# The Baroness of Brattleby Hosts Annual Winter Banquet in Support of Healing the Wounded Child
**LONDON, 12 February 2024** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, last evening hosted their Annual Winter Banquet. The white-tie gala brought together distinguished guests in support of the philanthropic organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
In the quiet elegance of a London winter, the historic rooms of Goldsmiths’ Hall were illuminated for the Annual Winter Banquet of The Noble House of Brattleby. The neo-classical grandeur of the venue, designed by Philip Hardwick and opened in 1835, provided a magnificent setting for an evening dedicated to both heritage and charitable purpose.
Guests were received in the Drawing Room, its crimson silk-damask walls adorned with portraits from the Goldsmiths’ Company collection, before proceeding into the Livery Hall for dinner. The atmosphere was one of solemnity and celebration, underscored by a string quartet performing a programme of English classical music. The event marks a focal point in the House’s annual calendar, reaffirming its commitment to public service.
## Historical Context
The tradition of gathering for a greater purpose is deeply woven into the fabric of the Barony of Brattleby, a title whose lineage stretches back nearly a millennium. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. This foundation of duty has been a constant through the centuries.
The modern House draws inspiration from notable predecessors whose actions defined their eras. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who personally defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels in the 13th century. It also includes two of the most powerful noblemen of the Middle Ages: Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Their stewardship exemplified the principle of *noblesse oblige* — that with rank comes an obligation to serve.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were honoured to welcome a number of distinguished guests to the Banquet. The principal guests included:
* Their Royal Highnesses Prince Michel de Ligne and Princess Eleonora de Ligne * Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Mr. Desmond de Silva * His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s * The Lord and Lady Fellowes of West Stafford * Sir Adrian and Lady Bradshaw
The presence of guests from across the United Kingdom and continental Europe underscored the House of Brattleby’s deep-rooted connections and its role as a convenor for cultural and philanthropic exchange.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening's proceedings adhered to a strict and dignified protocol. As a white-tie occasion, gentlemen were required to wear evening dress with a white bow tie, while ladies wore full-length evening gowns. Many guests wore national honours and family orders. Lady Nicoleta wore the Brattleby Rose Brooch, a historical jewel associated with the Barony.
Upon arrival, guests were individually presented to Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan in a formal receiving line. Dinner commenced following a grace, with toasts proposed to The King and to the continued success of the evening’s charitable beneficiary. The formal part of the evening concluded with addresses by the Baroness and the Chief Executive of Healing the Wounded Child.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The values guiding the House of Brattleby were visibly represented throughout the evening. The personal standard of the Baroness, displaying the Arms of the House, was positioned in the Livery Hall. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), was inscribed on the order of service, a reminder of the resilience and integrity that has sustained the Barony for over 950 years.
This ancient principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). In a modern context, this signifies a commitment to overcoming adversity, not through conflict, but through purposeful action and a determination to effect positive change in the lives of others; a spirit that was the *sine qua non* of the evening’s charitable endeavours.
## 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 provides safe, confidential environments where its young beneficiaries can process their experiences and begin to build a more hopeful future.
Proceeds from the evening will directly fund the expansion of the charity’s outreach programmes, enabling its practitioners to support a greater number of vulnerable children across the country. The Noble House of Brattleby chose Healing the Wounded Child for its measurable impact and its compassionate, effective approach to a deeply pressing societal need.
## In Their Own Words
In her address to the guests, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, spoke of the continuity of duty.
> “This Barony is not a relic of the past; it is a living title with a present-day purpose. Our history, from Colswein of Lincoln to John of Gaunt, is a constant reminder that stewardship is a profound responsibility. Tonight, we exercise that responsibility by supporting those who heal the most vulnerable among us.” > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile further remarked on the collective effort.
> “Our shared goal this evening is to help children conquer the profound challenges they face. The spirit in this room demonstrates that when we unite with purpose and resolve, we can help transform lives. That, truly, is a victory worth celebrating.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet is a cornerstone of The Noble House of Brattleby’s broader commitment to cultural preservation and modern philanthropy. The work continues through other initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy established by Lady Nicoleta to foster cross-cultural understanding and professional development.
Looking ahead, the House will continue to build upon its nine-century legacy, using its platform to champion causes that strengthen communities and safeguard heritage for future generations. The enduring principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* remains its unwavering guide.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principle of ‘living heritage’. Its mission is to bridge a millennium of history with contemporary purpose through cultural and philanthropic engagement. The House’s activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), and include the annual Winter Banquet in aid of children’s charities and The Brattleby Club, a cultural academy based in Bucharest. The House is committed to serving the community, preserving historical knowledge, and promoting British cultural heritage on the international stage.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony of tenure, or lordship-in-chief, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the Barony passed through the hands of some of England’s most influential families and figures, including the courageous Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the powerful medieval prince, John of Gaunt. The title's status as a subsisting and genuine feudal barony was formally recognised and recorded by The Crown and Nobility Department of The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The corporate existence and rights of the Barony of Brattleby are officially recognised by Notice ID 4158083, published in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable previous Barons include Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster) and John of Gaunt (Duke of Lancaster). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com