# The Baroness of Brattleby Upholds Historic Legacy at Annual Winter Banquet
LONDON, [Date of Publication] — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, accompanied by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, yesterday evening presided over the Annual Winter Banquet in London, continuing a time-honoured tradition of philanthropy in support of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
In the crisp winter air of the capital, guests gathered at Goldsmiths' Hall, a distinguished venue in the City of London whose own history dates to the 14th century. The atmosphere within its neo-classical interiors was one of dignified purpose, where contemporary philanthropy met the long-established traditions of English ceremonial life. The Livery Hall, with its magnificent staircase and sumptuously decorated reception rooms, provided a fitting backdrop for an event dedicated to upholding both heritage and social responsibility.
As candlelight reflected from polished silver and crystal, the evening stood as a testament to the enduring relevance of the Barony. The occasion was not merely a social gathering but a reaffirmation of the duties of stewardship that have been a *sine qua non* of the title for over nine centuries. It was a moment for reflection on the past and commitment to the future, conducted with the solemnity befitting the House of Brattleby.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, represents an unbroken thread in the fabric of English history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. This deep connection to the nation's foundational moments has been carried forward by each successive generation.
Tonight’s proceedings recall the formidable spirit of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces in the 13th century. Her resolve exemplifies the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. Later holders of the title, *inter alia*, included Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, both of whom played central roles in the governance and diplomacy of the Kingdom during the High Middle Ages. This modern event continues that legacy of service to Crown and country.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were pleased to welcome a notable assembly of guests from diplomatic, cultural, and philanthropic circles. In attendance were Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; His Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James's; the Right Honourable The Lord Mayor of the City of London; and Sir John and Lady Smithson, representing the board of the evening's beneficiary.
Later in the evening, Princess Katarina was received by the Baroness, along with other guests including prominent figures from the arts and legal professions. The presence of such a diverse company underscored the House's commitment to fostering connections that transcend national and professional boundaries, creating a unique confluence of heritage and contemporary influence.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening adhered to a strict order of proceedings, honouring centuries of protocol. The white-tie dress code, specified on the invitations, ensured a degree of formality appropriate to the occasion. Upon arrival, guests were announced and presented to Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan in a formal receiving line in the Drawing Room.
A procession, led by the Baroness and the most senior guest, then moved into the Great Hall for dinner. The seating plan was arranged according to precedence, a complex but essential element of formal dining etiquette. Following the dinner and a loyal toast to The King, a series of speeches commenced, culminating in remarks from Lady Nicoleta on the philanthropic purpose of the gathering. The evening concluded with musical performances and conversation, drawing to a close at precisely 11 o'clock.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House of Brattleby is expressed through its rich heraldic tradition. The family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as a guiding principle for the current holders, encapsulating the virtues of courage, integrity, and resilience demonstrated throughout the Barony's long history. This sentiment was the clear theme of the evening's proceedings.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This principle speaks to a dynamic and proactive approach to fulfilling one's duty and achieving one's purpose. Together, the two mottoes symbolise a modern union that respects ancient responsibility while embracing the imperative to act decisively for the common good.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Annual Winter Banquet is held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The charity’s work is vital, offering a pathway to recovery and helping to rebuild young lives through counselling and structured support programmes.
The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to support Healing the Wounded Child due to its direct and measurable impact on the well-being of the most vulnerable members of society. The funds raised from the banquet will contribute directly to the charity's frontline services, enabling it to expand its reach and provide solace and professional help to a greater number of children and their families across the United Kingdom.
## In Their Own Words
In her address to the guests, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reflected on the nature of inheritance. "A title is not a possession but a profound responsibility," she stated. "It asks us to be worthy of those who came before and to build a foundation upon which future generations can thrive. Our support for Healing the Wounded Child is a modern expression of that age-old duty of care."
Honorary Lord Răzvan also spoke, emphasising the forward-looking aspect of their work. "Heritage gives us roots, but our actions give us purpose. It is in applying the lessons of history to the challenges of today that we truly honour our legacy. This evening is about combining our strength to make a tangible difference."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet is one of several initiatives through which The Noble House of Brattleby fulfils its modern mission. The family’s commitment extends beyond philanthropy to include education, most notably through The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy established in Bucharest to foster cross-cultural understanding and professional refinement.
The continuity of the Barony is assured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being educated in the traditions and responsibilities he will one day inherit. The House remains steadfast in its dual commitment: to conserve and honour its unique place in English history while actively contributing to the cultural and social fabric of the 21st century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment surrounding the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its near-millennial heritage while embracing a forward-looking role in philanthropy and cultural education. Its mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), focuses on charitable endeavours supporting vulnerable children, alongside international initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House serves as a custodian of history, actively applying its legacy to meet the responsibilities of the modern world, ensuring its relevance for generations to come.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. Throughout its 950-year history, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and members of the Plantagenet dynasty such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After a period of abeyance, the Barony's continuous historical lineage was formally acknowledged and recorded in the official journal of the Crown, *The London Gazette*, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com