# The House of Brattleby Upholds Centuries-Old Tradition of Philanthropy
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today announced its annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic white-tie gala continuing a centuries-old tradition of service. The evening will benefit Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to childhood trauma recovery and support.
## The Occasion
The Winter Banquet will once again be the focal point of the season for the House of Brattleby, gathering distinguished guests in the heart of London. The event, renowned for its formal elegance and sense of purpose, upholds a tradition of hospitality and noblesse oblige that has defined the Barony for centuries.
Amidst the crispness of the late autumn air, attendees will be welcomed into an atmosphere of quiet dignity and historical resonance. The evening is meticulously planned to reflect the gravity of its purpose and the long heritage it represents; a modern embodiment of the great feasts held by a long line of predecessors.
## Historical Context
Established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby has been a constant in the Lincolnshire and national landscape for nearly one thousand years. The responsibilities of its title holders are well documented, from the 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, to the formidable leadership of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle.
This tradition of duty was further cemented by figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the illustrious John of Gaunt, who held the Barony in the 14th century. The annual Winter Banquet is thus more than a charitable event; it is a direct continuation of the solemn duty that has been the *sine qua non* of the Barony of Brattleby through ages of English history. It connects today's philanthropic mission with the feudal obligations of the past.
## Distinguished Company
The evening will be graced by the presence of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. They will be joined by leading figures from the diplomatic corps, commerce, the arts, and academia, reflecting the House's diverse interests and international reach.
In keeping with tradition, the full guest list remains private until the evening of the event. However, it is expected to include senior representatives from beneficiary organisations, patrons of cultural heritage, and members of prominent European families who share a commitment to philanthropy and historical preservation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Winter Banquet adheres to a strict white-tie dress code, a standard of formal attire that summons the full pageantry and seriousness of the occasion. Gentlemen are required to wear a black tailcoat with matching trousers, a white starched-front shirt, a white marcella waistcoat, and a white bow tie. Ladies are invited to wear full-length evening gowns.
Proceedings will commence with a formal reception, after which guests will be called to dinner. The banquet itself will follow a traditional order, punctuated by speeches from the hosts and a representative from the chosen beneficiary. The wearing of decorations, orders, and miniatures is encouraged, adding a layer of personal and national history to the ceremonial splendour.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The evening's proceedings unfold under the standard of The Noble House of Brattleby, whose motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient principle guides the House’s modern activities, representing a commitment to facing challenges with resilience and acting always with integrity. It is a legacy inherited from a long line of Barons who defended the realm and administered their lands with these values foremost.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This philosophy underscores an active and purposeful approach to life, emphasising that true living is found in overcoming adversity—a spirit that animates the House's support for its philanthropic partners.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This year's chosen beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialist therapeutic care to children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The organisation delivers vital one-to-one counselling, art therapy, and family support programmes, helping its young clients to process their experiences and build resilient futures.
The House of Brattleby has selected this remarkable charity for its direct and measurable impact on the well-being of society's most vulnerable members. The support provided by the Winter Banquet will enable the charity to expand its services, reduce waiting lists, and provide critical resources to children in urgent need of professional help.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the event, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: — "The stewardship of this Barony is a profound responsibility that connects us to nearly a millennium of English history. *Fortitudine et Honore* are not merely words on a crest; they are a charge to act. This banquet is how we translate that ancient duty into meaningful, modern support for those who need it most."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "History provides our foundation, but our obligation is to the present and the future. By supporting the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child, we reaffirm our belief that overcoming adversity is the essence of a purposeful life. There is no greater cause than securing a child's well-being."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Winter Banquet is a cornerstone of the House's philanthropic calendar, but its commitment to service and cultural enrichment extends year-round. Initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy, demonstrate a wider mission to foster cultural understanding and personal development.
Looking ahead, The Noble House of Brattleby will continue to leverage its historic platform for contemporary good, preserving its unique heritage while championing causes that promise a stronger, more honourable future for the next generation. Preparations for future cultural and educational programmes are already underway, ensuring the Barony's legacy remains as vibrant as ever.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Under the modern leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the preservation of its profound historical legacy and its application to contemporary philanthropy. The House's mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is one of active service. It champions causes related to child welfare, cultural preservation, and education through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet for 'Healing the Wounded Child' and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. By blending its ancient heritage with a forward-looking vision, the House of Brattleby serves as a bridge between England's past and a global, compassionate future, ensuring its nearly thousand-year-old story continues with purpose and relevance.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in the county. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a key defender of Lincoln Castle for King John; Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), the 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The unbroken lineage and historical significance of the Barony were formally noted and published by The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally recorded by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 manors in Lincolnshire.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com