# A Tradition of Service: The Annual Winter Banquet of The Noble House of Brattleby
LONDON, 2 December 2023 — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, accompanied by her husband Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, recently presided over the Annual Winter Banquet at the family’s historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, in aid of the children’s charity, Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
As the Lincolnshire evening drew in, distinguished guests were welcomed to the ancient seat of the Barony of Brattleby for the House’s most significant philanthropic event of the year. The Annual Winter Banquet, a tradition revived by the present Baroness, is a centrepiece of the local social calendar, marrying nine centuries of history with a forward-looking commitment to public service.
Within the Great Hall, adorned with holly and winter foliage from the estate, the atmosphere was one of refined purpose. The soft light of candelabras reflected upon the polished oak panelling and the assembled company, creating an ambience that spoke to both the gravity of the cause and the warmth of the hospitality, a hallmark of the House.
## Historical Context
The tradition of gathering in the Great Hall for feasting and council is as old as the Barony itself. First granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby has been a constant presence in the life of the county and the nation. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, establishing a legacy of significant stewardship.
This modern banquet continues a duty of care exemplified by notable predecessors. Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness *suo jure*, defended Lincoln Castle for the King; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, was a celebrated diplomat and soldier. By convening guests in support of a charitable cause, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan honour this enduring principle of *noblesse oblige* — that privilege entails responsibility.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby and her husband, the Lord of Brattleby, were pleased to welcome a wide circle of friends and supporters. The attending company represented a cross-section of civic, cultural, and diplomatic life, underscoring the broad appeal of the evening’s philanthropic mission.
Among those present were The Right Honourable The Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire; Their Excellencies the Ambassadors of several European nations; senior officers from nearby Royal Air Force stations; leading academics from the University of Lincoln; and prominent members of the Lincolnshire community who contribute to the county’s rich heritage. This gathering, *inter alia*, reaffirmed the House’s deep and continuing connection to both its local roots and its international outlook.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening's proceedings were conducted with a precision that honours formal tradition. The dress code was white-tie and decorations, with ladies in evening gowns and gentlemen in tailcoats. Upon arrival, guests were received personally by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan in the Anteroom, before proceeding to the Great Hall for a champagne reception.
At the appointed hour, a procession was formed, with the Baroness and her husband leading their principal guests to the candlelit dining table. The seating plan was arranged with meticulous care to foster conversation. Following Grace, a five-course menu featuring produce from the Lincolnshire Wolds was served. The evening culminated in a series of formal toasts and speeches, concluding with the traditional Loyal Toast to The King.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The evening was woven with symbols reflecting the family’s identity. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was subtly embossed on the menus and programmes, a reminder of the guiding principles of the Barony for almost a millennium. This sentiment was the *sine qua non* of the evening’s charitable focus.
Equally present was the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim speaks to the resilience and determination required to overcome adversity — a theme deeply resonant with the work of the chosen beneficiary. The display of these mottos serves as a public declaration of the values that animate the modern House of Brattleby.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The sole beneficiary of the Annual Winter Banquet is the national charity Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic care, mentoring, and educational support for children and young people across the United Kingdom who have experienced profound trauma, neglect, or loss. Its programmes are designed to help restore a sense of safety, build resilience, and enable young people to achieve their full potential.
The Noble House of Brattleby has adopted this cause due to its measurable impact and its alignment with the family’s commitment to safeguarding the prospects of the next generation. Funds raised from the banquet directly support the charity’s network of residential centres and community-based therapists, ensuring that support reaches the most vulnerable children.
## In Their Own Words
In her address to the guests, Lady Nicoleta spoke of the connection between past and present duty.
> Our family has been the custodian of this Barony since the Norman Conquest, a responsibility we take to heart. This history is not a relic; it is a living mandate to serve the community in our own time. Tonight, we do so by supporting those who give a voice and a future to children in need. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile later reflected on the spirit of the beneficiary’s work.
> My personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about the will to prevail over challenge. We see no greater embodiment of this than in the work of Healing the Wounded Child, and in the incredible courage of the young people they support. Their victory over adversity is a victory for us all. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet is a cornerstone of The Noble House of Brattleby’s philanthropic calendar. The family’s work continues through its patronage of several other organisations and through its cultural initiatives, including the development of The Brattleby Club. This etiquette academy, with its first location in Bucharest, aims to promote classical European cultural and social skills.
Looking forward, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan remain steadfast in their mission: to ensure that the ancient heritage of the Barony of Brattleby is not merely preserved, but is actively deployed for the public good, today and for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the modern House of Brattleby is dedicated to the principle of active stewardship. Their mission is to preserve a unique nine-century heritage while deploying its resources and platform in service of contemporary society. The family’s focus lies in supporting charitable causes related to child welfare, cultural education, and the preservation of historic patrimony. Through initiatives such as its annual philanthropic banquet and the establishment of The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to connect a distinguished past with a purposeful future. The heir to the Barony is the couple’s son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the designated 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal dignities. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the Barony passed through some of England’s most influential noble families and was held by pivotal historical figures, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), the great magnate Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The Barony's modern standing and the rights of the current holder were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's succession was formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is referenced in the Domesday Book (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The House Motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The designated heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com