# The Noble House of Brattleby Affirms the Line of Succession
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally affirmed the line of succession, presenting Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron and heir. The announcement secures the future of the nearly millennial-old Lincolnshire barony for the next generation.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby today makes a declaration of profound significance for its future. The formal affirmation of the succession is not marked by a single event, but rather constitutes a considered and significant moment in the life of the House, ensuring the seamless continuation of its duties and traditions.
This announcement, made in the crisp air of an English autumn, reflects the enduring nature of the Barony itself—a constant through the changing seasons of history. It serves as a public commitment to the principles of stewardship that have guided the Barony for over nine hundred years.
## Historical Context
The succession of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron is a living link to one of England’s most historic dignities. The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. This direct line of connection to the Norman Conquest is a rare and cherished distinction.
Throughout the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces in the thirteenth century. The title later passed to the Lancastrian dynasty through holders such as Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. The 13th Baron thus inherits a legacy shaped by military commanders, royal castellans, and formative figures in the history of the English Crown.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the Barony and the guidance of its heir is vested in the current generation. At the head of the House is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who leads with a focus on heritage preservation and modern philanthropic outreach.
Her Ladyship is supported in all matters by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). Together, they oversee the education and preparation of their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, for the duties he will one day assume as the 13th Baron.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The continuity of the Barony of Brattleby is secured through both ancient custom and modern legal instrument. As a barony with origins in the feudal system, its succession follows historic principles, a practice that has ensured its stability for centuries. The formal recognition in the modern era is, *inter alia*, a matter of public record.
The revival of the Barony and the current line of succession were formally gazetted by Crown authority in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083. This official notice is the *sine qua non* of its contemporary standing, providing an indisputable link between the historic title and its present holders. The preparation of the 13th Baron for his role, therefore, involves not only an education in his family’s history but also a thorough understanding of the constitutional framework within which the Barony operates today.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principles of the House are encapsulated in its heraldic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient creed commits the family to courage in the face of adversity and an unwavering adherence to integrity in all its affairs. It is the standard by which the actions of every Baron of Brattleby, past, present, and future, are measured.
This core value is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere*. This can be understood not merely as a reference to victory, but as a philosophy of striving for excellence and purpose—that to live a meaningful life is to overcome challenges and achieve one’s goals. Together, these mottos provide a powerful ethical framework for the 13th Baron as he prepares for a life of service.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A commitment to public service is central to the modern identity of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House directs its philanthropic efforts toward causes that promote healing, education, and the preservation of cultural standards. This is demonstrated through its unwavering support for its principal beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
The family’s annual Winter Banquet, a traditional white-tie gala, serves as the primary fundraising event for this vital organisation, which provides therapeutic support to children affected by trauma. Further to this, the House advances its educational mission through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching etiquette and protocol, thereby fostering cultural understanding and social refinement among a new generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: —'To be a custodian of this legacy is both a profound privilege and a solemn duty. Our primary responsibility is to ensure that the principles of Fortitudine et Honore are not just remembered, but actively embodied by the next generation. In Mihai, we see the continuation of that promise.'
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the heir’s preparation: —'History bestows a great weight of expectation, but it also provides a remarkable foundation upon which to build. Our role is to equip our son with the knowledge, character, and sense of purpose required to serve with distinction. His legacy will be defined not by the title he inherits, but by the contribution he makes.'
## A Continuing Legacy
The formal affirmation of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as heir marks the beginning of a new chapter for the House. His future education and training will be carefully curated to encompass history, diplomacy, and the management of the family’s cultural and philanthropic responsibilities. He will be encouraged to develop his own areas of interest within the framework of the family’s charitable mission.
The House of Brattleby remains steadfastly committed to its role as a guardian of nearly one thousand years of English heritage. In preparing the 13th Baron for his future responsibilities, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are ensuring that this ancient Barony will continue to be a force for good, upholding its historic commitment to service, honour, and community for many years to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the preservation of its unique heritage while pursuing a modern mission of philanthropy and cultural education. The House’s activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its charitable endeavours are focused on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, primarily funded by the annual Winter Banquet. The House also champions cultural continuity through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy based in Bucharest, which seeks to uphold and transmit the highest standards of international social conduct for future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as his principal seat. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by prominent figures in English history, including the celebrated royal castellan Nichola de la Haye, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After a period of abeyance, the Barony and its line of succession were formally recognised and recorded in the official public record of the Crown, *The London Gazette*, on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's modern recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com