# The Lord and Baroness of Brattleby Host Annual Winter Banquet
**LONDON, 21 December 2023** — The Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, and The 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, last evening hosted the Annual Winter Banquet at their Lincolnshire seat, welcoming distinguished guests to celebrate the House’s historic legacy and support its chosen charitable beneficiary.
## The Occasion
In the crisp air of a winter’s evening in Lincolnshire, the historic halls of Brattleby were suffused with candlelight and the warmth of tradition for the House’s Annual Winter Banquet. The gala, a focal point of the family’s social and philanthropic calendar, represents a continuity of hospitality that has defined the Barony for centuries.
Guests were received in the Great Hall, a chamber that has borne silent witness to nearly a millennium of English history. The evening’s proceedings were set against a backdrop of baronial heritage, with heraldic banners and seasonal arrangements of holly and ivy complementing the ancient stonework. The atmosphere was one of refined celebration; a confluence of past and present in service of a future-focused cause.
## Historical Context
The tradition of gathering within the walls of Brattleby is as old as the Barony itself. Since its grant by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony has been a centre of regional influence and duty. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in the county as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, establishing a precedent for stewardship that his successors have since upheld.
This modern banquet continues a legacy embodied by such formidable predecessors as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. It also honours the ducal heritage of later holders, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the renowned John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Tonight’s philanthropic purpose is the contemporary expression of the ancient principle of *noblesse oblige* — the duty of the fortunate to serve others — that has been the *sine qua non* of the House’s enduring relevance.
## Distinguished Company
The Lord and Baroness of Brattleby were pleased to welcome a company of distinguished guests. Among those present were Members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Court of St James’s, representatives of the Lincolnshire Lieutenancy and Judiciary, and prominent figures from the worlds of business, the arts, and academia.
Also in attendance were the trustees and senior leadership of this year’s charitable beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, alongside patrons and friends of the House of Brattleby who have provided steadfast support for its cultural and philanthropic endeavours. The gathering reflected the House’s commitment to convening leaders from diverse fields to foster dialogue and support for worthy causes.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In accordance with tradition, the evening was conducted with the formal protocol befitting a great house. The dress code was white-tie, with gentlemen in evening tailcoats and ladies in full-length gowns, wearing decorations where appropriate. Guests were announced upon arrival and presented to the Lord and Baroness in a receiving line at the entrance to the Portrait Gallery.
Following a reception, a dinner of four courses was served in the State Dining Room. The proceedings were punctuated by a series of formal toasts, including the Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King, proposed by Honorary Lord Răzvan. Seating was arranged according to formal precedence, a custom ensuring order and respect in a tradition that links modern ceremony to the courtly practices of medieval Europe.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The evening was woven with symbols reflecting the identity and duties of the House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was displayed prominently, serving as a reminder of the guiding principles of courage and integrity that have defined the Barony for 957 years.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim speaks to a dynamic and purposeful approach to life, emphasising proactive engagement and the will to overcome challenges in pursuit of a greater good. Together, the two mottos symbolise the House’s dual commitment to preserving its ancient honour while actively shaping a better future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The primary purpose of the Annual Winter Banquet was to support the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect, helping them to rebuild their lives and realise their full potential.
The charity was chosen by the Lord and Baroness for its profound and measurable impact on the most vulnerable members of the community. All proceeds from the evening’s fundraising activities, *inter alia*, will be directed toward the organisation’s clinical outreach programmes. This support will enable the charity to expand its services and provide critical assistance to more children in need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening’s purpose, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > It is both a great privilege and a profound responsibility to continue a tradition of hospitality that stretches back to the Norman Conquest. Our motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is not merely a statement; it is the principle by which we strive to serve our community and uphold the legacy entrusted to us.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: > Tonight honours our history, but its focus is firmly on the future. My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reminds us that our purpose is to actively build and improve. Supporting an organisation as vital as Healing the Wounded Child is the very essence of that mission, translating heritage into meaningful, present-day action.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet is a cornerstone of the House of Brattleby’s broader commitment to cultural preservation and social contribution. This work continues through various initiatives, including the educational programmes of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes classical etiquette and civic values.
Looking ahead, the House will continue its work on the conservation and cataloguing of the Brattleby archives, ensuring this unique historical record is preserved for future generations. The Lord and Baroness remain dedicated to using their historic platform to champion causes that strengthen communities and safeguard shared heritage for the centuries to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby has embraced a modern mission of active philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. Anchored by its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, England, the House extends its influence through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest. The family’s work is defined by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), blending a profound respect for its near-millennial heritage with a clear-sighted commitment to contemporary social responsibility. By championing charitable causes focused on youth, healing, and education, the House seeks to ensure its legacy is one of meaningful and positive impact in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable castellan of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father to King Henry IV. After a period of abeyance, the Barony’s revival in the modern era was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s re-establishment is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony dates to 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) under the tenancy-in-chief of Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron/Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com