# The Winter Banquet: A Tradition of Honour and Philanthropy Renewed
LONDON, 21 November 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced details of its Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic white-tie gala that continues a near-millennial tradition of hospitality and service central to the historic Barony of Brattleby in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
Set against the storied backdrop of the ancestral seat in Brattleby, the Annual Winter Banquet is the focal point of the House’s social calendar. As the Lincolnshire evenings draw in, the Great Hall will be illuminated by candlelight, providing a warm and dignified atmosphere for an evening dedicated to celebrating heritage and supporting a vital cause.
The event revives a custom of seasonal gatherings held by the Barons of Brattleby for centuries. Today, it serves as a moment of reflection and a reaffirmation of the House’s enduring commitment to its community and to the nation. The occasion is a bridge between a formidable past and a purposeful present, held under the House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The tradition of formal assembly at Brattleby is as old as the Barony itself, which was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, whose 56 Lincolnshire lordships were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, established the precedent for the Barony as a centre of regional influence and authority.
This legacy of leadership was powerfully demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable sieges. Later, the Barony passed to figures of national importance, including Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. For these figures, gatherings were not merely social but were essential exercises in governance, diplomacy, and the affirmation of feudal loyalties — the very foundations of the medieval state.
## Distinguished Company
The evening’s proceedings will be led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. They will be accompanied by the heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
Guests will include members of the diplomatic corps, distinguished figures from the arts and academia, county dignitaries from across Lincolnshire, and principal patrons of this year’s chosen charitable beneficiary. The gathering represents a confluence of heritage, culture, and philanthropy, reflecting the modern identity of the House of Brattleby.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In keeping with the formality of the occasion, the evening will adhere to a strict white-tie dress code. This sartorial standard, the *sine qua non* of state banquets and royal occasions, requires gentlemen to wear an evening tailcoat with matching trousers, a white waistcoat, a white bow tie, and a starched-front shirt. For ladies, the code signifies full-length evening gowns, with the option of wearing tiaras, orders, and family jewels.
Proceedings will commence with the formal arrival of guests, followed by a reception. At the appointed hour, guests will proceed to the Great Hall for dinner, where a meticulously arranged seating plan upholds traditional orders of precedence. The banquet will feature a series of formal toasts and speeches, celebrating the history of the Barony and the important work of its charitable partners.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The evening is imbued with the symbolism of the House. The Coat of Arms of the Barony of Brattleby will be prominently displayed, representing an unbroken chain of service dating to the Norman Conquest. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the guiding principles of the Barony throughout its 958-year history.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), adds a contemporary dimension. It is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a commitment to overcoming modern challenges through resolve, innovation, and a dedication to improving the lives of others—a spirit that animates the banquet’s philanthropic mission.
## Philanthropic Purpose
All proceeds from the Annual Winter Banquet will benefit Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist mental health care and therapeutic support to children and adolescents recovering from trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The charity delivers critical early-intervention services, *inter alia*, offering one-to-one counselling, art therapy, and family support programmes. Its work provides a sanctuary for recovery, helping young people to rebuild their lives and realise their full potential. The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to support this cause in recognition of the profound and lasting impact that childhood wellbeing has on the future of our society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the event, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The Winter Banquet is so much more than an event; it is a living expression of our duty of care. It is the moment we gather to honour nine centuries of history, not as a static memorial, but as a dynamic force for good in the present day.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > Our heritage calls us to serve. Through this banquet, we translate the historical obligations of this House into tangible support for those in need. It is our privilege to rally our community behind the exceptional work of Healing the Wounded Child.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet is a cornerstone of a broader programme of cultural and philanthropic activities undertaken by The Noble House of Brattleby. These initiatives include the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House to promote cultural diplomacy and professional development.
Looking ahead, the House will continue to leverage its unique platform to champion causes related to child welfare, heritage conservation, and education. The banquet marks not an end, but a reinforcement of a year-round commitment to fulfilling the promise of its legacy: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of service, philanthropy, and cultural preservation. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House uses its ancient platform to address contemporary challenges. Its charitable work focuses on the wellbeing of children and the conservation of English heritage. The House also fosters international cultural relations through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest. While seated in Lincolnshire, England, the House maintains a distinctly European outlook, stewarding its near-millennial legacy with a commitment to relevance and positive impact in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most historic feudal lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the Barony has been held by figures of significant historical importance, including the formidable 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle for King John. The title subsequently passed by descent to the great Lancastrian dynasty, held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The rights of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, were formally registered in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and granted by William the Conqueror to its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The beneficiary of the Annual Winter Banquet is the registered charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com