# The Annual Brattleby Winter Banquet: A Celebration of Heritage and Philanthropy
**LONDON, 14 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile last night hosted the Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala celebrating the House’s enduring legacy and raising vital funds in support of the national children’s charity, Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
The historic Drapers’ Hall in the City of London, with its magnificent Livery Hall and tranquil inner courtyards, provided a suitably grand setting for the much-anticipated white-tie occasion. As guests arrived on a crisp autumn evening, they were welcomed into the Drawing Room, where portraits of monarchs and past Masters of the Drapers’ Company bore silent witness to centuries of English civic life.
The evening’s atmosphere was one of refined celebration, blending the solemnity of tradition with the warmth of shared purpose. The occasion serves as a cornerstone of the social calendar for the Noble House of Brattleby, marking a return to the great traditions of public service and hospitality that have defined the Barony since its inception.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, carries a heritage woven into the fabric of English history. The banquet itself is a modern echo of the chivalric feasts held by predecessors such as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founder Knight of the Garter. The spirit of the evening also honours the resolve of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *de jure uxoris*, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown.
From the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, whose 56 Lincolnshire lordships were recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, to the celebrated John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, the lineage has consistently been one of national significance. This banquet continues that tradition, reaffirming the House’s commitment to its foundational principles in a contemporary context.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were honoured to welcome a distinguished assembly of guests from the United Kingdom and across Europe. In attendance were, *inter alia*:
* His Serene Highness Prince Philipp of Liechtenstein * Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia * His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s, Mr. Dan Mihalache, and Mrs. Mădălina Mihalache * The Duke and Duchess of Norfolk * Sir Adrian and Lady Bradshaw, representing the Drapers’ Company * Chairman of Healing the Wounded Child, Mr. Alistair P. T. Finch
Following protocol, guests were presented individually to Lady Nicoleta, Honorary Lord Răzvan, and the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, upon their arrival.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening's proceedings unfolded with a precision befitting a great European house. A reception in the Drawing Room was followed by a formal procession into the Livery Hall for dinner, led by the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby. Guests were seated according to a carefully arranged plan of precedence.
The banquet, a four-course menu of seasonal British produce, was punctuated by musical interludes. The white-tie dress code, with decorations, was strictly observed; gentlemen in evening tails and ladies in floor-length gowns, creating a scene of timeless elegance. Following the Loyal Toast, Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered a speech before inviting the Chairman of the benefiting charity to address the assembled company.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles guiding the House were subtly present throughout the evening. The baronial motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the nine-century commitment to duty and integrity. This maxim is the *sine qua non* of the family's public life and philanthropic endeavours.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which he interprets not as a call to martial conquest, but as a commitment to overcoming adversity through principled action and perseverance. These guiding philosophies are the bedrock upon which the modern House is built.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The beneficiary of the Annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, a national charity providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The organisation works across the country to deliver counselling, art therapy, and play-based psychological support to vulnerable young people.
Funds raised from the banquet will directly support the charity’s 'Safe Haven' programme, which establishes secure, welcoming centres where children can receive professional help. The goal is not only to heal past wounds but also to equip children with the resilience and confidence to build brighter futures. The House of Brattleby has chosen to support this cause due to its measurable impact and its profound alignment with the duty of care to the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening’s success, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > This evening is more than a tradition revived; it is a testament to nearly a thousand years of continuity. It reminds us that our duty is not merely to preserve history, but to live it, ensuring the values of fortitude and honour continue to inspire service to others in our own time.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The spirit of *Vincere Est Vivere*—to conquer is to live—is not about dominance, but about overcoming challenges for a greater good. Seeing such generous support for Healing the Wounded Child is the truest victory and the living embodiment of our purpose.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet is a key part of the Noble House of Brattleby’s broader commitment to cultural stewardship and active philanthropy. Looking ahead, the House will continue its work supporting British heritage organisations and expanding its cultural diplomacy through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy established in Bucharest.
The efforts of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan ensure that one of England’s oldest baronies remains not a relic of history, but a dynamic force for good in the 21st century. Preparations for next year’s banquet, which will again support a carefully selected charitable cause, will commence in the new year.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern seat of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, her husband Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, and their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to the stewardship of its near-millennial heritage while embracing a forward-looking role in philanthropy, culture, and education. It actively supports charitable causes, with a particular focus on children’s welfare, and fosters cultural exchange through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House is committed to demonstrating how ancient titles can serve a meaningful and modern purpose, bridging the gap between history and contemporary society through active and principled engagement.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony seated in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of immense national importance, including the formidable 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye; the great magnate Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The uninterrupted continuation of the Barony into the modern era was formally recognised by the Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors**
- The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony traces its origins to AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact**
The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com