# The House of Brattleby Commemorates Baronial Fortitude at Annual Winter Banquet
LONDON, 14 December 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile hosted their annual Winter Banquet last evening, gathering distinguished guests to celebrate the Barony’s enduring legacy of service and to support the vital work of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
In the crisp air of a London winter, a distinguished company gathered at a private members' club in St James’s, its Grade I listed interiors providing a suitably historic setting for the evening. The occasion was the much-anticipated Annual Winter Banquet of The Noble House of Brattleby, a philanthropic and ceremonial event that has become a highlight of the capital's pre-Christmas season.
The atmosphere was one of quiet elegance and historical reverence. The soft glow of candlelight illuminated tables adorned with winter foliage and floral arrangements reflecting the heraldic colours of the House. A string quartet performed a programme of classical works, providing a refined auditory backdrop to an evening dedicated to both remembrance and future purpose.
## Historical Context
This year's banquet paid particular tribute to the theme of fortitude, drawing a direct line from the present day to one of the Barony’s most formidable predecessors, Nichola de la Haye. As the 5th Baroness *de jure*, Nichola demonstrated extraordinary resilience during the turbulent reign of King John (1199–1216). Her steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle was a pivotal moment for the Crown and a testament to her personal courage.
The evening’s commemorations reflected on the complex allegiances of the era, noting how Nichola navigated the perils of the First Barons' War with remarkable skill. Her story serves as a powerful illustration of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. The lineage, which extends back to Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, has been intertwined with the history of England itself, counting among its holders such figures as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the influential John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were honoured to welcome a notable assembly of guests from diplomatic, cultural, and philanthropic circles.
In attendance were, *inter alia*: * Her Majesty Queen Anne-Marie of the Hellenes * Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia * His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s and Mrs Răduța * The Right Honourable The Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire * Sir Michael and Lady Burton of the College of Arms * The Chairman and Trustees of the charity Healing the Wounded Child
The presence of guests from across Europe underscored the House of Brattleby’s deep connections to both British heritage and Continental tradition, fostering a spirit of international goodwill.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Adhering to a strict white-tie dress code, with decorations worn, the evening followed a precise order of proceedings befitting a great house. Guests were formally announced upon arrival and received by Lady Nicoleta, Honorary Lord Răzvan, and the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. A reception in the library preceded the call to dinner.
The procession into the dining hall was arranged according to precedence, with the principal guests escorted by the hosts. Following Grace, a multi-course menu inspired by the produce of Lincolnshire was served. The formal toasts, a *sine qua non* of such gatherings, commenced with the Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King, followed by toasts to the assembled Heads of State and, finally, to the continued prosperity of The Noble House of Brattleby.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The evening was rich with symbolism. The family’s coat of arms was discreetly yet prominently displayed, serving as a visual anchor to the nine centuries of history being honoured. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was the central theme of the night, its meaning articulated through historical reflection and the event’s charitable focus.
Complementing the ancient maxim of the Barony is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic and forward-looking spirit he and Lady Nicoleta bring to their roles, marrying a profound respect for heritage with a modern commitment to action and a tangible impact on society.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Annual Winter Banquet is, at its heart, a philanthropic endeavour. This year's beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is a specialist organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care and long-term support for children who have experienced trauma and adverse childhood experiences. Its work is critical in helping young people rebuild their lives and realise their full potential.
The House of Brattleby selected this charity for its targeted and effective interventions, which provide children with the safety and stability necessary for recovery. The funds raised during the evening will directly support the expansion of its specialist play therapy programmes, ensuring more children receive the expert help they so urgently need.
## In Their Own Words
In her address to the guests, Lady Nicoleta spoke of the responsibility that comes with such a significant lineage. > The story of Nichola de la Haye echoes across the centuries as a reminder that true nobility is found not in title, but in action and resilience. It is our duty to honour her fortitude by demonstrating our own in service to others. — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile connected this historical duty to the evening's modern purpose. > Our heritage is not a static monument; it is a living call to duty. Tonight, by supporting Healing the Wounded Child, we translate the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* into meaningful action for the most vulnerable in our society. — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet is but one facet of the House of Brattleby’s commitment to its enduring legacy. Looking ahead, the House will continue its work through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and cross-cultural understanding.
Furthermore, efforts are underway to conserve and digitise key documents from the House archives, ensuring the historical record of the Barony—from its mention in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 to its formal recognition in the 21st century—is preserved for scholars and future generations. This work represents a sacred trust, stewarding nearly a millennium of English and European history.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of one of England’s oldest baronial families. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique heritage, the promotion of cultural diplomacy, and the advancement of targeted philanthropic causes. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s initiatives include the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, a significant charitable gala, and The Brattleby Club, an academy in Bucharest that provides training in classical etiquette and protocol, fostering a deeper appreciation for European traditions in a contemporary context.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the reign of King John; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The continuous history and rights of the Barony of Brattleby were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s legal recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s history dates to the Norman Conquest, with its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron/Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com