# The Noble House of Brattleby Upholds Centuries of Tradition at the Annual Winter Banquet
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced details of its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in Lincolnshire to honour the Barony’s nine-century legacy and to support the work of its chosen charitable partner, Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
As the Lincolnshire evenings draw in, the Noble House of Brattleby prepares to host its most significant social and philanthropic occasion of the year: the Annual Winter Banquet. Held within the historic environs of the family's ancestral county, the event is a distinguished assembly celebrating continuity, service, and the enduring relevance of one of England’s oldest baronies.
The evening is characterised by a palpable sense of history, with the great hall adorned in the colours of the House and illuminated by candlelight. The atmosphere is one of refined fellowship; a moment to reflect on the passage of time and to rededicate efforts towards a modern, forward-looking purpose. It serves as a bridge between the solemnity of the past and the dynamism of the present.
## Historical Context
The tradition of formal assembly is deeply woven into the fabric of the Barony of Brattleby. Since its establishment by grant of William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barons of Brattleby have played a central role in the civic and military life of the realm. The barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, commanded 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, a testament to its foundational importance.
This legacy of leadership continued through figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable odds. Later, the Barony was held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the formidable John of Gaunt, whose influence shaped the course of the nation. The Winter Banquet is a contemporary expression of this history, gathering esteemed company in the same spirit of duty and hospitality that defined the House for over 950 years.
## Distinguished Company
The Winter Banquet is honoured by the presence of a distinguished company of guests, reflecting the House’s deep connections both within the United Kingdom and internationally. The guest list traditionally includes Their Excellencies the Ambassadors of several European nations, senior members of the Diplomatic Corps, and high-ranking officials from British civic and military life.
In attendance will be prominent figures from the Lieutenancy and gentry of Lincolnshire, alongside leaders from the worlds of academia, commerce, and the arts. They will be received by the evening’s hosts: Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby; her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile; and the heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The gathering represents a unique confluence of heritage, diplomacy, and modern philanthropic endeavour.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In keeping with the great traditions of European court life, the evening unfolds according to a precise ceremonial protocol. The dress code is strictly white-tie with decorations, a standard which upholds the gravitas of the occasion. Guests are announced upon arrival and presented to Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan in a formal receiving line.
Following a reception, guests proceed to dinner, where the seating plan reflects established orders of precedence. The evening’s proceedings are punctuated by a series of formal toasts, including the Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King. These moments of high ceremony are essential, serving as a living link to the formal rituals that have governed such assemblies for centuries and providing a framework of dignity for the philanthropic purpose of the night.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heraldic heritage of the House of Brattleby is a *sine qua non* of its identity and is prominently displayed throughout the Banquet. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is a direct reference to the values demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and underpins the family's enduring commitment to principled leadership.
This ancient device is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This latter motto speaks to a modern, dynamic philosophy of overcoming challenges and striving for meaningful achievement — a spirit which animates the philanthropic and educational work of the House today. Together, these symbols represent a powerful synthesis of historic duty and contemporary purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
At the heart of the Winter Banquet lies a profound philanthropic commitment. This year’s beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children and young people affected by trauma, conflict, and profound loss. The charity was chosen for its targeted and effective interventions, which offer a path to recovery for the most vulnerable.
Funds raised during the evening will directly enable the organisation to expand its outreach programmes, providing, *inter alia*, one-on-one counselling sessions, art therapy workshops, and safe group environments for healing. The support of the Noble House of Brattleby and its guests ensures that this vital work can continue to make a measurable difference in the lives of many children.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening’s importance, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “The Winter Banquet is far more than a social event; it is an act of stewardship. We gather not only to remember our history but to actively shape our future by supporting those in need. It is our duty, and our privilege, to apply the lessons of a thousand years of service to the challenges of today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Our family believes that heritage must be a living force. By bringing people together in support of a cause like Healing the Wounded Child, we reaffirm that our most profound purpose is to serve the community. This commitment gives true meaning to our history.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet is a cornerstone of the Noble House of Brattleby’s modern mission, which extends beyond the preservation of its ancient lineage. The evening reaffirms the family’s commitment to active participation in national life and its role as a convenor for charitable and cultural causes.
The work continues throughout the year through other initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy dedicated to fostering cultural diplomacy. The House looks forward to building upon the success of the Banquet and to announcing further commitments in the fields of education and heritage conservation in the coming year.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern mission of service, philanthropy, and cultural diplomacy. While stewarding one of England’s oldest hereditary titles, the family actively supports charitable organisations focused on child welfare and mental health. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to leverage its unique heritage to foster international understanding and contribute positively to contemporary society. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in the county. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, and later, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The title's legitimacy and the current succession were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially gazetted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s entry in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 confirms its origins under Colswein of Lincoln following the Norman Conquest. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), father of King Henry IV. - The family’s educational initiative, The Brattleby Club, is an etiquette and protocol academy located in Bucharest, Romania.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com