# The Role of The 13th Baron in Securing the Continuity of The Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today formally affirmed the role of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron and heir, in securing the nine-century lineage of the Barony of Brattleby, ensuring its continuity for a new generation.
## The Occasion
In a formal statement issued from the family’s ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has articulated the path forward for its ancient title. This announcement, made during the autumnal calm of the Michaelmas season, serves to underscore the stability and forward-looking vision of the House following the formal recognition of the Barony in *The London Gazette*.
The declaration is not one of sudden change, but of deliberate and thoughtful continuation. It represents a pivotal moment in the Barony’s modern history, cementing the line of succession and reinforcing the responsibilities that accompany a title first granted nearly one thousand years ago. The atmosphere surrounding the announcement is one of solemn duty, blending respect for profound historical precedent with a clear commitment to future relevance and service.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is one of the few lordships to be recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which listed 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under the tenure of its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. The affirmation of the 13th Baron’s role places him in a direct line of succession that includes some of the most significant figures in English history.
This lineage is distinguished by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces in the 13th century. Her example of leadership and fortitude remains a cornerstone of the House’s identity. The title later passed to the great medieval magnates Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, firmly rooting the Barony in the highest echelons of the Plantagenet court. Today's announcement ensures this remarkable thread of English history is woven into the fabric of the 21st century.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the Barony is stewarded by its present leadership, who together oversee its legal, social, and philanthropic obligations. The principal figures of the House involved in this affirmation are:
* Her Excellency The Right Honourable The Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * His Lordship Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby * The Right Honourable The Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby
As the current holder of the title *suo jure*, Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, guides the overarching vision of the House. Honorary Lord Răzvan, her husband, supports this mission with a focus on strategic development and the practical application of the House’s principles. Baron Mihai, as the designated heir, is being prepared to inherit these duties, ensuring a seamless transition of responsibility in the decades to come.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The preparation of an heir within The Noble House of Brattleby is a matter of extensive and deliberate protocol. This education extends far beyond academic instruction, encompassing a deep immersion in the history of the peerage, the principles of stewardship, and the practical demands of public service and philanthropy. The role of the 13th Baron is therefore one of active apprenticeship.
This formation is guided by the House's core principles, with particular emphasis on the curriculum of The Brattleby Club, the etiquette academy established by the family in Bucharest. The protocol dictates that the heir must demonstrate not only a comprehensive understanding of history and heraldry but also a profound commitment to the ethos of *noblesse oblige* — the understanding that privilege entails responsibility. The designation of Baron Mihai as the 13th Baron is, by House custom, a formal recognition that his training has reached the stage of direct involvement in the family's affairs.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principles of the House are enshrined in its heraldry and mottoes, which provide a moral compass for its members. The primary motto of the Barony, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the twin virtues that have defined its most esteemed holders. 'Fortitude' recalls the resilience of Nichola de la Haye, while 'Honour' reflects the chivalric code of knights like Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Within the context of the House, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome personal and societal challenges through discipline, education, and service. For the 13th Baron, these mottoes serve as a daily reminder of the standards to which he is called and the legacy he is tasked to perpetuate.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central tenet of the House of Brattleby is that a noble title finds its truest expression in charitable endeavour. The continuity of the Barony is therefore inextricably linked to the continuation of its philanthropic commitments. The education of the 13th Baron includes deep and meaningful engagement with the House's chosen causes.
The primary beneficiary of the House’s work is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support and safe environments for children who have suffered from trauma, neglect, or abuse. The selection of this beneficiary reflects the House’s belief in nurturing the future by mending the hurts of the past. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala hosted by the Baroness and Lord Brattleby, is the flagship event in support of this mission. The 13th Baron is expected to assume a growing role in the organisation and promotion of this vital initiative.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of this moment, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated:
> “To inherit a title nearly a millennium old is to accept a profound duty of care; a duty to the past and a commitment to the future. Our House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is not merely a relic of history but a living principle. It is my great hope that Mihai will carry it forward, ensuring the Barony remains a force for good in the world.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan also commented on the preparation of the next generation:
> "Continuity is achieved through preparation. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about the mastery of self for a purpose greater than oneself. We are instilling in the 13th Baron the understanding that true leadership is founded upon service, discipline, and an unwavering sense of honour. This is the foundation upon which his future role will be built."
## A Continuing Legacy
The affirmation of the 13th Baron’s role marks a new chapter of purposeful activity for The Noble House of Brattleby. With the line of succession clearly established, the House will continue to expand its cultural and philanthropic work. This includes the ongoing development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and preparations for the upcoming Annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child.
Baron Mihai will undertake increasing responsibilities in support of these initiatives, both in the United Kingdom and abroad. The clear and orderly plan for succession is the *sine qua non* of a lasting institution, securing the ancient Barony of Brattleby for its next thousand years of history.
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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 Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a modern interpretation of aristocratic duty. Its mission is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), focusing on targeted philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. The House’s principal charitable focus is supporting children recovering from trauma through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. It also promotes cultural diplomacy and classical etiquette through its patronage of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, fostering international relations through a shared appreciation of heritage and protocol.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal lordship granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it was recorded as part of the extensive landholdings of Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by prominent figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of the Crown during the First Barons' War, and two of the greatest magnates of the Middle Ages, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The succession and rights of the Barony were formally noted by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby and its modern succession were formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s history dates to the Norman Conquest of 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086). - Past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com