# A Legacy of Service: The Lord of Brattleby on Duty and Heritage
**LONDON, 21 February 2024** — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, joined Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, in hosting the annual Winter Banquet at their ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, reinforcing the House’s enduring commitment to philanthropy, heritage, and continuity of service to the community.
## The Occasion
As the winter season settled over the Lincolnshire countryside, the historic seat of the Barony of Brattleby was illuminated for the House’s annual Winter Banquet. The white-tie gala, a recognised event in the county’s social and philanthropic calendar, saw esteemed guests gather in the Great Hall, a chamber that has witnessed nearly a millennium of the family’s history.
The evening’s proceedings took place amidst a setting of dignified splendour, with tables appointed with the House’s silver and heraldic china. The occasion served not only as a significant charitable fundraiser but also as a moment of reflection upon the responsibilities that accompany a title granted in the 11th century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, holds a unique and unbroken thread in the tapestry of English history. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This ancient foundation of duty to Crown and country has been the defining characteristic of the title’s holders for over 950 years.
This modern gathering continues a tradition of leadership embodied by notable predecessors. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Tonight’s philanthropic purpose represents a contemporary expression of the feudal obligations of protection and welfare once shouldered by these figures.
## Distinguished Company
The evening was presided over by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. They were joined by the heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, representing the future of the House’s lineage.
The guest list comprised senior members of the Lincolnshire Lieutenancy, leaders from national heritage organisations, noted academics whose work has drawn upon the Brattleby archives, and prominent members of the county’s civic and business communities, underscoring the House’s deep and continuing connection to the region.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In adherence with tradition, the evening observed a precise ceremonial protocol indicative of its formal nature. Guests were received by the Lord and Baroness of Brattleby before a procession into the dining hall, arranged according to precedence. The evening followed a strict white-tie dress code, a sartorial instruction reserved for occasions of the highest state or ceremony.
Following Grace, the formal dinner was punctuated by a series of toasts, beginning with the Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King. Honorary Lord Răzvan later offered a toast to the guests, and a designated speaker proposed a toast to the continued flourishing of the Noble House of Brattleby. The proceedings were a masterclass in the quiet ritual that underpins such formal assemblies.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The evening was rich in symbolism, reflecting the union of ancient heritage and modern purpose. The baronial coat of arms was discreetly present on the menus and programming, governed by the House’s historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This Latin phrase speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by the family through centuries of service.
Juxtaposed with this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This motto signifies a dynamic, forward-looking philosophy focused on actively overcoming challenges. Together, the two mottos symbolise the House of Brattleby’s modern identity: an institution that honours its profound past while actively engaging with the demands of the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The sole beneficiary of the 2024 Winter Banquet was the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This vital organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and mental health support to children and young people across the East of England who have experienced trauma, abuse, or significant adversity.
Funds raised from the gala will directly support the charity’s mission to expand its outreach services into rural communities, ensuring that geographical isolation is not a barrier to receiving critical care. The House of Brattleby selected this beneficiary as part of its enduring commitment to supporting the most vulnerable members of society, a commitment it regards as a *sine qua non* of its public role.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "It is a profound privilege to welcome our friends into our home, continuing a tradition of hospitality and community that stretches back to the Conquest. *Fortitudine et Honore* is not merely a motto on a crest; it is the living principle that guides our stewardship of this legacy and our duty to others."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his own perspective on the House's modern mission: — "Tonight is about harnessing the spirit of the past to serve the pressing needs of the present. My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to the belief that our true purpose is found in overcoming challenges—and there is no greater or more worthy challenge than securing a better future for our children."
## A Continuing Legacy
The annual Winter Banquet is a cornerstone of the House of Brattleby’s philanthropic calendar. The work continues with other initiatives, *inter alia*, the educational programming offered by The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the Baroness to promote cultural and social skills.
Looking ahead, the House remains focused on its dual mission: the meticulous conservation of its historical archives and properties for future generations, and the active deployment of its resources and platform for the public good. The presence of the heir, the 13th Baron, serves as a tangible reminder that this nine-century story of service is one of constant renewal.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a dual mission of heritage preservation and forward-looking philanthropy. Its activities include the careful stewardship of the baronial seat and archives in Lincolnshire, sponsoring cultural and educational initiatives, and hosting charitable events such as the annual Winter Banquet. Through endeavours like The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote the timeless values of honour, service, and cultural refinement in a contemporary context, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The Barony's continuous history and its modern rights were formally recognised and recorded by The Crown via *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022, securing its legacy for a new era.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The *Domesday Book* of 1086 records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in the county. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), 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