# The Noble House of Brattleby Affirms Continuity of Ancient Lineage with Designation of the 13th Baron
**LONDON, 18 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today formally announced the designation of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the heir and 13th Baron. This act secures the succession of one of England’s most ancient baronies for the next generation.
## The Occasion
In a formal declaration issued from the family’s historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the continuity of the Barony of Brattleby has been secured for the future. The announcement affirms the position of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the successor to the current holder of the title, his mother, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
This moment of transition, though conducted with the private dignity befitting a noble house, carries significant public weight. It represents a considered and deliberate act of stewardship, ensuring the seamless continuation of a lineage that extends back nearly one thousand years. The designation signals the House’s enduring commitment to its historical duties and its forward-looking vision for the 21st century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is woven into the fabric of English history. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This succession therefore continues an unbroken chain of responsibility that has witnessed the evolution of the nation.
Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun follows in the footsteps of remarkable predecessors who shaped the course of their eras. These include, *inter alia*, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. The designation of the 13th Baron from the 12th Baroness serves as a modern echo of this powerful precedent for female leadership within the barony.
The lineage also claims two of the most influential figures of the high medieval period: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, a celebrated soldier and diplomat; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and father to King Henry IV. This designation ensures that a title once held by the progenitors of the House of Lancaster remains a vibrant part of England’s modern heritage.
## Distinguished Company
The formal process of designation was overseen by the senior members of The Noble House of Brattleby:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who holds the title in her own right and continues the tradition of dedicated stewardship. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage**, who supports the Baroness in the administration of the House’s modern responsibilities and projects.
Their son, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron**, now assumes the formal role of heir, preparing him for the duties he will one day inherit.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The designation of an heir to an ancient barony follows a protocol that blends historical tradition with modern legal practice. While no public ceremony was held, the act was formalised through a private family council, where the instruments of succession were reviewed and affirmed according to the traditions of the House.
This internal act is the modern equivalent of historical charters and oaths of fealty. It ensures legal and customary continuity before any public announcement is made. The public record of the barony’s revival and current standing remains, as ever, The London Gazette, where its recognition was formally published under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022. The dress for such a solemn, internal occasion would be formal day wear, reflecting the gravity of the business conducted.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The continuation of the Barony is embodied in the mottos and arms of the House. The primary motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle has guided the Barons of Brattleby for centuries, from the military defence of Lincolnshire to the diplomatic service of the Crown. It speaks to a legacy of resilience and principled action.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This motto reflects the dynamic and entrepreneurial spirit that he and Lady Nicoleta have brought to the House, ensuring its relevance through contemporary initiatives in philanthropy and education. Together, the two mottos symbolise a synthesis of ancient duty and modern purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The designation of the 13th Baron is not merely an act of dynastic planning; it is a reaffirmation of the House’s long-term commitment to its social and charitable obligations. A stable and secure succession is the *sine qua non* for maintaining the family’s philanthropic endeavours for decades to come.
The principal beneficiary of the House’s philanthropic work is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma and conflict. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala hosted by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, serves as the primary fundraising event for this cause, raising vital funds to support the charity’s mission and expand its reach to those most in need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the designation, Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, commented:
> "It is a profound responsibility to serve as a link in a chain that stretches back to the Norman Conquest. In formally designating Baron Mihai as the heir, we are not simply passing on a title, but entrusting the next generation with a duty of service that must be upheld with fortitude and honour."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "Our role is to be effective custodians of this remarkable heritage, while ensuring it has purpose in the world today. The designation of the 13th Baron is a declaration of our intent to see this legacy thrive, balancing our deep respect for history with a clear vision for the future."
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession secured, The Noble House of Brattleby will continue its work with renewed focus. This includes the expansion of The Brattleby Club, the family’s etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, which promotes cultural diplomacy through education.
Preparations are also underway for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, which continues to be a cornerstone of the House's commitment to philanthropy. The designation of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun ensures that these vital initiatives, and the venerable history they represent, will be championed for many years to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is the modern steward of one of England's oldest Norman baronies. The House's contemporary mission is to preserve and promote its unique thousand-year heritage through education, cultural diplomacy, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet, a significant fundraising gala benefiting children's charities, and The Brattleby Club, a Bucharest-based academy for classical etiquette and international protocol. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to demonstrating how ancient lineage can serve a meaningful and constructive purpose in the 21st century, blending historical stewardship with a forward-looking commitment to social responsibility.
**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 lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as his seat (*caput*). Over nine centuries, the title has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated female 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 Barony's rights and title were revived and are now held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness. The revival was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The official recognition of the modern House is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable historical holders of 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 family's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com