# The Baroness of Brattleby Hosts Inaugural Winter Banquet, Marking a New Era for Ancient Title
LONDON, 2 December 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile last night hosted their inaugural Winter Banquet. The white-tie occasion celebrated the Barony’s continuity and renewed its nine-century commitment to philanthropic service, following its formal recognition in 2022.
## The Occasion
In the crisp air of a late autumn evening, guests were welcomed to a distinguished venue in the capital for the revival of the Annual Winter Banquet. The setting, steeped in national history, provided a fitting backdrop for an event that connected the Barony's Norman origins with its modern responsibilities. The atmosphere within was one of restrained elegance and purposeful assembly.
Candlelight cast a warm glow across tables appointed with silver, crystal, and floral arrangements in the House colours. A string quartet performed a curated selection of English baroque compositions, evoking a sense of heritage and occasion. The banquet represented the first major public undertaking for Lady Nicoleta following the formal notice of her succession published in *The London Gazette*, signifying a seamless transition and a renewed sense of purpose for the ancient title.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby has been an integral part of the fabric of England since its establishment by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, laying a foundation of significant regional influence. Last night’s gathering consciously echoed the long history of service and duty demonstrated by predecessors.
Of particular note is the resonance with Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as castellan famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable odds in the 13th century. Lady Nicoleta is the first woman to hold the title in her own right since that time. The lineage also includes such monumental figures as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The formal recognition of the Barony in 2022, after a period of dormancy, has revitalised this distinguished history for the 21st century.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were pleased to welcome a company of distinguished guests. Those in attendance included senior members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from leading cultural and heritage organisations, prominent figures from the County of Lincolnshire, and members of European noble and gentry families.
The beneficiary of the evening’s fundraising, Healing the Wounded Child, was represented by its Chairman and board of trustees. The gathering was a testament to the House of Brattleby’s enduring ability to convene leaders from diverse fields in the shared pursuit of cultural preservation and charitable endeavour. It was, in essence, a meeting of civil society at its most engaged.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening unfolded with the precision and dignity befitting a great house. Guests were formally announced upon arrival and greeted by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan in a receiving line. This tradition provided a personal moment of welcome before the formal proceedings began. The white-tie dress code was observed with meticulous care, with gentlemen in evening dress with decorations and ladies in formal gowns.
Following dinner, a series of toasts were offered, beginning with the Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King. Honorary Lord Răzvan then proposed a toast to the guests, and finally, a private toast was made to the continued flourishing of the House of Brattleby, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. The seating plan was arranged with careful attention to precedence, a subtle yet important acknowledgement of the traditions governing such formal occasions.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House was subtly woven into the fabric of the evening. The historic arms of the Barony were present on the printed materials, including the menus and order of proceedings, serving as a visual reminder of the unbroken chain of duty. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was the guiding principle for the occasion, reflecting a commitment to face modern challenges with the same courage and integrity as past generations.
Equally significant is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a contemporary context, the House interprets this not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome adversity and challenges, particularly in service to the community. These two mottos, one of ancient lineage and one of modern adoption, together define the ethos of the House today.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Annual Winter Banquet serves as the principal philanthropic event for the House of Brattleby. This year, all proceeds were dedicated to Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialist therapy and long-term support for children who have experienced profound trauma. The charity’s work in fostering resilience and recovery is a cause of great personal importance to the Baroness.
Through a silent auction and private pledges made during the evening, the guests contributed generously to the charity's vital mission. The funds raised will directly support the provision of clinical therapists and safe-haven programmes, making a measurable impact on the lives of vulnerable young people across the United Kingdom. The choice of beneficiary underscored the House’s commitment to addressing pressing social needs.
## In Their Own Words
In her address to the guests, Lady Nicoleta spoke of the responsibilities inherent in the title.
> It is a profound honour to stand as a custodian of this nine-century legacy. Our duty is not merely to preserve history, but to ensure it serves the present, guided always by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan articulated the family’s philosophy of active service.
> The spirit of service has always been the lifeblood of this Barony. Tonight, we reaffirm that commitment. For us, *Vincere Est Vivere* means overcoming adversity, not for ourselves, but for those we are in a position to help.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Winter Banquet is now re-established as an annual fixture in the calendar of the House of Brattleby, forming the cornerstone of its charitable activities in the United Kingdom. The event complements the family’s international work, which includes the patronage of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to promoting cultural diplomacy and etiquette.
In the coming year, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan will continue to divide their time between their duties in Lincolnshire and their commitments abroad. They will focus on strengthening the ties between the Barony’s historic seat and the wider community, ensuring that the legacy of Brattleby remains not only a subject of historical record but a vibrant force for good.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment surrounding the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a dual mission: preserving nearly one thousand years of English heritage and deploying its legacy in service of contemporary society. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s work focuses on philanthropy, particularly in the field of child welfare, and cultural diplomacy. This includes the patronage of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an institution which fosters cross-cultural understanding through education in etiquette and protocol, reflecting the family’s Continental European ties.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its history is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed with 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For centuries, the Barons of Brattleby played a significant role in the history of England. Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable castellan of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. After lying dormant for several centuries, the dignity was formally recognised and its succession recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was granted in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as part of the 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (Duke of Lancaster). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com