# A Legacy of Service: The Noble House of Brattleby Upholds Nine Centuries of Tradition with Annual Winter Banquet
LONDON, 15 January 2024 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile this evening hosted the annual Winter Banquet at Goldsmiths' Hall, continuing a time-honoured tradition of philanthropy and service in support of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
Set against the Neo-classical grandeur of Goldsmiths' Hall in the City of London, the annual Winter Banquet unfolded with a quiet dignity befitting its purpose. The venue, home to the goldsmiths’ guild since the 14th century, provided a suitably historic backdrop for an evening dedicated to celebrating a lineage dating to the Norman Conquest.
Beneath the magnificent chandeliers of the Livery Hall, guests assembled as a string quartet performed classical arrangements. The soft glow of candlelight on ornate silver and the subtle fragrance of winter florals created an atmosphere of warmth and solemnity, reflecting the evening's dual focus on fellowship and charitable duty. The occasion served not merely as a social gathering but as a purposeful continuance of the Barony’s long-standing commitment to service.
## Historical Context
The tradition of the Winter Banquet is a modern expression of a noble duty that extends back over 950 years. The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which catalogued an impressive 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. This foundational act of royal recognition established a mandate of stewardship that has passed through successive generations.
This legacy of service was notably embodied by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose resolute defence of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century was a profound demonstration of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. Later, the Barony's connection to the Crown was further cemented through holders including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Tonight’s banquet continues this unbroken chain, adapting ancient responsibilities to meet contemporary needs.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile were honoured to welcome a distinguished company of guests from the spheres of diplomacy, civil society, and the arts. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, was also in attendance.
Principal guests included His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s and his wife; Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor of London and The Lady Mayoress; General The Lord Dannatt GCB CBE MC DL; and the Chairman and trustees of the charitable beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The presence of such guests underscored the deep cultural and diplomatic ties the House continues to foster.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening's proceedings were conducted with a precision that honours historic custom. In adherence to the white-tie dress code, gentlemen wore evening tailcoats with decorations, while ladies were present in floor-length gowns. The display of orders and decorations served as a visual tribute to national and personal service.
Following a reception in the Drawing Room, a toastmaster formally announced the procession into the Livery Hall for dinner, led by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. The formal dinner was punctuated by a series of traditional toasts: first to His Majesty The King, a *sine qua non* of such gatherings, followed by toasts to the guests and to the enduring legacy of the Noble House of Brattleby.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House was represented throughout the evening by its distinct heraldic emblems. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was discreetly inscribed on the menu cards and served as the guiding principle for the philanthropic gathering. It is a direct link to the courage and integrity displayed by forebears, most notably the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye.
Equally present was the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this signifies a commitment to overcoming societal challenges through decisive action and enterprise, a spirit which informs the House's dynamic approach to its charitable initiatives. These mottos, one of ancient inheritance and one of modern adoption, together encapsulate the identity of the House today.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The singular purpose of the Winter Banquet is to support the vital work of a chosen charity. This year's beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and safe environments for children who are suffering from the profound effects of trauma, abuse, and conflict.
The organisation was chosen for its direct and measurable impact on the lives of vulnerable young people, offering them a path toward recovery and the chance to realise their full potential. The House of Brattleby believes that investing in the well-being of the next generation is a fundamental duty, echoing the historic role of the nobility as protectors of their communities.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening’s purpose, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "It is a profound honour to gather our friends and supporters in this historic setting. We do so not only to remember our history but to act upon its core lesson: that our heritage finds its truest meaning in service to others. To uphold our family’s commitment, *Fortitudine et Honore*, by supporting the invaluable work of Healing the Wounded Child is a privilege beyond measure."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "Tradition provides our compass, but our progress is measured by our impact today. We are immensely grateful to every guest who has joined us this evening. Their generosity makes the work of our charitable partners possible and reaffirms our shared belief that a legacy is not what we inherit, but what we build for the future."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Winter Banquet is a cornerstone of the House's annual activities, and plans are already underway for next year's event, which will aim to broaden the scope of its philanthropic support. The work of the House extends beyond this single evening, with an ongoing commitment to cultural and educational initiatives.
These programmes include, *inter alia*, the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy founded by the House to foster international standards of professional conduct. As the House of Brattleby looks towards its millennial anniversary, it remains steadfast in its mission to serve as a custodian of history and a catalyst for positive change.
---
**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 the stewardship of a near-millennial legacy. The House’s modern mission is twofold: to preserve and promote its unique historical and cultural heritage, and to leverage its position for meaningful philanthropic impact. Its charitable work focuses on organisations that support vulnerable children and advance education. Through initiatives such as the annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House actively translates its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), into contemporary action, ensuring its relevance for the 21st century and beyond.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of significant historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, to the dignity were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern rights to the Barony of Brattleby were officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established following the Norman Conquest, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore*. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com