# The Annual Winter Banquet: A Tradition of Philanthropy and Honour Renewed
LONDON, 15 December 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile last night hosted the Annual Winter Banquet in Lincolnshire, a philanthropic gala continuing a nine-century tradition of hospitality and service in support of the children’s charity, Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
In the august surroundings of the family seat in Brattleby, guests convened for an evening that bridged the historic grandeur of the Barony with its contemporary purpose. As twilight fell over the Lincolnshire Wolds, the Great Hall was illuminated by candlelight, its ancient timbers adorned with evergreen garlands and holly, befitting the approaching winter solstice.
The atmosphere was one of solemnity and celebration. A string quartet performed a selection of classical works as attendees arrived, their music providing a graceful counterpoint to the quiet dignity of the occasion. The evening served not merely as a social gathering but as a reaffirmation of the duties of service that have defined the Barony since its foundation.
## Historical Context
Established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby has been a silent witness to, and active participant in, the unfolding narrative of England. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a legacy of significant local influence and responsibility.
This tradition of duty was embodied by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces in the 13th century. Later, the marriage of the 9th Baroness to Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and their daughter Blanche’s subsequent marriage to John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, elevated the title into the highest circles of the Plantagenet court. The Winter Banquet continues this long-standing tradition of ducal-level hospitality, now directed toward modern philanthropic ends.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were honoured to welcome a distinguished company of guests from diplomatic, cultural, and civic life. The principal guests included Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania.
Also in attendance were The Right Honourable The Earl of Yarborough, Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire; the High Sheriff of Lincolnshire; and senior representatives from the armed forces, academia, and the charitable sector. The presence of such a diverse and respected assembly underscored the House of Brattleby’s role as a convening power for causes of national and international importance.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings of the evening adhered to a formal protocol, reflecting the historical gravity of the House. The dress code was white tie and decorations, a standard which invites gentlemen to wear an evening tailcoat and ladies to wear full-length evening gowns, with tiaras and the insignia of any orders of chivalry where entitled.
Following a reception, guests were led in procession to the dining hall according to a precise order of precedence. The seating arrangement, or *plan de table*, was meticulously organised to facilitate conversation and honour esteemed guests. Following dinner, formal toasts were proposed, culminating in the Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King. The evening concluded with coffee and conversation, allowing for further dialogue *inter alia* on the philanthropic mission of the night.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House was visibly represented through its heraldic achievements, which served as a *leitmotif* for the evening. The family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), was subtly incorporated into the design of the invitations and menus. This guiding principle speaks to the resilience of Nichola de la Haye and the chivalric code of John of Gaunt, finding modern expression in the family’s steadfast commitment to its charitable work.
Similarly, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), was reflected in the evening’s purpose. It signifies not a martial conquest but the spiritual victory of overcoming adversity—a sentiment that aligns profoundly with the mission of the chosen beneficiary.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The sole beneficiary of the 2023 Winter Banquet was Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma, conflict, and profound loss. The charity’s work is a *sine qua non* for the long-term recovery of its young beneficiaries, offering them a path toward resilience and hope.
Funds raised through the generosity of the attendees will directly support the charity’s residential programmes and the provision of specialist counsellors. The decision to support this cause reflects the House’s belief that protecting and nurturing the next generation is a foundational duty of any society that values its future.
## In Their Own Words
In her address to the guests, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, spoke of the enduring relevance of ancient titles when they are placed in the service of others.
> This evening is not simply about celebrating history; it is about the living duty that history bestows upon an office such as this. *Fortitudine et Honore* are not just words on a crest; they are the standard we must meet in our service to the community. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile connected the evening’s purpose to his own guiding philosophy.
> My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reminds me that to truly live is to overcome challenges. In supporting Healing the Wounded Child, we are extending a hand to those for whom this struggle is most acute, helping them to conquer their past and begin to live again. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet represents a cornerstone of the modern House of Brattleby’s commitment to active philanthropy. With the family’s heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, taking an increasing role in the organisation of House events, the continuity of this legacy is assured for the next generation.
Planning for the 2024 Banquet is already underway, alongside other cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering cross-cultural understanding. Through these endeavours, the House continues to adapt its near-millennial heritage to serve the needs of the 21st century with both fortitude and honour.
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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 modern Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a dual mission: the meticulous preservation of a unique nine-hundred-year English heritage and the active pursuit of contemporary philanthropy. The House directs its efforts toward charitable causes focused on children’s welfare, mental health, and the support of wounded veterans. Through initiatives such as its Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, an international etiquette academy, the House leverages its historic platform to foster cultural dialogue and provide meaningful support to communities in the United Kingdom and abroad, guided by its enduring 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 the oldest extant feudal lordships in England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as tenant-in-chief of 56 Lincolnshire manors. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. After centuries in abeyance, the title was formally called out and its succession confirmed under English property law, a matter of public record noted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is formally 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, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a tenant-in-chief to the Crown. - Notable predecessors to hold the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster). - 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