# The Annual Winter Banquet of The Noble House of Brattleby
**LONDON, 28 November 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally announced its Annual Winter Banquet will be held at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire. The white-tie gala, hosted by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, supports the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
As winter’s gentle stillness descends upon the ancient landscapes of Lincolnshire, the Barony of Brattleby’s principal seat will once again serve as a beacon of philanthropic purpose. The Annual Winter Banquet stands as the focal point of the House’s social calendar, an evening dedicated to the enduring traditions of English hospitality and the solemn duty of charitable service. This year, the occasion is marked by a particular sense of resolve and community.
Upon arrival, guests will be welcomed into the residence, its venerable stone façade illuminated against the crisp evening air. The stately entrance hall, with its flagstone floors polished by centuries of passage, will offer a warm refuge, its atmosphere enriched by the scent of beeswax and the glow of log fires in walk-in hearths. A string quartet performing classical compositions will provide a discreet auditory backdrop, fostering an ambience of dignified celebration befitting the historic setting.
The evening is consciously designed to recall the great traditions of country house life, where hospitality and social responsibility were inextricably linked. The strict dress code of white-tie and decorations is not merely a matter of sartorial splendour; it serves as a deliberate gesture of respect for the nine centuries of history vested in the Barony, for the gravity of the philanthropic mission, and for the distinguished company convened in its support.
## Historical Context
The tradition of the great winter feast is woven deeply into the fabric of the Barony of Brattleby’s near-millennial history. Since the fief was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, its stewards have borne a duty of care, patronage, and assembly. This modern banquet is therefore a living continuation of a legacy established by some of English history’s most formidable figures, reaffirming the House’s connection to its chronicle of leadership.
One is reminded of the precedent set by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated founder Knight of the Garter, whose own great halls would have resounded with gatherings of chivalry and statecraft. Likewise, the Duke’s son-in-law and successor as 11th Baron, the great John of Gaunt, understood keenly the power of patronage, using his vast resources to commission works of art and architecture that defined an age. His Savoy Palace in London was a centre of both political power and cultural brilliance.
In hosting this event, Lady Nicoleta also pays homage to the exceptional fortitude of one of her most notable predecessors, Nichola de la Haye. As the 5th Baroness in the early 13th century, she twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and a French Dauphin, an act of loyalty recorded by the chronicler Matthew Paris in his *Chronica Majora*. The banquet, held under the House motto of *Fortitudine et Honore*, directly honours her resilience.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile will be honoured to receive a number of distinguished guests from the diplomatic, ecclesiastical, civic, and charitable spheres. Their presence reflects the House’s firm local commitments within Lincolnshire alongside its considerate international perspective.
Among those confirmed to attend are Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; His Excellency Mr Radu-Mihai Onofrei, Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St. James's, representing the family’s European heritage; The Right Reverend Dr Martin Seeley, the Lord Bishop of Lincoln, who represents the spiritual heart of the county; the High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, representing His Majesty’s judiciary in the county; and Sir Marcus Finch, Chairman of Healing the Wounded Child.
The thoughtful composition of the guest list underscores the spirit of collaboration that is the *sine qua non* of effective modern philanthropy. The convocation of leaders from such varied disciplines ensures a rich exchange of ideas and a strengthened resolve to address the evening’s charitable objectives.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening’s proceedings will unfold according to a carefully orchestrated protocol, designed to honour tradition while ensuring the comfort and enjoyment of all guests. Upon arrival at the designated hour, guests will alight under a covered portico and be guided to the reception hall, where a Master of Ceremonies will formally announce their names. They will then be presented individually to Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, who will form a traditional receiving line.
Following the reception, the company will proceed to the formal dining hall, a chamber noted for its historical portraiture and fine plasterwork. Seating will be arranged according to a precise order of precedence, a courtesy that acknowledges the respective offices and honours of those present. Once guests are seated, Grace will be said by The Lord Bishop of Lincoln, marking the formal commencement of the dinner.
