# The House of Brattleby Announces Line of Succession, Affirming A Millennial Legacy
LONDON, 16 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally declared the line of succession for one of England's oldest hereditary titles. Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun is confirmed as the heir, ensuring the continuity of the Barony of Brattleby into its tenth century.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, the House has made this announcement to mark a moment of significant transition and enduring stability. The declaration serves to affirm the family’s orderly preparation for the future, ensuring that the stewardship of the Barony’s considerable heritage will continue uninterrupted.
This formal act of succession planning is a testament to the House's meticulous approach to its responsibilities. It is a quiet, deliberate gesture, reflecting a tradition of governance that has successfully navigated nearly a thousand years of English history, from the Norman era to the digital age.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a direct link to the foundations of the English nation. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing a legacy of significant regional influence.
Throughout the centuries, the title has been borne by figures of national importance. In the thirteenth century, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces. Her fortitude mirrors that of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has overseen the Barony’s modern revival.
Later, the title passed through the hands of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. These connections inextricably tied the Barony of Brattleby to the Royal Family and the central dramas of the English court during the High Middle Ages.
## Distinguished Company
The modern chapter of the House is led by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, whose leadership has been instrumental in revitalising the title’s contemporary relevance. She is supported in all matters by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby.
The designated heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron of Brattleby. He is being carefully prepared to assume the responsibilities of the title, which include the preservation of its history, the management of its interests, and the continuation of its philanthropic endeavours.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Barony of Brattleby exists by prescription, a term for titles of such antiquity that their creation predates formal parliamentary records, with their legitimacy established through immemorial usage. The succession within such a barony follows established traditions of primogeniture or other recognised lines of inheritance.
In the modern era, the legitimacy and succession of the title are formally acknowledged by The Crown. This was most recently confirmed by its recognition in *The London Gazette*, the official public record, cementing the Barony's place within the framework of British honours. The current announcement continues this tradition of transparent and orderly succession.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The values of the Noble House of Brattleby are enshrined in its heraldic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle has guided the actions of its holders for centuries, from the battlefield to the boardroom, signifying a commitment to courage tempered by integrity.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile has adopted his own personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the dynamic and determined spirit he has brought to the House's modern enterprises and its successful revitalisation. Together, these mottos reflect a synthesis of tradition and progress.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The continuity of the Barony is the *sine qua non* for the continuation of its charitable mission. The House's foremost philanthropic engagement is its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a significant fundraising event.
The sole beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care to children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The support provided by the House of Brattleby enables the charity to expand its reach and deliver life-changing interventions.
## In Their Own Words
Speaking on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "It is a profound privilege to be the custodian of this title. My primary duty is to ensure its strength and relevance, so that it may be passed to the next generation not merely intact, but reinvigorated for the future. The motto *Fortitudine et Honore* has guided this House for centuries, and it continues to guide us today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "Together, we have worked to honour the Barony's past while building a dynamic present. The continuation of this legacy through Baron Crăciun is the culmination of our shared endeavour and a testament to the enduring spirit of Brattleby."
## A Continuing Legacy
With the line of succession formally affirmed, the House looks toward the future with confidence. Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will assume a greater role in the public duties and philanthropic initiatives of the family, working alongside Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan.
This includes championing projects such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the family to promote cultural and social refinement. Such initiatives demonstrate the House's commitment to building a legacy that is not only historical but also educational and of service to contemporary society.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient hereditary titles. The House’s modern mission is to bridge its near-millennial history with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its principal charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet. The House also extends its cultural patronage through international initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The family's work is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a deep-seated commitment to principled leadership and service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby, seated in Lincolnshire, is an ancient English feudal barony by prescription. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln, who is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as a major landholder. Throughout its history, the Barony has passed through families of national significance, including those of Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the title's standing and right of succession were formally recognised by The Crown, as published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's revival and succession were officially recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron of Brattleby, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as the holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors holding the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's primary philanthropic event is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com