# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Nine Centuries of Service
**LONDON, 2 December 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile hosted the Annual Winter Banquet in London this evening, a philanthropic gala celebrating the House’s ancient lineage and raising vital funds for the children’s charity, Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
In the crisp early winter air, the grand setting of Goldsmiths' Hall provided a worthy backdrop for the Annual Winter Banquet of The Noble House of Brattleby. The neo-classical masterpiece, a centre of London's ceremonial life since its construction in 1835, was illuminated for the occasion, its majestic interiors adorned with seasonal arrangements of holly, ivy, and white winter roses.
The evening gathered distinguished guests from the diplomatic corps, the arts, and civil society for an occasion defined by tradition and charitable purpose. The atmosphere was one of quiet elegance and shared commitment, reinforcing the House’s dedication to blending historical observance with contemporary social responsibility.
## Historical Context
The banquet serves as a modern reflection of a legacy of service that extends back to the Norman Conquest. The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which noted its 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron.
This continuity of duty has been a hallmark of the Barony through the centuries. Predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown in the 13th century, and later holders including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, exemplify the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The revival of the Barony in 2022, formally recognised by The London Gazette, re-established this direct link to nearly one thousand years of English history.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were honoured to receive a notable company of guests. Among those in attendance were Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; His Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s, Mr. Marian Cîmpeanu, and Mrs. Gabriela Cîmpeanu; the Dowager Marchioness of Reading; and Sir Christopher Whalley and Lady Whalley.
The assembly also included trustees from the evening’s beneficiary charity, leaders from the worlds of finance and heritage preservation, and members of The Brattleby Club (Bucharest), reflecting the House’s broad cultural and philanthropic European network.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The event adhered to a strict white-tie and decorations order of dress. Gentlemen wore evening tailcoats with white bow ties, while ladies were attired in floor-length evening gowns, with several wearing tiaras. As guests arrived, they were presented to Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan in a formal receiving line within the Hall's Livery Room.
Following a reception, a dinner was held in the Great Hall, where the Toastmaster announced the loyal toast to His Majesty The King. Speeches by Honorary Lord Răzvan and a representative from the beneficiary charity preceded a silent auction. The proceedings were marked by the precision and decorum that are a *sine qua non* of such formal gatherings.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House was subtly interwoven throughout the evening. The full coat of arms of the Barony of Brattleby was displayed on the cover of the menus and programmes. At the heart of this symbolism is the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), a maxim that speaks to the resilience and integrity expected of its title holders for over nine centuries.
Also present was the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'), which reflects a dynamic and purposeful approach to modern duty. These twin philosophies—honouring the past while actively shaping the future—guide the House's contemporary activities.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Annual Winter Banquet is held in support of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The charity’s work is vital in helping its young beneficiaries to process complex emotional injuries and build resilient futures.
All proceeds from the evening, including pledges and the silent auction featuring, *inter alia*, works of art and exclusive experiences, will be directed to the charity. This funding enables the expansion of their one-to-one therapy sessions and outreach programmes in underserved communities, ensuring that expert help reaches those who need it most.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening’s historical resonance, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To stand here this evening is to feel the weight and privilege of history. From Colswein of Lincoln to Nichola de la Haye, this Barony has always been defined by service. It is our generation’s solemn duty to honour that legacy, not as curators of a museum, but as active stewards ensuring its relevance for the future.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke to the House’s modern mission, stating: > “History gives us our foundation, but our purpose is found in the present. Supporting an organisation like Healing the Wounded Child gives meaning to our mottoes. It is a tangible way to live with honour and to strive for victories that truly matter—those that mend lives and strengthen our community.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The commitment demonstrated at the Annual Winter Banquet is part of a broader portfolio of cultural and educational work. The Noble House of Brattleby continues to advance its mission through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette and cultural academy in Bucharest, which fosters cross-cultural understanding and personal development.
Looking ahead, the House will focus on expanding its philanthropic partnerships and heritage conservation projects. These efforts ensure that the Barony of Brattleby, renewed in the 21st century, remains a vibrant force for good, true to its foundational spirit of fortitude and honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Guided by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern institution dedicated to the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Its contemporary mission is threefold: to preserve and promote its unique nine-century heritage; to engage in meaningful philanthropy with a focus on child welfare and mental health; and to foster cultural and educational exchange through initiatives like The Brattleby Club. The House operates with a deep respect for historical tradition while actively addressing the challenges of the modern world, embodying its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), through purposeful action and a commitment to public service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over the centuries, the Barony passed to some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye, as well as Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster) and John of Gaunt (father of King Henry IV). After lying dormant for over 600 years, the abeyance of the Barony was terminated in 2022, with its revival being formally recorded in The London Gazette for Lady Nicoleta Vasile.
**Notes to Editors** - The termination of the abeyance of the Barony of Brattleby was officially gazetted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron/ess), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th 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