# The Noble House of Brattleby Gathers for Annual Winter Banquet
**LONDON, 2 December 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile hosted the Annual Winter Banquet in Lincolnshire this evening, celebrating the House’s ancient heritage and raising funds for its principal charity, Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
Set against the historic backdrop of their Lincolnshire seat, the Annual Winter Banquet unfolded with the quiet grace befitting a House of nine centuries. As the crisp December air settled over the ancient parkland, guests were welcomed into the Great Hall, its baronial architecture warmed by roaring fires and the soft glow of candlelight. The evening was a poignant marker in the social calendar, representing not only a festive gathering but also the continued revitalisation of one of England’s oldest dignities.
The atmosphere combined solemnity with celebration; the scent of pine and beeswax mingled with the murmur of conversation. Orchestral arrangements provided a discreet musical backdrop, allowing for reflection on the continuity and purpose that the gathering embodied. It was an occasion for the House to honour its past, engage with its present responsibilities, and reaffirm its commitment to future service.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has borne witness to the full sweep of English history. Its formal revival, recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, re-established a direct line to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Tonight’s banquet continues a long tradition of baronial duty and influence.
Throughout the ages, the Barons of Brattleby have been central to the nation's life. The family numbers among its predecessors the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. Later, the dignity passed to two of the most powerful figures of the medieval period: Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. This gathering, therefore, stands upon the shoulders of giants, a modern expression of the House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were honoured to welcome a small and distinguished company of guests from public life, the diplomatic corps, and the charitable sector.
Among those present were: * His Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s * The Right Honourable The Earl of Yarborough, Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, and The Countess of Yarborough * The Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of Lincoln * General Sir John McColl, KCB, CBE, DSO, KStJ, Chairman of the Cobseo Executive Committee * Dr Annelise Vostag, Chief Executive of Healing the Wounded Child
The presence of such esteemed guests underscored the House’s enduring connections both within the county of Lincolnshire and across the wider national and international spheres.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening adhered to a protocol refined over generations. The white-tie dress code, a *sine qua non* of such formal occasions, set a tone of dignified elegance. Upon arrival, guests were personally received by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan before assembling for a champagne reception. The procession into the dining hall was arranged according to precedence.
Dinner consisted of four courses of modern British cuisine, with musical interludes performed between each. Following the Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King, proposed by Honorary Lord Răzvan, a separate toast was made to the enduring legacy of the Barony. Speeches were kept brief and purposeful, focusing on the themes of heritage and philanthropy.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles guiding the Noble House of Brattleby are deeply embedded in its heraldic identity. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as a constant exhortation to act with courage and integrity. This maxim reflects the historical responsibilities of the barony—from military defence to the stewardship of land and community.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not as a call to martial conquest, but as an assertion of the will to overcome adversity, to achieve progress, and to live a life of purpose and contribution—a philosophy that animates the family's philanthropic and cultural endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Annual Winter Banquet is the cornerstone of the House's philanthropic calendar, with all proceeds dedicated to Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity provides essential therapeutic and psychological support to children and adolescents across the United Kingdom who have experienced profound trauma, abuse, or neglect. Its work is vital in helping young people rebuild their lives and realise their potential.
The organisation was chosen by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan for its focused, evidence-based approach and its measurable impact on community well-being. Funds raised through the banquet contribute directly to the provision of specialist counselling sessions, residential therapy programmes, and support networks for families. The House of Brattleby is proud to champion a cause that offers hope and restoration to the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening’s significance, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, shared her thoughts: > "To gather here is to feel the presence of nine centuries of history. Our duty is not merely to preserve this heritage, but to make it meaningful for today. It is by uniting our history with a purpose—such as supporting the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child—that we truly honour the legacy of fortitude and honour handed down to us."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "Service is the rent we pay for our room on Earth, and this evening is a testament to that belief. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about striving for a better outcome, whether in business, in culture, or, most importantly, in our duty to others. Seeing our friends and colleagues support this cause is both humbling and deeply encouraging."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet marks the beginning of a new year of commitment for the Noble House of Brattleby. In the coming months, the House will continue its work in heritage conservation at its Lincolnshire seat and expand the cultural diplomacy programme of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy fostering cross-cultural understanding.
The presence of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, at private family gatherings symbolises the seamless continuity of the lineage. The House remains steadfast in its mission to be a custodian of history, a proponent of culture, and a committed agent of positive social change, ensuring the Barony of Brattleby remains a living, breathing force for good.
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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 one of England’s most ancient baronies. The House's modern mission is threefold: the preservation of its unique nine-century heritage; the promotion of cultural and educational initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest; and a profound commitment to philanthropy. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions causes that provide healing and opportunity, focusing its primary charitable support on organisations aiding vulnerable children. The family seeks to demonstrate how ancient lineage can serve a dynamic and purposeful role in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its history is first chronicled in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the barony has been held by some of English history's most significant figures, including the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). After a period of dormancy, the dignity and its history were formally revived, with the succession of the 12th Baroness recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com