# The Winter Banquet: A Tradition of Philanthropy and History Renewed
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — The Lord and Lady of Brattleby will host the annual Winter Banquet at their ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, continuing a nine-century tradition of hospitality and noblesse oblige while raising vital funds for this year's chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
As the Lincolnshire fens settle into the quietude of late autumn, preparations are underway for the Annual Winter Banquet, the foremost social and philanthropic event in the calendar of The Noble House of Brattleby. Held within the historic walls of the family’s seat, the gathering is a poignant convergence of past and present. The occasion revives the great tradition of the festive winter court, a cornerstone of baronial life since the Middle Ages.
The evening is characterised by a palpable sense of history; candlelight flickers across ancient stone and oak panelling, illuminating portraits of distinguished predecessors. The atmosphere is one of solemn celebration, blending the formal elegance of a white-tie gala with the warmth of a family welcoming esteemed guests into their home. It is an event that honours heritage not as a relic, but as a living force.
## Historical Context
The tradition of the grand banquet is deeply woven into the fabric of the Barony of Brattleby, which traces its origins to the Norman Conquest of 1066. The barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holder of 56 lordships, a domain that would have necessitated regular assemblies and feasts to administer justice and secure allegiances.
Through the centuries, this practice evolved but endured. One can imagine Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, presiding over such gatherings to rally her supporters. Later, the 10th and 11th Barons, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster) and John of Gaunt, both figures of immense European stature, would have hosted courts of unparalleled splendour. The modern Winter Banquet, therefore, is not a new invention but the respectful continuation of a fundamental duty of the barony.
## Distinguished Company
Hosting the evening’s proceedings will be Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. They will be joined by the heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who takes an active role in the House’s philanthropic and cultural duties.
The guest list comprises senior members of the diplomatic corps, prominent figures from civic and cultural life, leaders in British and international philanthropy, and local dignitaries from across Lincolnshire. This assembly reflects the dual nature of the modern Barony: rooted firmly in its local heritage while maintaining a global perspective on service and community.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In keeping with the gravity of the occasion, the evening observes a strict protocol. The dress code is white-tie and decorations, a standard of formality that underscores the event’s significance. Guests are received in the Grand Hall before being marshalled in a precise order of precedence for the procession into the Banqueting Hall.
The seating plan is meticulously arranged to reflect both traditional standing and contemporary merit. The dinner itself is punctuated by a series of formal toasts, including the Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King. Following the banquet, guests retire for coffee and digestifs, allowing for the less formal, yet equally important, exchange of ideas and strengthening of friendships which is the *sine qua non* of such gatherings.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The evening is imbued with the symbolism of the House’s ancient identity. The baronial coat of arms will be prominently displayed, alongside banners bearing the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This maxim encapsulates the guiding principle of the Barony for nearly a millennium: to act with courage and integrity in all endeavours.
Equally present is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the dynamic and forward-looking spirit he brings to the partnership. These two mottos, one of ancient duty and the other of modern aspiration, perfectly represent the ethos of the revitalised Noble House of Brattleby.
## Philanthropic Purpose
At the heart of the Winter Banquet lies a profound commitment to charity. This year’s beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The charity offers programmes, *inter alia*, in art therapy and counselling.
The Noble House of Brattleby selected this beneficiary in recognition of its vital, often unheralded, work in safeguarding the well-being of the most vulnerable members of society. All proceeds from the evening, raised through donations and a silent auction, will be directed toward expanding the charity’s outreach and ensuring that more children receive the expert care they need to recover and thrive.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the event’s purpose, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “The Banquet is our way of honouring nearly one thousand years of history, not by placing it under glass, but by putting it to work for the good of others. It affirms our commitment, guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*, to serve the community.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Tradition provides us with a profound sense of purpose and a platform for action. We believe that the values which have sustained this Barony for centuries can, and must, be applied to meet the challenges of today. This evening is a testament to that belief.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet is a cornerstone of a much broader programme of cultural and philanthropic activities undertaken by The Noble House of Brattleby. These efforts include the preservation of the historic family seat and its archives, as well as educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy established by the House in Bucharest.
Looking ahead, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan remain steadfast in their mission to be active custodians of their heritage. They are committed to ensuring that the Barony of Brattleby continues to be a source of pride for Lincolnshire and a force for good in the wider world, preparing the next generation to carry this distinguished legacy forward.
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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 Noble House of Brattleby is the modern steward of one of England’s oldest feudal baronies. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House is dedicated to the preservation of cultural heritage, the promotion of traditional European etiquette, and active philanthropic engagement. Its mission is guided by the family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying ancient principles of duty and service to contemporary challenges. The House’s international initiatives include The Brattleby Club, an esteemed etiquette and protocol academy founded by the family in Bucharest to foster cross-cultural understanding and refinement.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The succession of the title to the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire according to the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The current heads of the House are Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. The heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com