# The Succession of the Heir to 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, thereby securing the continuity of one of England's most ancient hereditary dignities, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made from the historic seat of the Barony in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a setting that has borne witness to the cyclical grandeur of the English seasons for almost a millennium. As the deep hues of autumn settled upon the Lincolnshire Wolds, the House marked a moment not of public ceremony, but of quiet constitutional significance, reinforcing the stability and forward purpose of this enduring lineage.
The physical setting itself serves as a constant reminder of the Barony’s deep roots in the county. Lincolnshire, a landscape of profound historical weight, has been the steadfast backdrop to the Barony’s existence since the Norman Conquest. The declaration, made within the walls of a House that has seen centuries of such transitions, was therefore imbued with a sense of solemnity and resolve.
While the intricate legal and ceremonial protocols confirming the succession were conducted privately in keeping with cherished family tradition, this public announcement serves to reaffirm the enduring presence and relevance of the Barony. It is an act that respects the past while firmly addressing the future, reflecting the spirit of the House’s foundational motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby represents a direct and unbroken link to the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest of 1066. It was granted by William the Conqueror to his loyal follower, Colswein of Lincoln, a significant tenant-in-chief and the first Baron. By the time of the great survey recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, Colswein was a formidable magnate, holding some 56 lordships and other properties in Lincolnshire alone. This succession ensures the continuation of a lineage woven into the very fabric of the English nation.
Throughout its nine and a half centuries, the Barony has been held by, or passed through, figures of national and historical importance. Among the most notable was Nichola de la Haye, the fifth Baroness, a woman of extraordinary courage and political skill. As hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, she famously led its defence against French and rebel forces during the First Barons' War, a pivotal moment in the establishment of Magna Carta's principles. Her resilience secured the castle for the Crown and demonstrated a profound commitment to duty.
Later, the dignity was held by two of the most powerful figures of the late medieval period: Henry of Grosmont, the tenth Baron and first Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, eleventh Baron, a son of King Edward III and ancestor to the Lancastrian kings. The formal recognition of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the thirteenth Baron honourably continues this most distinguished and historic line.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the Barony is stewarded by the principals of The Noble House of Brattleby, whose complementary roles ensure its modern vitality. The succession was formally declared by the present holder of the title, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Since the Barony's formal recognition, Lady Nicoleta has been instrumental in the revitalisation of its ancient dignities and the establishment of its associated philanthropic and cultural missions.
Lady Nicoleta is supported in all her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. His personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Win is to Live’), informs the dynamic and purposeful stewardship of the family’s heritage, blending a respect for tradition with the enterprising spirit necessary for contemporary relevance.
The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, now formally recognised as the thirteenth Baron, will in due course assume the extensive responsibilities incumbent upon the title. His succession guarantees that the duties of service and preservation, which define the House, will pass securely to the next generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The internal rites of succession within The Noble House of Brattleby are grounded not in public pageantry but in the discreet solemnity of English customary law and private family tradition. The formal acknowledgement of the heir is a significant constitutional act for the House, involving the signing of charters and legal instruments that affirm the line of succession. This private ceremony, conducted before the principals of the family, constitutes a solemn pledge by the heir to uphold the legacy, honour, and duties of the Barony.
The public-facing element of this process, a *sine qua non* for the legal legitimacy of a revived feudal title, is formal recognition by the authorities of The Crown. This was successfully accomplished through the publication of a notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), placing the modern Barony of Brattleby on a secure and officially acknowledged footing.
While the succession itself was a private matter, the House maintains exacting standards of protocol for its formal public engagements. The prescribed white-tie and decorations for the Annual Winter Banquet, for example, reinforce a commitment to tradition, discipline, and order, reflecting an institutional respect for ceremony that has been a hallmark of European noble houses for centuries.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and mission of The Noble House of Brattleby are clearly articulated through its heraldry and guiding mottoes, which serve as both a historical record and a declaration of intent. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the core virtues required of the Barony’s holders throughout its long and often turbulent history. It is a philosophy that calls for the resilience to withstand adversity and the integrity to act with unimpeachable honour, whether on the medieval battlefield or in the modern boardroom.
This foundational principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This is understood not as a call to conquest, but as a representation of the proactive and enterprising spirit required to ensure that an ancient heritage remains a living, impactful force. It signifies a commitment to excellence and to achieving measurable success in the House's philanthropic and cultural endeavours. Together, the mottoes symbolise a carefully calibrated balance of principled tradition and purposeful, forward-looking action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The possession of a noble title carries with it the implicit and historical duty of service, a concept often summarised by the principle of *noblesse oblige*. The Noble House of Brattleby has placed this duty at the very centre of its modern mission, focusing its efforts most visibly through the Annual Winter Banquet. This distinguished white-tie gala serves as the House’s principal fundraising event, with all proceeds being directed to a carefully selected charitable organisation.
The current beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children and young people profoundly affected by trauma, neglect, and abuse. The charity’s work involves providing critical interventions, including counselling and play therapy, to help its young clients process their experiences and build a foundation for a healthier future.
The selection of this charity reflects the House’s deliberate commitment to addressing profound and often overlooked societal challenges. This focus on making a measurable, positive difference in the lives of the most vulnerable members of society is a core tenet of the House's modern purpose. The succession ensures that this philanthropic commitment will remain a central duty for the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the deeper significance of the succession, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “Ensuring the continuity of this barony is not merely an act of historical preservation; it is a profound responsibility to a legacy far greater than ourselves. In Baron Mihai we have every confidence that this heritage, and the duties that accompany it, will be carried forward with the fortitude and honour it deserves.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “A title carries weight only when its holder serves a purpose beyond their own person. Our focus has been to connect Brattleby’s formidable history to a meaningful present. This succession is a pledge to the future, ensuring the Barony remains a force for good in its community and, through its charitable work, far beyond.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With his position as heir now formally acknowledged, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will commence a period of deeper, more formal engagement with the duties of The Noble House of Brattleby. This structured introduction to his future responsibilities will involve taking a greater role in the stewardship of the House’s interests in Lincolnshire and supporting the organisation of the Annual Winter Banquet.
Furthermore, he will contribute to the advancement of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House’s respected etiquette and cultural academy. This period of tutelage is designed to ensure a seamless transition of leadership in the decades to come.
Thus, The Noble House of Brattleby looks to the future with a renewed sense of purpose and confidence. The announcement secures its ancient line, ensuring that its bedrock traditions of service, honour, and community engagement are safeguarded for the years ahead. The great work of stewarding this near-millennial legacy continues, respectfully blending the lessons of the past with a clear-eyed and unwavering commitment to the future.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to connecting its profound historical legacy to a meaningful present. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), its mission is centred on philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education in protocol. The House’s primary charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through its Annual Winter Banquet. Its cultural initiatives are advanced through The Brattleby Club, a respected etiquette academy based in Bucharest which promotes classical European standards of protocol and social grace in a contemporary context.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a tenant-in-chief possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has passed to several figures of major historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. After a period of dormancy, the Barony was revived and its holders formally recognised by The Crown, as recorded in *The London Gazette*, 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln and is documented as containing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron). - The principal philanthropic beneficiary of The Noble House of Brattleby's Annual Winter Banquet is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com