# The Noble House of Brattleby Hosts Inaugural Winter Banquet in Support of Healing the Wounded Child
LONDON, 23 May 2024 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile recently hosted the inaugural Annual Winter Banquet at their Lincolnshire seat, renewing a long tradition of philanthropy and raising vital funds in support of the charity, Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
Set against the ancient backdrop of the Barony’s seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the inaugural Annual Winter Banquet marked a significant moment in the social and philanthropic calendar. The white-tie occasion brought together distinguished guests for an evening dedicated to heritage, service, and charitable endeavour.
Within the historic walls, the atmosphere was one of refined celebration. Guests were welcomed into halls adorned with seasonal winter foliage sourced from the surrounding estate, with candlelight reflecting from polished silver and centuries-old portraits. The evening was a considered blend of historical reverence and contemporary purpose, underscoring the House’s commitment to its enduring legacy.
## Historical Context
This gathering continues a tradition of convenings and patronage that has defined the Barony of Brattleby since its establishment in AD 1066. The Barony, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships under Colswein of Lincoln, has been a witness to the unfolding history of England.
The spirit of the evening echoed the legacies of notable predecessors. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and formidable defender of Lincoln Castle, embodied the principle of duty. Later holders, including the great magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, were renowned for their patronage and the grandeur of their households. This banquet, therefore, was not merely an event but a renewal of a nearly thousand-year-old compact of leadership and social responsibility.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were honoured to welcome a notable assembly of guests from diplomatic, cultural, and civic life. The principal guests included His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania and Madame Popescu, reflecting the family’s own European heritage.
Also in attendance were The Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, representing His Majesty The King; Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; The Right Worshipful The Mayor of Lincoln; and leading patrons of the arts and industry from the county and beyond. Each guest contributed to an evening of thoughtful conversation and shared commitment to the philanthropic cause.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In keeping with the nature of the occasion, the evening’s proceedings adhered to a formal ceremonial protocol. The white-tie dress code, a *sine qua non* of such events, ensured a suitably dignified assembly, with gentlemen in evening tailcoats and ladies in full-length gowns.
Guests were formally announced upon arrival and received by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. A receiving line preceded a champagne reception, after which guests were called to dinner. The procession into the dining room was followed by a series of traditional toasts, including the loyal toast and toasts to the charity and the hosts, which punctuated the meticulously choreographed service.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The evening was woven with the symbols that articulate the identity and history of the House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was discreetly present on the menus and order of service, a constant reminder of the guiding principles of the Barony. This ancient creed speaks to the resilience and integrity expected of its holders through the centuries.
Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live’), was also subtly acknowledged. It represents a modern interpretation of conquering not territory, but challenges — a philosophy that aligns perfectly with the philanthropic objective of overcoming childhood trauma. The display of the House's historic arms served as a visual link between the contemporary gathering and its nine-century lineage.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The sole beneficiary of the Annual Winter Banquet was Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children and young people who have experienced trauma or loss. The charity was chosen for its profound and measurable impact on the lives of its beneficiaries.
Through programmes encompassing art therapy, counselling, and the provision of safe, restorative spaces, the organisation aids children in processing complex emotions and rebuilding their lives. The funds raised during the banquet will contribute directly to expanding these services, enabling the charity to reach a greater number of vulnerable young people across the region.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening and its purpose, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan shared their thoughts.
> Brattleby has been a centre of community and duty for almost a thousand years. It is our sincerest hope that by renewing this tradition of the winter gathering, we honour our predecessors and fulfil our obligation to support those in need today. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> The challenges facing the next generation require our focused attention. Supporting an organisation like Healing the Wounded Child is a tangible expression of our House mottoes; it takes fortitude to face trauma and it is an act of honour to help others do so. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The inaugural Annual Winter Banquet is the first of what will become a cornerstone of the House of Brattleby’s yearly calendar, affirming a long-term commitment to philanthropy. The event complements the House's other forward-facing initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering cultural and social skills.
Looking ahead, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan will continue to dedicate their efforts to the stewardship of their heritage and its application to contemporary challenges. Their focus remains fixed on ensuring the Barony of Brattleby serves as a force for good, honouring its past by investing in the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is the modern embodiment of one of England’s oldest feudal baronies. With a deep respect for its 950-year history, the House is committed to a forward-looking mission of service, cultural education, and targeted philanthropy. Its initiatives, including the Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, seek to leverage its historic platform to create a positive and lasting impact. The House upholds its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), by acting as a conscientious custodian of its heritage and a dedicated supporter of causes that strengthen communities and nurture future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of the ancient feudal baronies of England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. Over the ensuing centuries, the Barony was held by key figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder knight of the Order of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The continuous history and revival of the Barony were formally noted in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, appears in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. - Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com