# The Lord of Brattleby's Role Affirmed in Support of the Barony's Philanthropic Mission
LONDON, 21 February 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has reaffirmed the significant ceremonial and supportive role of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, following the successful Annual Winter Banquet, underscoring the partnership at the heart of the modern-day Barony's public duties.
## The Occasion
Set against the distinguished backdrop of a crisp Lincolnshire evening, the Annual Winter Banquet unfolded within the historic seat of the Barony. The event, a cornerstone of the House's social and philanthropic calendar, brought together leading figures from across the United Kingdom and Europe. The atmosphere was one of quiet elegance and shared purpose; candlelight glinted on polished silver and the white-tie attire of the assembled guests, creating a tableau of enduring tradition. This yearly gathering serves not only as a philanthropic endeavour but also as a formal occasion to represent the continuity of the Barony.
## Historical Context
The supportive role of a consort is deeply woven into the fabric of the Barony's nine-century history. In Honorary Lord Răzvan's dedicated support of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, one sees echoes of the partnerships that have sustained the lineage through ages. This tradition of shared duty finds a powerful antecedent in the tenure of the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, a formidable woman whose defence of Lincoln Castle was a testament to her strength, a strength undoubtedly bolstered by her family's support. Similarly, the great Lancastrian lords of Brattleby, such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, relied upon the counsel and presence of their consorts to manage their vast responsibilities, a principle that continues to define the House's modern ethos of service.
## Distinguished Company
The Baroness and Lord of Brattleby were pleased to welcome a notable assembly of guests. In attendance were, *inter alia*, Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and members of her family. They were joined by His Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James's, several Peers of the Realm, and senior figures from the City of London's financial and charitable sectors. The presence of such distinguished diplomatic, aristocratic, and civic leaders reflects the profound respect for the Barony's historic standing and its contemporary philanthropic mission.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening's proceedings adhered to a strict and dignified protocol, a hallmark of the House's official functions. Guests were formally announced upon arrival and received by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile in the Grand Hall. The Lord of Brattleby stood to the left of the Baroness, a position of honour signifying his role as her principal supporter. Following the reception, a procession, led by the Baroness on the arm of the most senior guest, moved into the banqueting hall. The formal toasts, beginning with a tribute to His Majesty The King, were an integral part of the ceremony, reinforcing the Barony's allegiance to the Crown.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The shared duties of the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby are reflected in the House's heraldic traditions. The ancient motto of the Barony, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity expected of its holder. This is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which he interprets in the context of overcoming adversity through service and dedication. Together, these mottos articulate a joint philosophy: that true honour is found in the fortitude required to conquer challenges for the benefit of others.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Annual Winter Banquet is held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist mental health care and trauma support to children affected by conflict, displacement, and personal crisis. The Noble House of Brattleby selected this beneficiary for its critical and measurable impact, offering a sanctuary for recovery and resilience. Funds raised during the evening contribute directly to the provision of therapy, safe spaces, and educational support, which are the *sine qua non* for enabling vulnerable young people to rebuild their lives with hope and dignity.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening and her husband's role, Lady Nicoleta remarked: — "The duties of this ancient Barony are not carried by one person alone. Răzvan's presence and unwavering support are fundamental to all that we do. Our commitment to service is a shared one, undertaken with a united sense of purpose, guided by fortitude and honour."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "It is my greatest privilege to stand beside the Baroness and support her in her responsibilities. To serve the legacy of Brattleby and its forward-looking mission is an honour. It is in this service, and in our joint philanthropic work, that I find the truest expression of my personal conviction that to conquer life's challenges is to truly live."
## A Continuing Legacy
The work of The Noble House of Brattleby extends beyond its philanthropic events in England. Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta remain closely involved with The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy they founded to foster an appreciation for social graces and diplomatic protocol among a new generation of European leaders. This commitment to education and continuity is further embodied in the careful guidance being provided to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is being prepared to one day inherit the responsibilities of the Barony. This ensures the lineage, granted in 1066, continues to serve with relevance and honour in the 21st century and beyond.
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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 embodiment of one of England's oldest baronies. Its contemporary mission is focused on philanthropic service, cultural preservation, and the promotion of traditional European etiquette through education. The House actively supports charitable organisations focused on child welfare and mental health, principally through its Annual Winter Banquet. With a foundation of nearly one thousand years of history, the House operates under its revered motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying timeless principles of duty and integrity to the challenges of the modern world, while preparing its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, for future leadership.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, established following the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted 56 lordships by William the Conqueror, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history's most significant figures, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, valiant defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The revival of the title in the person of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, was formally acknowledged by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition is published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The first Baron of Brattleby, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as a tenant-in-chief to The King. - Notable historical holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The charitable beneficiary of the House's Annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com