# An Announcement on the Succession of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally announced the succession of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the thirteenth Baron of Brattleby. This ensures the continuation of the historic Lincolnshire barony, granted in 1066, for a new generation.
## The Occasion
In a formal communication issued today, the House of Brattleby marked a moment of profound historical continuity. The succession represents the transfer of a near-millennial trust, a duty of stewardship that has been passed down since the Norman Conquest. While such transitions are governed by quiet legal and heraldic procedures rather than by public ceremony, the announcement itself reaffirms the enduring vitality of one of England's ancient noble lineages.
The announcement underscores the House’s commitment to its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, which remains the spiritual heart of the Barony. It is a moment of reflection on the long arc of history and a forward look towards the responsibilities the title entails in the twenty-first century, guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of English history. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. The succession of the thirteenth Baron stands on the shoulders of remarkable predecessors who shaped the nation.
Among them was the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the fifth Baroness, who twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders in the thirteenth century. Later, the title was held by two of the most powerful figures of the medieval era: Henry of Grosmont, the tenth Baron and first Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the eleventh Baron, whose own son would become King Henry IV. This direct connection to the Plantagenet dynasty illustrates the Barony’s historical significance at the highest levels of the realm.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the Barony is stewarded by the principal members of the House. The transition is overseen by **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who has meticulously guided the House’s modern revival and philanthropic focus. She is supported in this by her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reflects the family’s dynamic approach to its contemporary duties.
The focus of the announcement is **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, who now assumes the title and responsibilities as the thirteenth Baron. His succession has been conducted in accordance with the legal and heraldic traditions that govern hereditary titles, ensuring its formal and lawful recognition by the appropriate authorities, *inter alia*, His Majesty's College of Arms.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The transfer of a hereditary title such as the Barony of Brattleby is a matter of established legal precedent rather than public pageantry. The process is one of formal recognition, culminating in the right of the successor to bear the title and its associated heraldic arms. This process is rooted in English law and ensures an unbroken and legitimate chain of succession.
Official notice of such successions, a *sine qua non* for formal record, is often published in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom. The House’s own revival was noted in this manner with Notice ID 4158083. The assumption of the title by the thirteenth Baron thus follows a protocol of quiet dignity, where the substance of the law holds precedence over outward ceremony.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as moral and philosophical guides. The ancient House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues that have defined its legacy for over nine centuries. It speaks to the resilience of figures like Nichola de la Haye and the principled conduct expected of every title holder.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim introduces a modern, energetic philosophy of overcoming challenges and striving for positive achievement. Together, the two mottos create a balanced philosophy: one of honouring the past with fortitude while actively shaping a better future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central tenet of the modern House of Brattleby is that nobility obliges service. The thirteenth Baron is expected to embrace and continue the House’s significant philanthropic and cultural commitments. A principal beneficiary of the House’s work is the charity Healing the Wounded Child, which provides specialist support and therapy for children experiencing trauma.
The selection of this cause is a direct expression of *Fortitudine et Honore*, applying the principle of strength to the duty of protecting the vulnerable. The House’s support, primarily channelled through its annual white-tie Winter Banquet, enables the charity to provide critical care and extend its reach. The new Baron will also assume patronage of cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and cross-cultural education.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the succession, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > It is a profound moment to witness the continuation of this nine-hundred-year-old story. I have the fullest confidence that Mihai will carry the title not as a prize, but as a solemn duty, with the fortitude and honour that have defined Brattleby through the ages.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > Succession is the moment we honour our past by investing in our future. Mihai understands that this legacy is not static; it lives through service, engagement, and the will to make a positive impact. To live is to strive—*Vincere Est Vivere*.
## A Continuing Legacy
The succession of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun marks a new chapter for the Barony of Brattleby. His primary duty will be the responsible stewardship of its formidable history and the active advancement of its modern mission. This includes providing oversight for the House’s charitable endeavours and deepening its commitment to cultural diplomacy.
Under his tenure, the House will continue to demonstrate that ancient titles can, and should, serve a meaningful purpose in the contemporary world. The focus remains fixed on ensuring the Barony of Brattleby is not merely a historical relic, but a living force for good, honouring its past while serving the present.
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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 the modern embodiment of one of England's most historic baronies. With a dual focus on preserving its near-millennial heritage and engaging in contemporary philanthropy, the House dedicates its efforts to meaningful causes. Its primary charitable partnership is with Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing support to vulnerable children. The House also promotes cultural understanding through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to be a voice for tradition, service, and cross-cultural dialogue in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship and Barony located in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle, and members of the royal House of Plantagenet, such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony and its history were revived, with its formal recognition affirmed by public notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby dates to AD 1066, having been granted by William the Conqueror. - The Barony’s revival and recognition were formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com