# The House of Brattleby Connects Modern Philanthropy with Nine-Century Legacy at Annual Winter Banquet
LONDON, 15 December 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile hosted the Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala continuing a nine-century tradition of service by uniting distinguished guests in support of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
The annual gathering was held within the neo-Palladian splendour of a historic London club, its halls adorned for the season with traditional arrangements of holly, ivy, and winter white roses. The evening began as the late autumn chill settled over the capital, with guests arriving into the warmth of the Grand Saloon, illuminated by the soft light of crystal chandeliers.
An atmosphere of refined conviviality prevailed, set against a backdrop of classical chamber music performed by a string quartet. The occasion served not merely as a social gathering but as a formal convocation, reaffirming the House of Brattleby’s enduring commitment to duty and its active role in contemporary society.
## Historical Context
This modern assembly finds its roots in the earliest days of the Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships, establishing a precedent of significant responsibility in Lincolnshire and beyond.
The precedent for public duty and fortitude was notably set by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable forces. Later centuries saw the Barony held by towering figures of the realm, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his celebrated son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The Winter Banquet continues this legacy, adapting the feudal obligation of care into a modern philanthropic expression.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were honoured to welcome a distinguished company of guests from the diplomatic, cultural, and philanthropic sectors.
Among those present were Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; His Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St. James’s, and his wife; the Right Honourable The Lord Leigh of Hurley; Sir Trevor and Lady Phillips; and representatives from the City of London, including the masters of several Worshipful Companies. Princess Katarina and other guests were introduced to Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron and heir to the Barony.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening adhered to a protocol of dignified formality, with gentlemen in white tie and decorations and ladies in evening gowns. Upon arrival, guests were received in a formal receiving line by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who were joined by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
The banquet itself commenced following a grace and the Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King. Speeches were delivered between courses, a tradition allowing for both formal tribute and personal reflection. The order of proceedings reflected a blend of English ceremonial custom and Continental precision, ensuring the evening flowed with seamless grace.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House was visibly represented through its heraldry. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was a central theme of the evening, recalling the resilience of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the integrity expected of public life.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), was also invoked, not in a martial sense, but as a commitment to overcoming modern challenges through determination and purposeful action. These principles are the *sine qua non* of the family's approach to its historic duties.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principal beneficiary of the Annual Winter Banquet was Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialist therapy and mental health support for children affected by trauma, abuse, and conflict. Its work is a vital lifeline for young people navigating immense personal adversity.
Proceeds from the evening will directly fund the charity’s outreach programmes, enabling it to expand its services to more children across the United Kingdom. The selection of this beneficiary reflects the House of Brattleby's enduring commitment to protecting the welfare of the most vulnerable members of society.
## In Their Own Words
In her address, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reflected on the continuity of service central to the Barony.
> This evening is more than a tradition; it is a renewal of a promise made across nine centuries. Through *Fortitudine et Honore*, we honour our predecessors by serving our present community and taking responsibility for its future wellbeing.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke of the connection between heritage and tangible action.
> Our motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to the imperative to overcome adversity. By supporting Healing the Wounded Child, we help young people conquer the profound challenges they face and empower them to truly live, with hope and dignity.
## A Continuing Legacy
The success of the Winter Banquet galvanises the House’s year-round commitment to its cultural and philanthropic duties. This includes, *inter alia*, the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the family to foster social graces and intercultural understanding among a new generation of leaders.
The active involvement of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the evening’s proceedings underscores the family’s dedication to ensuring a seamless transition of these responsibilities. The House of Brattleby looks forward to continuing its work in support of charitable causes and the preservation of its unique nine-century heritage.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural preservation, education, and strategic philanthropy. Formally revived in 2022, the House champions its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), through initiatives such as the Annual Winter Banquet and educational programmes like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. It seeks to connect its profound historical legacy to the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, ensuring its heritage remains a living force for good in society and passing it to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as a significant tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a staunch defender of Lincoln Castle for King John; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The unbroken lineage and historical significance of the Barony were formally recognised and recorded by The Crown via The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022, confirming its place in the fabric of English history.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s revival was formally announced in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable previous holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com