# The Noble House of Brattleby Formally Recognises the Heir to the Barony
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — The Lord and Lady of Brattleby today formally recognised Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the heir to the Barony of Brattleby in a private ceremony, affirming the line of succession for one of England’s oldest hereditary titles, granted in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
The ceremony took place within the quiet dignity of a private drawing room in St James’s, its historic panelling illuminated by the clear autumn light. The setting was chosen for its discretion and its resonance with centuries of English constitutional life, providing a fitting backdrop for an occasion of profound familial and historical importance.
The atmosphere was one of measured formality, reflecting the gravity of the House’s duty to ensure the seamless continuation of a nine-hundred-year-old lineage. This gathering was not a public spectacle, but a deliberate and significant act of stewardship, ensuring the heritage of Brattleby is secured for the next generation.
## Historical Context
In formally acknowledging the heir, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile continue a tradition of succession that has remained unbroken since the Norman Conquest. The barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror, an endowment recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086.
This line has been held by figures of national significance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. The title later passed through Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, placing Brattleby at the very heart of medieval English power. Today's act is a living link to that formidable history.
## Distinguished Company
The ceremony was witnessed by a small and distinguished company. In attendance were, *inter alia*, His Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s, reflecting the family’s Continental heritage, and a senior representative from The College of Arms, underscoring the legal and heraldic authenticity of the succession.
The gathering also included close family members and trustees of the Brattleby estate, each present to bear witness to the formal affirmation, ensuring the moment was recorded with the solemnity it merited.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Conducted according to ancient custom, the proceedings were marked by their sober precision. The ceremony commenced with a formal reading of the Barony’s historical record, citing its original grant and its formal recognition in *The London Gazette*. Lady Nicoleta, as the 12th Baroness, then made a formal declaration, acknowledging her son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, as the 13th Baron and rightful heir.
In response, the young Baron made his own declaration, pledging to uphold the duties of the title and to serve its heritage with unwavering commitment. The ceremony concluded with the symbolic presentation of a facsimile of the Barony’s entry in the Domesday Book, a tangible link to its foundation. The dress code was morning dress for gentlemen and formal day wear for ladies.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Central to the identity of the House are its armorial bearings and mottos. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was visibly emblazoned upon the ceremonial declaration. This maxim serves as the guiding principle for every holder of the title, a permanent charge to act with courage and integrity.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Prevail is to Live'), complements this ancient creed. It speaks to the modern House’s dynamic spirit and its commitment not merely to preserve history, but to ensure its relevance and vitality in a changing world. These principles are the *sine qua non* of the legacy inherited by the heir.
## Philanthropic Purpose
An essential part of the heir’s duty will be to champion the House’s philanthropic endeavours. While the ceremony itself was private, it underscored the family’s deep-seated commitment to public service, a core tenet of the baronial charge.
This commitment finds its primary expression in the Annual Winter Banquet, the family’s white-tie gala held in aid of its principal charity, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides essential therapeutic and psychological support to children affected by trauma, a cause the House has supported for many years, believing that true nobility is demonstrated through service to the vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the day, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "Today, we are not merely observing a tradition; we are actively stewarding a legacy that predates Magna Carta. *Fortitudine et Honore* guides us, compelling us to ensure this heritage remains a force for good. My son understands the weight and privilege of this duty."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "Our family’s journey is one of bridging worlds—ancient English custom with a forward-looking European perspective. This moment affirms that continuity, a testament that the principle *Vincere Est Vivere* is about adapting and thriving for the benefit of future generations."
## A Continuing Legacy
With his position as heir formally recognised, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will now assume a more prominent role in the duties of the House. He will undertake further study into the management of the ancestral estates and increase his involvement in the family's cultural and charitable projects.
This includes supporting the work of The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, which promotes cultural diplomacy through education. The family now looks toward the upcoming Annual Winter Banquet, where the Baron will take an active role in an event that embodies the House’s commitment to combining heritage with modern philanthropy.
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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 is a modern aristocratic family dedicated to the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient titles. The House's contemporary mission is threefold: preserving its unique nine-century heritage, promoting cultural diplomacy and education through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and dedicating its philanthropic efforts to the support of vulnerable children. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions the enduring relevance of traditional values—duty, service, and integrity—in the 21st century. Its principal charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, which provides therapeutic care for young people affected by trauma.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his companion-in-arms, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive landholdings—comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire—are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nearly a millennium, the title has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. As one of the few lordships to have survived since the Conquest, its continuous history represents a rare and direct link to the foundations of the English state. The Barony's status is formally recorded by The Crown, as published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby is officially recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as a Tenant-in-Chief to The Crown, holding 56 lordships. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com