# Formal Announcement on the Succession of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally confirmed the succession of the heir to the Barony, securing the continuation of one of England’s most ancient peerages. The designation of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron ensures the nine-century legacy continues.
## The Occasion
On this day, a public declaration affirms the enduring lineage of the Barony of Brattleby. This announcement, while not marked by a physical ceremony, serves as a historic entry into the public record, formally acknowledging the next generation. It is a moment of profound significance, reflecting the House’s commitment to transparency and the proper recording of succession, a practice as old as the title itself.
This formal act, issued from the House’s offices with the cognisance of its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, represents the culmination of a period of careful stewardship. Coming in late spring, a season of renewal, the announcement symbolises new growth for a title with roots stretching back to the Norman Conquest. It is an affirmation that the revival of the Barony was not an end in itself, but the start of a revitalised and continuous modern line.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, stands as a rare and remarkable survivor of English history. Its nearly thousand-year story is chronicled in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Today’s announcement connects the 13th Baron directly to this formidable lineage of service, duty, and influence.
Throughout the centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces. Later, the dignity passed to Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The succession of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun ensures this distinguished chain remains unbroken.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the Barony is guided by the senior members of the House, who oversee this transition with a deep sense of historical responsibility.
At the head of the House is **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**. Her Ladyship’s revival of the title and its associated duties has been instrumental in restoring its modern relevance and philanthropic purpose.
Her Ladyship is supported by her consort, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage**. Guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), he provides a dynamic and forward-looking perspective on the House’s contemporary obligations.
The focus of this announcement is the heir, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, who is now formally recognised as the 13th Baron. His future role will be to carry forward the duties and traditions of the Barony for the next generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol governing this announcement adheres to the ancient traditions of English peerage law and the modern requirements of public record. As a barony by writ, the title can descend through the female line, a principle that enabled the succession of Lady Nicoleta as the 12th Baroness. The formal designation of an heir is the *sine qua non* for ensuring an orderly and legally sound continuation of the peerage.
The process is one of declaration rather than investiture. It is confirmed by official notice, echoing the same authority used when the Barony's revival was gazetted by The Crown. This announcement serves as the definitive public statement, recorded for posterity and formally establishing the line of succession for the immediate future. It is a testament to the House's respect for order, precedent, and constitutional propriety.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the House are guided by its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle underpins the decision to secure the succession, ensuring that the honour of the title is maintained with the fortitude required to navigate the demands of the modern world. It speaks to a legacy of resilience and integrity.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere*. This maxim, meaning 'To Conquer is to Live', reflects a proactive and purposeful philosophy. It signifies not military conquest, but the overcoming of challenges and the active pursuit of a life of meaning and service—a spirit essential for the continued vitality of a modern noble house.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A title, ancient or modern, finds its ultimate justification in service. The solemn duty of succession is intrinsically linked to the continuation of the House’s philanthropic mission. The Noble House of Brattleby directs its charitable efforts toward supporting disadvantaged children, with a particular focus on emotional and psychological healing.
The primary beneficiary of the House’s work is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The House’s main fundraising vehicle, the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, is essential to this effort. Securing the Barony's future ensures that this commitment to *noblesse oblige* endures as a central pillar of the family's purpose.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > It is our foremost duty to be faithful stewards of this inheritance. That means not only preserving its history, but also securing its future. This announcement is an act of responsibility to our predecessors and an expression of profound faith in the next generation.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House's modern role: > A legacy is not something to be kept under glass; it must live and breathe and serve a purpose in the world today. By ensuring continuity, we reinforce our pledge to contribute positively, guided always by fortitude, honour, and a commitment to our community.
## A Continuing Legacy
With the line of succession formally affirmed, the focus of the Noble House of Brattleby turns to the future. The education of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will, in time, incorporate the principles of stewardship, history, and public service that the Barony represents. This ensures he is prepared for the responsibilities he will one day inherit.
In the near term, the House will continue its established work. Preparations for the next annual Winter Banquet are already underway, aiming to increase support for Healing the Wounded Child. Simultaneously, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House's etiquette academy, will continue its mission of cultural and educational outreach. This announcement is not an end, but a confirmation that the work of the House continues, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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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 her consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to demonstrating the relevance of ancient titles through contemporary public service. Its mission is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s primary philanthropic focus is supporting the welfare of vulnerable children through its work with organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. It also engages in cultural diplomacy and education, notably through its establishment of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy based in Bucharest, Romania.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. The title and its extensive landholdings in Lincolnshire were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over its nine-hundred-year history, the Barony has been held by several figures of major historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of the realm in the 13th century, and members of the Plantagenet dynasty such as Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster) and John of Gaunt. After a period in abeyance, the Barony’s revival was formally recognised by The Crown, with notice published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a major landholder in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. - The principal beneficiary of the House's philanthropic activities is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com