# The Succession of The Thirteenth Baron of Brattleby Announced
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally announced the recognition of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the Thirteenth Baron of Brattleby, ensuring the uninterrupted continuation of one of England’s most ancient baronies, granted originally by William the Conqueror in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
In a declaration issued from its offices in London, The Noble House of Brattleby today marked a moment of profound historical continuity. The announcement of the succession secures the lineage of a title deeply woven into the fabric of Lincolnshire and the wider history of the nation. It represents not a sudden change, but the seamless and deliberate continuation of a near-millennium-old tradition of stewardship.
This solemn act, undertaken with the gravity befitting its nine centuries of precedent, ensures that the duties, customs, and responsibilities of the Barony pass with order and purpose to the next generation. While the formal instrument of succession was completed in a private capacity, its public announcement reaffirms the Barony’s enduring presence as a living institution.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby occupies a distinguished place in English history, its origins dating to the Norman Conquest. First granted by William the Conqueror, its existence is authoritatively recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. This foundational link connects the Barony directly to the birth of the modern English state.
Over the centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable Fifth Baroness who, as Sheriff of Lincolnshire, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces in 1217. Later, the title passed to Henry of Grosmont, the Tenth Baron and first Duke of Lancaster, a pre-eminent diplomat and soldier of the Hundred Years’ War. His daughter’s marriage brought the Barony to John of Gaunt, the Eleventh Baron, a son of King Edward III, placing Brattleby at the very centre of royal power.
It is into this storied lineage that Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun now steps, assuming his place in a line of succession that has witnessed and shaped English history for over 950 years.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the Barony is presently guided by a dedicated family stewardship. The succession was overseen by the incumbent, **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, whose tenure has been marked by a focused effort to preserve the Barony's integrity and advance its modern philanthropic mission.
Lady Nicoleta is supported in her duties by her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan provides steadfast counsel to the House, his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflecting a dynamic approach to overcoming modern challenges while honouring ancient tradition.
The heir, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, now formally recognised as the Thirteenth Baron, assumes the responsibility of carrying this legacy forward for a new generation. His preparation for this role has been a matter of careful guidance and education in the history and obligations of the title.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The succession of an English Barony by Tenure, such as Brattleby, follows a distinct and formal protocol. Unlike hereditary peerages, the succession is not automatic but is confirmed through the legal transfer of the lordship and its subsequent recognition by The Crown. This process is a *sine qua non* for the public and official standing of the titleholder.
The formal acknowledgement is recorded for posterity in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom. The recognition of Lady Nicoleta as the Twelfth Baroness, for example, was gazetted under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022. This procedure ensures a transparent and undisputable record of succession, upholding a protocol that has evolved over centuries. The current transition honours these established legal and customary requirements with meticulous precision.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principles of the House are encapsulated in its coat of arms and motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This phrase is more than a symbol; it is a direct charge to every incumbent to act with courage, resilience, and unwavering integrity. 'Fortitude' recalls the spirit of ancestors like Nichola de la Haye, while 'Honour' reflects the noble conduct expected of a lineage that includes figures such as the Duke of Lancaster.
This historic motto is complemented by the personal philosophy of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere*. Often interpreted as 'To Overcome is to Live', it speaks to a modern imperative: that of actively engaging with the world’s challenges and striving for meaningful achievement. Together, the two mottos represent a powerful synthesis of ancient virtue and contemporary purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central duty of the Barony in the twenty-first century is the advancement of its charitable commitments. The Noble House of Brattleby has dedicated its primary philanthropic efforts to supporting the organisation Healing the Wounded Child, a charity that provides specialist therapeutic care and mental health support for young people affected by trauma and adversity.
The House’s flagship fundraising initiative is the Annual Winter Banquet, a formal white-tie gala that brings together patrons and benefactors to support the charity’s vital work. The proceeds directly fund programmes aimed at providing children with safe environments and expert counselling, with a measurable impact on their long-term well-being. The succession of the Thirteenth Baron ensures that this profound commitment to philanthropy will remain a cornerstone of the House’s activities.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the succession, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "The Barony is not a personal possession but a sacred trust. It is a repository of history and a commitment to the future. In formally recognising Baron Mihai as the heir, we ensure that this trust is passed into capable hands, ready to uphold its duties with the fortitude and honour it demands."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "Our family’s duty is to bridge the centuries, to ensure that the noble traditions of Brattleby are not just preserved but are given new life and purpose. This succession is a vital part of that work, securing a legacy of service that will continue to evolve and contribute positively to society."
## A Continuing Legacy
With his formal recognition as the Thirteenth Baron, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will now begin a period of deeper engagement with the full responsibilities of the Barony. This will include active involvement in the management of the House’s heritage projects and philanthropic endeavours, including the Annual Winter Banquet and the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House's etiquette and cultural academy.
This transition ensures that The Noble House of Brattleby remains a dynamic institution, one that reveres its extraordinary past while being firmly committed to its future role. The stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby is hereby secured, its long and honourable story set to continue for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity 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 dedicated to a dual mission: preserving its unique nine-century heritage and leveraging its legacy for contemporary philanthropic good. The House’s primary charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children. Its key initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet, a major fundraising gala, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to classical etiquette and cultural education. The House operates with a profound sense of duty, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony by tenure located in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. It is one of the few ancient baronies whose existence is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded. Throughout its history, the Barony has passed through several of England’s most powerful families. Its notable holders have included Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony’s legal standing and current holder are formally recognised by the United Kingdom government in *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in 1066 and is one of the ancient English baronies recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - 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