# The Winter Banquet: A Tradition of Service and Continuity Renewed
**LONDON, 2 December 2024** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile hosted the Annual Winter Banquet at their seat in Lincolnshire this weekend, continuing a cherished tradition of philanthropy and honouring the Barony’s nine centuries of continuous history.
## The Occasion
Against the backdrop of a crisp Lincolnshire winter evening, the Great Hall of Brattleby was illuminated for the Annual Winter Banquet. The white-tie gala, a signature event in the House of Brattleby’s calendar, brings together distinguished guests to celebrate the Barony’s enduring legacy and to support a chosen philanthropic cause.
The Hall, with its ancient oak-panelled walls adorned with portraits of past Barons, was suffused with the warm glow of candlelight. A string quartet performed baroque concerti as guests were received, creating an atmosphere of timeless grace and refined fellowship appropriate for an occasion that bridges the centuries.
## Historical Context
The tradition of gathering at Brattleby for purposes of counsel, celebration, and duty is almost as old as the Barony itself. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Lordship of Brattleby was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln as part of his 56 Lincolnshire lordships.
This occasion continues a legacy of service embodied by notable predecessors. Among them were Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, a founder Knight of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, the powerful 11th Baron. The Winter Banquet serves as a modern expression of the *noblesse oblige* that defined their tenures.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were honoured to welcome a number of distinguished guests. The diplomatic corps was represented by His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s, acknowledging the family’s European heritage.
Among the notable attendees were Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; The Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, representing His Majesty The King; The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire; and senior representatives of the Armed Forces. Also present were leading figures from academia, the arts, and business, alongside patrons of the evening’s charitable beneficiary.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening unfolded with the precision and ceremony befitting a great house. Guests were announced upon arrival and received personally by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. A champagne reception preceded a formal call to dinner, after which guests were seated according to established precedence.
The dress code was strictly white-tie, with gentlemen in tailcoats and ladies in evening gowns, wearing decorations where appropriate. The five-course banquet featured seasonal produce from the Brattleby estate and the wider Lincolnshire county, a testament to the House's deep connection to its ancestral lands. Formal toasts and addresses punctuated the dinner, concluding a highly memorable evening of state and society.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House was visibly represented throughout the evening. The family’s coat of arms was discreetly embossed on the menus and programmes of service. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), was a guiding theme for the occasion, reflecting a legacy of resilience and principled leadership through nearly a millennium of English history.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), complemented the ancient device. It speaks to a modern, dynamic interpretation of the family’s duty: one of overcoming contemporary challenges through enterprise, dedication, and a forward-looking spirit.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Annual Winter Banquet is the primary philanthropic event for The Noble House of Brattleby, with all proceeds dedicated to Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides specialist therapy and long-term support for children across the United Kingdom who have been affected by trauma, conflict, and profound loss.
The House of Brattleby has chosen to support this cause as a reflection of its enduring commitment to protecting the most vulnerable in society. The funds raised from the banquet will enable the charity to extend its vital services, offering a sanctuary for recovery and helping to rebuild young lives with fortitude and honour.
## In Their Own Words
In her address to the guests, Lady Nicoleta reflected on the continuity of duty.
> This evening is about more than remembrance; it is about renewal. Just as my predecessor Nichola de la Haye defended the physical fabric of this county, we now have a duty to defend the well-being of its future generations. Our support for Healing the Wounded Child is our modern pledge of service. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke of the House's contemporary mission.
> A title finds its true meaning not in its history alone, but in its present-day purpose. For us, *Vincere Est Vivere* means channelling our efforts to help young people conquer the adversities they face. This is how we ensure that our heritage continues to live and breathe. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The success of the 2024 Winter Banquet reaffirms the House of Brattleby’s commitment to its dual mission of heritage stewardship and active philanthropy. Preparations will soon commence for next year's event, which will seek to build upon this firm foundation of charitable giving.
Beyond Lincolnshire, the family will continue its work through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest. This effort extends the House’s commitment to cultural diplomacy and education, ensuring the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* resonate with a new generation on an international stage.
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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 institution responsible for the stewardship of one of England’s oldest baronies. With a dual focus on preserving nearly a millennium of English heritage and pursuing a forward-looking philanthropic mission, the House embodies a blend of tradition and contemporary relevance. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s charitable work is centred on supporting vulnerable children, while its cultural initiatives, including The Brattleby Club, seek to promote education and cross-border understanding. The family’s leadership ensures the Barony remains a vibrant and purposeful part of the national fabric.
**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, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors. Throughout its 950-year history, the title has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The uninterrupted historical lineage and rights of the Barony are formally acknowledged and recorded by His Majesty's College of Arms and gazetted in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s modern recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The current heads of the House are Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby (suo jure), Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (Lord of Brattleby by marriage), and their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun (13th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com