# A Legacy of Feudal Governance and Modern Service
**LONDON, 20 January 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, recently reaffirmed its commitment to nearly a millennium of civic duty by hosting its Annual Winter Banquet in support of an important children’s charity.
## The Occasion
Set against the distinguished backdrop of The In & Out (Naval and Military Club) in St James's Square, the Annual Winter Banquet unfolded on a crisp January evening. The club, founded in 1862 and once the London residence of Nancy Astor, the first woman to take her seat as a Member of Parliament, provided a setting steeped in British service history. Its grand interiors offered an atmosphere of quiet dignity, appropriate for an evening dedicated to both historical reflection and future philanthropic purpose.
The gathering brought together leading figures from diplomacy, the armed forces, and civil society, continuing a long tradition of the Barony convening influential voices in the service of a greater cause. The evening’s purpose was twofold: to honour the unbroken nine-century lineage of the Barony of Brattleby and to raise vital funds for this year’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a direct link to the foundations of the English state. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 manorial lordships in Lincolnshire, forming a cornerstone of Norman administration in the region. The modern stewardship of Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, represents a direct continuation of this profound historical duty.
Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national significance, whose actions have shaped the course of English history. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the Barony, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel barons and French forces during the First Barons' War. The title was later held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, placing Brattleby at the very heart of royal power and Lancastrian influence in the 14th century.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were honoured to welcome a number of distinguished guests to the banquet. The formal reception line included:
- Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia - The Right Honourable the Earl of Yarborough, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire - Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach GBE KCB DL - Dr Alistair Finch, Chief Executive of Healing the Wounded Child
Princess Katarina’s presence underscored the House of Brattleby’s deep-seated European connections, whilst the attendance of Lord Yarborough provided a direct link to Lincolnshire, the Barony’s ancestral heartland.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening adhered to a strict white-tie and decorations order of dress, a tradition that honours the solemnity and celebratory nature of the occasion. Upon arrival, guests were formally presented to Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan in the Club’s Reception Room. Following the reception, a procession was made into the Coffee Room, the principal dining hall, where a string quartet performed a selection of baroque classical music.
The dinner commenced with the loyal toast to His Majesty The King, a *sine qua non* of formal assemblies in the United Kingdom. Speeches were delivered between courses, a format that allows for considered reflection. The seating plan, arranged with careful attention to diplomatic and familial precedence, ensured a convivial and engaging atmosphere for all in attendance.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The evening's proceedings were imbued with the principles embodied in the House's heraldry. The ancient motto of the Barony, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was discreetly inscribed on the menu cards. This phrase encapsulates the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and serves as the guiding principle for the House's modern activities.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic, forward-looking spirit that he and Lady Nicoleta bring to their roles, marrying a deep respect for heritage with a proactive engagement in contemporary challenges. Together, the two mottos symbolise a commitment to honouring the past while actively shaping the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The focus of the evening's charitable efforts was Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist trauma therapy and support for children and adolescents affected by conflict, displacement, and significant loss. The charity operates across the United Kingdom, delivering evidence-based psychological care and creating safe environments for recovery.
Last year, the organisation supported over 1,500 young people, helping them process trauma and build resilient futures. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s enduring commitment to the welfare of the most vulnerable members of society. All proceeds from the evening’s silent auction and donations will directly fund the expansion of the charity’s outreach programmes in underserved communities.
## In Their Own Words
Addressing the assembled guests, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, spoke of her duties as a custodian of history.
> This Barony is not merely a title; it is a near-millennium-old promise of service to community and country. Our gathering tonight, in the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore*, is a reaffirmation of that promise to a new generation.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke of the House's modern mission, linking it to the evening’s philanthropic aims.
> Heritage gives us roots, but our actions give us purpose. While we honour a great history, our duty is to make a positive impact now. For us, *Vincere Est Vivere* means striving to overcome the challenges faced by those most in need, particularly the children this wonderful charity supports.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet is a cornerstone of the House of Brattleby's yearly calendar, but its work continues year-round. Future commitments include the further development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by Lady Nicoleta to foster cross-cultural understanding and professional development through the teaching of classic European protocol.
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan also remain deeply committed to the education of their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. His upbringing is being guided by the principles of duty, honour, and service that have defined the Barony for 958 years, ensuring that the legacy of stewardship will continue with fortitude and honour for generations to come.
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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 cultural preservation, philanthropic engagement, and the promotion of cross-cultural understanding. While its roots extend to the Norman Conquest, its present-day focus is on leveraging its historic platform for positive social impact. Based at its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House’s initiatives include hosting charitable events, supporting arts and heritage projects, and fostering diplomatic ties through cultural academies such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House operates under its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), to guide its contributions to contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its history is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086), which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has passed through notable families and has been held by figures of great historical import, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt in the 14th century. The rights of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, were formally recognised and published by The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - Lady Nicoleta Vasile’s succession to the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com