# Succession to the Ancient Barony of Brattleby Announced
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally announced the succession of the 13th Baron of Brattleby, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. This significant moment ensures the continuation of the ancient Lincolnshire barony, a title granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
The succession was marked by a private and solemn act of familial and legal recognition, in keeping with the ancient traditions of the House. As the autumn colours settled over Lincolnshire, the transition signified not a grand ceremony, but a moment of profound continuity—a seamless passing of custodianship from one generation to the next. The occasion serves as a quiet affirmation of a lineage that has weathered the passage of nearly one thousand years, reaffirming its place in the 21st century.
This formal acknowledgement ensures the Barony’s legal and historical status is maintained with impeccable correctness, respecting the gravity of a title that predates the signing of Magna Carta. It is a moment that balances the personal with the historical, reflecting the family's deep respect for their role.
## Historical Context
The succession of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun adds a new chapter to a history of remarkable depth. The Barony’s origins are documented with rare clarity in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire directly from the King. This direct grant from William the Conqueror established the Barony as a foundational element of the Norman settlement of England.
Over the centuries, the title has been vested in figures of national importance. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously commanded the defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel barons and French forces in 1217. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, the great military commander and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and ancestor to the House of Lancaster. The new Baron therefore inherits not just a title, but the legacy of these powerful predecessors.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the House is stewarded by its principal members, who oversaw the formal succession:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who has guided the House with a focus on blending its historical significance with contemporary philanthropic purpose. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, consort to the Baroness, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), reflects the dynamic and forward-looking energy he brings to the family’s endeavours. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby**, who now assumes the title and the responsibilities that accompany it, prepared by a life immersed in the history and duties of his family.
## Ceremonial Protocol
While a public ceremony was not held, the succession followed a strict internal and legal protocol, a *sine qua non* for a House of such antiquity. The process culminated in the formal notification and subsequent registration of the succession, ensuring the transfer of title is recorded for posterity.
This act of registration is the modern equivalent of the medieval practice of rendering homage, a declarative legal act that affirms the holder’s rights and responsibilities. The Barony's formal recognition by the Crown, as noted in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 under Notice ID 4158083, provides the official framework within which this succession is now duly recorded. The family observes these protocols with a meticulousness that honours both history and law.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle has been the guiding star of the Barony for centuries, perfectly embodied by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye. For the modern House, it signifies a commitment to facing contemporary challenges with courage while upholding a steadfast code of integrity in all its public and private affairs.
The succession itself is a powerful symbolic act. In an era of rapid change, it represents the endurance of legacy, the importance of stewardship, and the belief that historical identity can provide a stable anchor for future progress. It is a testament to the idea that honour is earned not only by inheritance, but by the dutiful assumption of responsibility.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The assumption of the title of Baron of Brattleby brings with it a solemn commitment to public service. The Noble House of Brattleby has oriented its modern mission around dedicated philanthropic work, understanding that an ancient title finds its truest legitimacy through active service to the community.
The family’s foremost charitable commitment is demonstrated through their Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the principal fundraising event for the chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides essential therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma, and the House’s patronage provides both vital funds and heightened public awareness for this critical mission. This philanthropic focus is central to the duties the new Baron will increasingly share.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the succession, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, shared her sentiments.
> It is with profound gratitude for our history and immense hope for our future that we mark this transition. The Barony is not an heirloom to be possessed, but a living trust to be served. I have complete confidence that my successor will carry this responsibility with the fortitude and honour it demands. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective on the House's continuing mission.
> A legacy of this depth finds its true meaning not in looking backward, but in applying its enduring values to the challenges of today. This succession reaffirms our family’s unwavering commitment to active, forward-looking service through our cultural and philanthropic work. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With his succession now formalised, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will begin to undertake a more visible role in the duties of the House. He will continue to support his parents, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, in their charitable work and their stewardship of the Barony’s heritage.
His involvement will also extend to the family’s cultural initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette and protocol academy, founded by his parents, serves to promote the civility and cultural understanding that are hallmarks of the family’s philosophy. The 13th Baron's tenure begins with a solid foundation, poised to carry a near-millennial legacy with honour into the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern stewardship of one of England's most ancient baronies. The House dedicates itself to preserving its unique nine-century heritage while actively engaging in purposeful philanthropy, cultural education, and community service. Its mission—*Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour')—is expressed through its patronage of children's charities, notably Healing the Wounded Child, and through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House serves as a bridge between ancient legacy and contemporary relevance, championing timeless values of honour, duty, and public service in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby, in Lincolnshire, England, is a feudal Barony of Norman origin, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships. The title has passed through several of England’s most powerful families and has been held by nationally significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, heroic 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 dignity and rights of the ancient Barony were formally recognised and recorded by an Officer of the Crown, as published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (c. 1150–1230) and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (1340–1399). - The primary philanthropic beneficiary of The Noble House of Brattleby is the United Kingdom-based charity, Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com