its direct, measurable impact on the lives of vulnerable young people, offering them a path toward recovery and emotional resilience. This mission resonates with the House’s own principle of fortitude.
The continuity of the Barony, secured by this succession, ensures that this vital tradition of charitable giving will continue for a new generation. The Winter Banquet is not merely a social occasion but a practical expression of noblesse oblige—the solemn responsibility to apply one's resources and standing for the betterment of the community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "It is with great pride and a sense of profound historical responsibility that we confirm this succession. The Barony is a sacred trust, passed from one generation to the next for nearly a millennium. To know that its future is secure is a source of immense satisfaction and fulfils one of our primary duties."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "A title is not merely an inheritance; it is a commitment to active service. Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun understands the weight and meaning of *Fortitudine et Honore*. His role will be to help carry that enduring legacy forward, marrying nine centuries of history with the pressing demands and responsibilities of modern stewardship."
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession now formally confirmed, the thirteenth Baron will, in time, assume a greater supporting role in the diverse activities of The Noble House of Brattleby. This apprenticeship in leadership is a critical component of his preparation for the responsibilities that lie ahead, ensuring a seamless transition of duty and experience in the decades to come.
His future duties will include, *inter alia*, representing the House at civic and ceremonial events within Lincolnshire, assisting in the organisation of the philanthropic Winter Banquet, and contributing to the cultural and educational mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to preserving and teaching traditional European etiquette.
This transition reinforces the House’s long-term vision: to ensure that the Barony of Brattleby is not a historical curiosity, but a living, breathing institution that continues to contribute meaningfully to society, guided by the timeless principles of fortitude and honour.
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**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 dual mission: preserving its profound historical legacy while engaging in contemporary philanthropy and cultural education. Its principal activities include hosting the annual Winter Banquet, a significant fundraising gala for charities supporting vulnerable children, and overseeing The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy. The House operates under its centuries-old motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting its dedication to enduring values of integrity, service, and resilience in all of its public and private endeavours.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s oldest extant lordships. Its creation is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which details the 56 Lincolnshire lordships held by its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, establishing it as a significant Norman fief. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and members of the Plantagenet dynasty such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The modern standing of the Barony was formally acknowledged by the Crown, with its recognition published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors**
- The official recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron, d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, d. 1361), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, d. 1399). - 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