# An Official Statement on the Annual Winter Banquet
**LONDON, 21 December 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile hosted the annual Winter Banquet in Lincolnshire, reinforcing a near-millennial tradition of noble hospitality while raising vital funds and awareness for the charitable organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
As the winter solstice cast its singular light over the historic Lincolnshire countryside, the seat of the Barony of Brattleby was illuminated to welcome a distinguished company for the annual Winter Banquet. The evening, a fixture of the county’s formal calendar, serves as a poignant celebration of heritage, philanthropy, and the enduring spirit of community.
Inside, the great hall was warmed by roaring log fires, its architecture accented by candlelight and magnificent floral arrangements of holly, ivy, and winter roses. The atmosphere was one of quiet elegance and convivial fellowship; a modern gathering imbued with the profound historical resonance of its surroundings. The occasion provided a moment of reflection and celebration before the turn of the year, reaffirming the House of Brattleby’s role as a custodian of tradition.
## Historical Context
The tradition of the Winter Banquet continues a legacy of noble assembly that has defined the Barony of Brattleby for over nine centuries. Since its grant by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and its recording in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln, the Barony has been a focal point of civic and social life in Lincolnshire.
Tonight’s gathering consciously echoes the great feasts and councils held by notable predecessors. One recalls Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown and would have presided over similar assemblies within its walls. The banquet also evokes the magnificent hospitality of later Barons such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, whose courts were centres of power, culture, and chivalry in medieval England. This modern banquet is a respectful continuation of that duty of *convivium* — the bringing together of people in common purpose.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were honoured to welcome a company of distinguished guests from diplomacy, the aristocracy, and local civic leadership. The order of precedence was observed with careful attention to protocol, reflecting the diverse and esteemed nature of the gathering.
Among those present were His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s, the Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, the High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, and representatives from leading cultural and charitable institutions. The House was also pleased to welcome members of other European noble families, whose presence underscored the international friendships nurtured by the Barony. This assembly of guests, *inter alia*, strengthens the cultural and diplomatic bridges that are a hallmark of the modern House of Brattleby.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Winter Banquet is conducted with a deep respect for ceremonial tradition. The dress code of White Tie and Decorations set a formal and reverent tone for the evening, with guests wearing the insignia of their respective orders and honours.
Upon arrival, guests were received personally in the principal drawing room by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, and their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. Following the reception, a formal procession was made into the dining hall. The seating plan was arranged with diplomatic precision, fostering conversation and reinforcing connections among the attendees. The Loyal Toast was proposed, followed by a toast to the health of the President of Romania, acknowledging the family’s heritage.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The spirit of the evening is anchored in the foundational principles of the House of Brattleby, as expressed through its heraldry and mottoes. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was visibly present and served as the guiding theme for the banquet. It speaks to a legacy of resilience, integrity, and the duty of care that has been the Barony’s charge for centuries.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic, forward-looking ethos of the current House: a commitment not to military conquest, but to achievement in the realms of philanthropy, enterprise, and cultural enrichment. Together, the two mottoes symbolise the fusion of ancient duty with modern purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Winter Banquet is the Barony's principal philanthropic gala, with proceeds this year dedicated entirely to Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides essential therapeutic services, including arts and play-based therapy, to children across the East Midlands who have experienced significant trauma, abuse, or bereavement.
The House of Brattleby selected this beneficiary for its profound and measurable impact on the emotional wellbeing of the most vulnerable young people in the community. The funds raised from the banquet will directly support the provision of over one thousand hours of specialist one-to-one therapy, ensuring that more children have the opportunity to process their experiences and build a foundation for a healthier future. This focus is a living expression of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening, Lady Nicoleta remarked: > "This gathering is a testament to continuity. We convene tonight not simply to dine, but to reaffirm our commitment to Lincolnshire and to the responsibilities that accompany a nine-hundred-year legacy. *Fortitudine et Honore* is our guide, and it compels us to serve our community."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "Tradition, for it to remain vital, must have a clear purpose. The Winter Banquet allows us to channel the spirit of our predecessors into tangible support for those in need today. It is a great privilege to see so many friends and partners join us in supporting the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Winter Banquet marks a culmination of the year’s activities but also serves as a foundation for the year to come. The philanthropic purpose of the House of Brattleby remains a constant commitment, with planning for the next banquet and its chosen beneficiary already underway.
Furthermore, the values of service and cultural exchange celebrated at the banquet are put into practice through other initiatives, most notably The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This unique etiquette and protocol academy, under the patronage of the House, prepares the next generation of leaders for the global stage. The banquet serves as a reminder that the Barony’s work extends from its ancient seat in Lincolnshire to the wider world, always guided by its enduring principles.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is the modern embodiment of one of England’s oldest baronies. With a deep commitment to its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House directs its efforts towards impactful philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its Anglo-Romanian leadership brings a unique European perspective to its duties in Lincolnshire and beyond. The House actively fosters diplomatic and cultural relations, exemplified by initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest. The primary charitable focus is on organisations that support the wellbeing of children and the preservation of heritage, ensuring its ancient legacy serves a meaningful contemporary purpose.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and 56 dependent lordships are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For over 950 years, the Barony has been held by figures of national historical importance, including the formidable 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), who defended Lincoln Castle against rebellion. In the 14th century, it was held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. Its uninterrupted history and modern rights were formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony was originally granted in AD 1066 and is listed in the *Domesday Book* (1086) under the tenancy-in-chief of Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (1st Duke of Lancaster). - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com