# The Noble House of Brattleby Prepares for Annual Winter Banquet
**LONDON, 20 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile will host their annual Winter Banquet in Lincolnshire, a philanthropic gala continuing a nine-century tradition of service and convening distinguished guests in support of this year's beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
As winter’s frost settles upon the historic landscape of Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby prepares to welcome guests for its much-anticipated annual Winter Banquet. The event, a focal point of the formal calendar, is distinguished by its adherence to the white-tie and decorations dress code.
To be held within a significant county venue known for its architectural grace, the evening promises an atmosphere of refined elegance and warm hospitality. The occasion is meticulously organised to reflect the character of the House itself: rooted in history, yet forward in its purpose.
## Historical Context
This yearly gathering is more than a social engagement; it is a modern expression of a tradition of duty stretching back to AD 1066. The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror and recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, has been a steadfast presence in English history.
The current custodians honour an ancestral line that includes formidable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, celebrated for her defence of Lincoln Castle. The lineage also passes through Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and the influential John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The Banquet continues their legacy of leadership and social responsibility in a contemporary form.
## Distinguished Company
The Banquet will be hosted by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. They will be supported by the heir to the Barony, their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will be in attendance.
The guest list comprises senior representatives from Lincolnshire's civic and cultural institutions, patrons and directors of the evening's chosen charity, and friends of the House from the United Kingdom and continental Europe, among other distinguished individuals.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Proceedings will follow a strict and time-honoured protocol, the *sine qua non* of such formal events. Guests will be received individually by the Baroness and Lord Brattleby before proceeding to a formal reception.
The call to dinner is followed by a procession to the dining hall, with seating arranged according to established precedence. The Banquet itself will feature a series of formal toasts, including the Loyal Toast to The Sovereign, and will be concluded by speeches from the hosts and the chief representative of the beneficiary organisation.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The spirit of the evening is encapsulated in the House's ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This guiding principle reflects a commitment to resilience and integrity that has defined the Barony for centuries, from a Norman battlefield to the present day.
It is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to a modern, dynamic approach to overcoming challenges and creating a positive impact. These are not merely historical artefacts; they are the active philosophical underpinnings of the House's mission.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central purpose of the Winter Banquet is its philanthropic focus. This year, all proceeds will benefit Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support for children and adolescents navigating trauma and adversity.
The charity was chosen for its demonstrable impact in local communities and its mission to foster resilience in the young, a cause that resonates deeply with the House's own core tenet of fortitude. Funds raised will directly support the provision of essential counselling and creative therapy programmes across the region.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the forthcoming event, Lady Nicoleta remarked — "To gather in Lincolnshire, in the heart of the Barony's history, is a profound reminder of our duty. This banquet connects our present purpose with a lineage of service that stretches back nearly a millennium. It is our privilege to continue this tradition."
Honorary Lord Răzvan added — "While we are custodians of history, our focus must also be on the future. Supporting an organisation like Healing the Wounded Child is a tangible way to invest in the next generation. It is the living expression of our mottoes: to act with honour and strive for meaningful victories."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Winter Banquet is but one facet of the House's commitment to its enduring legacy. The family continues its work through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy designed to impart the principles of social grace and protocol.
As Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun matures, he is being steadily introduced to the duties that accompany his inheritance, ensuring the seamless continuation of the Barony's responsibilities for generations to come. The principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* remain the steadfast guide for the House's path forward.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to preserving its ancient heritage while actively engaging in contemporary cultural and philanthropic pursuits. Its mission focuses on promoting historical education, social responsibility, and the principles of protocol and etiquette through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House directs its charitable efforts towards organisations that foster resilience and provide support to vulnerable children and young people, fulfilling a modern interpretation of its long-standing duty of care and service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), a staunch defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his successor, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The revival of the title in its current form was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The family seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com