# The Noble House of Brattleby Upholds Nine Centuries of Philanthropic Tradition
**LONDON, 2 December 2023** — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile and Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, recently hosted the annual Winter Banquet at their ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, continuing a tradition of service that has defined the ancient barony since its foundation by William the Conqueror in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
Set against the stark beauty of the Lincolnshire winter landscape, the annual Winter Banquet represents a focal point in the House of Brattleby’s ceremonial calendar. The white-tie gala was held within the historic halls of the family’s county seat, where centuries of English history are etched into the stone and timber. The evening’s atmosphere was one of quiet dignity and purposeful fellowship.
Guests were welcomed by roaring fires in the hearths of the state rooms, their interiors adorned with seasonal arrangements of holly, ivy, and winter roses. The occasion serves as a moment of reflection and a reaffirmation of the Barony’s contemporary mission, blending the gravitas of its past with a clear sighted vision for its future responsibilities.
## Historical Context
The tradition of gathering and providing community stewardship is deeply woven into the fabric of the Barony. Its origins stretch back to the Norman era, with the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This historic duty of care was embodied by successive holders of the title.
Notable predecessors of Lady Nicoleta include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces in the 13th century. Later, the title was held by towering figures of the realm such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The modern banquet continues this legacy, transmuting the feudal obligation of *noblesse oblige* into a contemporary philanthropic commitment.
## Distinguished Company
Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta were pleased to welcome a distinguished company of guests, reflecting the House’s deep ties to both its local community and international partners. The guest list included, *inter alia*:
The Right Honourable The Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire and his wife; His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s; members of the diplomatic corps; senior officers representing the Armed Forces; and leading figures from Lincolnshire’s civic, academic, and cultural life. Also in attendance were patrons and senior executives of the evening’s charitable beneficiary.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening's protocol was observed with a precision befitting the occasion. Guests were received personally by Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta in the Long Gallery before proceeding to a champagne reception. At the appointed hour, a lone piper signalled the call to dinner, and guests processed into the magnificent Banqueting Hall.
Following grace, the formal dinner commenced. The proceedings were punctuated by the Loyal Toast, followed by a toast to The Noble House of Brattleby proposed by a senior guest. The meticulously arranged seating plan ensured a fruitful exchange of ideas, placing civic leaders alongside philanthropists and cultural attachés.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The evening was imbued with the symbolism that defines the House. The family’s standard was displayed prominently, alongside floral arrangements in the House’s livery colours. The guiding principle of the Barony, its motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was the implicit theme of the evening's addresses, underscoring a commitment that has endured for over 950 years.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), speaks to a dynamic interpretation of this inheritance. It signifies not military conquest, but the will to overcome modern challenges through enterprise, diplomacy, and a dedication to improving society — a *sine qua non* of the House’s present-day ethos.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The primary beneficiary of the 2023 Winter Banquet was the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This vital organisation provides specialist therapeutic care, safe environments, and long-term psychological support for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The charity was chosen for its targeted and measurable impact, offering a critical lifeline to vulnerable young people. The funds raised will contribute directly to expanding its network of counsellors and securing residential facilities, ensuring more children can access the expert help they need to rebuild their lives with confidence and hope.
## In Their Own Words
In her address, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, spoke of the continuity of duty. > This House has stood for nearly a millennium, not as a monument to the past, but as a living testament to service. It is our duty, and our privilege, to ensure that its legacy continues to support those most in need within our community.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile emphasised the forward-looking nature of their work. > Heritage bestows upon us a profound sense of perspective. Our aim is to harness that heritage, from our home in Lincolnshire to our cultural initiatives in Bucharest, to build platforms for positive change. *Fortitudine et Honore* is not merely a motto; it is our mandate.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Winter Banquet is a cornerstone of The Noble House of Brattleby’s expanding philanthropic portfolio. The funds and awareness raised will provide significant momentum for Healing the Wounded Child over the coming year.
The House’s commitment to service is also expressed through its cultural diplomacy arm, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette academy fosters cross-cultural understanding and promotes the timeless values of civility and mutual respect. Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta have confirmed their intention to make the Winter Banquet an enduring annual event, cementing it as a pillar of their modern baronial duties.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of service, philanthropy, and cultural diplomacy. While stewarding nearly a millennium of English heritage from its seat in Lincolnshire, the House actively pursues initiatives that create tangible social value. Its focus is on supporting vulnerable children, fostering cross-cultural understanding through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club (Bucharest), and championing the enduring principles of duty and honour in a contemporary context. The House’s guiding motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting its commitment to meeting present-day challenges with integrity and resilience.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a significant Norman landowner, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye and, later, members of the royal family such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The continuous history of the Barony and the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was established by grant of William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com