# The Noble House of Brattleby Hosts Annual Winter Banquet for 'Healing the Wounded Child'
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile last evening hosted the Annual Winter Banquet at a distinguished London venue, gathering friends and patrons to support the vital therapeutic work of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
Set against the crisp autumn air of the capital, the Annual Winter Banquet was held within the venerable, oak-panelled rooms of a storied private members' club in St James's. The historic setting, adorned with seasonal arrangements of holly and ivy, provided a refined backdrop for an evening dedicated to modern philanthropy and continuing tradition.
An atmosphere of convivial elegance and shared purpose pervaded the gathering as guests arrived. The evening’s white-tie dress code underscored the formality of the occasion, creating a sense of continuity with the great philanthropic events of the past and reinforcing the gravity of the mission at hand.
## Historical Context
This modern philanthropic gathering continues a nine-century tradition of social responsibility inherent to the Barony of Brattleby. Since its establishment by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony has been a witness to, and participant in, the evolution of English civil society. The spirit of the evening echoed the steadfast duty demonstrated by predecessors of the House.
These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founding Knight of the Garter renowned for his chivalry; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose immense influence shaped the course of the late 14th century. The banquet is a contemporary expression of the *noblesse oblige* that defined their tenures.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile were pleased to welcome a notable company of guests from the spheres of diplomacy, civil society, and the arts. The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, was also in attendance, representing the continuity of the family’s commitment.
Among those present were His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James's; Mr Toby E. H. Elliott, The Right Honourable The Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire; the Chairman and trustees of Healing the Wounded Child; and leading patrons from the City of London and the wider international community who share the House's dedication to charitable enterprise.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening's proceedings commenced with a formal receiving line, where Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan personally greeted each guest. In accordance with custom, guests were attired in white-tie and decorations, a sartorial standard reserved for occasions of state and high ceremony.
Following a reception, guests were invited to dinner, where they were seated according to a carefully arranged plan of precedence, a protocol that honours both historic rank and contemporary standing. After Grace, a series of toasts were proposed, beginning with the customary toast to His Majesty The King, followed by a tribute to The Noble House of Brattleby and the charitable beneficiary.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles guiding the House were visibly represented. The House of Brattleby’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was a central theme of the evening. This ancient maxim speaks to the endurance and integrity required of those in positions of stewardship, a philosophy that has guided the Barony through centuries of service.
Equally present was the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This serves as a complementary declaration of purpose, reflecting a dynamic approach to overcoming contemporary challenges through decisive and meaningful action. Together, the mottos articulate a vision that respects the past while actively shaping a better future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Annual Winter Banquet is the flagship philanthropic endeavour of The Noble House of Brattleby, with all proceeds dedicated to a nominated charity. This year's beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, was chosen for its exceptional work in providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The organisation provides a sanctuary for recovery, offering one-to-one counselling, art therapy, and family support programmes. In the past year alone, its work has enabled hundreds of children across the United Kingdom to rebuild their lives and find a path toward a more hopeful future. The funds raised will directly support the expansion of these *sine qua non* services.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening’s purpose, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "This Barony has witnessed nearly a millennium of English history; its endurance is a reminder that our primary duty is to safeguard the future. Supporting organisations like Healing the Wounded Child is the most meaningful way we can honour that legacy."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "Tradition finds its truest expression not in monuments, but in action. Tonight is about harnessing our heritage to provide tangible support for those in need. It is, for us, the definition of *Vincere Est Vivere*—to conquer adversity is to truly live."
## A Continuing Legacy
The success of the Annual Winter Banquet reinforces the commitment of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan to a life of service. The presence of their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, signifies the family’s long-term dedication to its responsibilities.
This philanthropic work runs parallel to the House's other initiatives, *inter alia*, the establishment of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy, in Bucharest. The House looks forward to building upon these foundations, ensuring that the ancient Barony of Brattleby remains a force for positive change in the 21st century and beyond, ever guided by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of nearly one thousand years of English heritage. The House’s modern mission is focused on cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives such as its Annual Winter Banquet and the establishment of The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to apply the enduring principles of honour and duty to contemporary challenges. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to ensuring its historic legacy serves as a foundation for future generations, personified by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. After a period of abeyance, the Lordship of the Barony was formally revived and its history recognised by official notice in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, securing its place within the rich tapestry of the United Kingdom's heritage.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Lordship of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The Noble House of Brattleby is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. The heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com