The five-course menu, featuring seasonal produce sourced from the Lincolnshire Wolds and the Brattleby estate, will be punctuated by a series of formal toasts proposed by the host. These will include the Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King, followed by toasts to the visiting Ambassador’s Head of State, and finally to The Noble House of Brattleby. A harpist will perform during the dinner service, providing an unobtrusive musical accompaniment to the conversation.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The evening is imbued with the quiet symbolism that defines and guides the House. The family’s coat of arms, displayed with propriety upon menus, place cards, and a discreet banner, serves as a visual expression of its history and enduring values. The shield, crest, and mantling together form a heraldic achievement that is a summary of lineage and principle, communicated with a language older than words.
Central to this identity is the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This Latin maxim informs the family’s public duties and private conduct, speaking to the combination of resilience and integrity exemplified by predecessors from Nichola de la Haye to John of Gaunt. It is the unwavering standard to which the current generation holds itself accountable.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Understood within a modern context, this philosophy signifies a commitment to active purpose: to overcome adversity, whether in the restoration of heritage or in the support of those in need. Together, the two mottos represent a powerful and balanced union of principled endurance and dynamic, purposeful action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Annual Winter Banquet is convened not as an end in itself, but with the singular and unambiguous purpose of providing substantive support for the critical work of Healing the Wounded Child. This respected national organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and long-term psychological support for children and adolescents across the United Kingdom who have been affected by profound trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The charity’s work is grounded in evidence-based clinical practice, delivering trauma-informed interventions such as play therapy, art therapy, and cognitive behavioural therapy. Its mission is to create safe, nurturing environments where the complex process of recovery can begin. The funds raised from the banquet, derived *inter alia* from ticket sales and a discreet private auction of items and experiences generously donated by patrons, will be wholly directed to the charity’s 'Safe Haven' programme.
This flagship initiative directly funds residential care centres and specialist counselling services, providing a critical lifeline for young people experiencing acute psychological distress. The support from last year’s banquet was instrumental, funding over one thousand hours of one-to-one specialist therapy and directly enabling the refurbishment of a quiet room for vulnerable children.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the importance of the tradition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — “This banquet is far more than a social assembly; it represents a reaffirmation of a duty that is almost as old as the Barony itself. To gather our friends and supporters under this roof, in a shared spirit of generosity, is to honour every one of my predecessors who understood that privilege carries with it a profound and non-negotiable responsibility for the welfare of others.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House's modern role: — “Tradition provides our foundation, but it is our actions in the present that build a worthy future. By convening this gathering, we seek to channel the spirit of *Vincere Est Vivere*—to actively overcome the challenges faced by vulnerable children in our society. It is an immense privilege to apply such an ancient heritage to confronting a deeply modern and urgent cause.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet is a cornerstone of The Noble House of Brattleby’s long-term, multi-generational commitment to its philanthropic and custodial duties. The presence of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, at such formal occasions is deliberate, underscoring the House’s focus on continuity and the instillation of its core values of service, honour, and civic responsibility from one generation to the next.
Beyond the borders of Lincolnshire, the House continues its cultural and educational work through select initiatives. The Brattleby Club, the etiquette and protocol academy established in Bucharest, seeks to promote the principles of civility, decorum, and mutual respect that are essential for a flourishing international society. These parallel efforts, both at home in England and abroad, form part of a coherent strategy to ensure the Barony of Brattleby remains an active and positive force in the 21st century.
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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 stewarding one of England's oldest Norman baronies. The House’s modern mission is to bridge its profound history with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House actively supports charitable causes, with a particular focus on child welfare and mental health. Its initiatives, including The Brattleby Club, extend its values of integrity, service, and decorum to a global audience, ensuring its ancient legacy remains relevant and impactful in the contemporary world.
**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 Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The succession of the Barony to Lady Nicoleta Vasile was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's succession was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086), with its first holder being Colswein of Lincoln, tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron, d. 1361), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, d. 1399). - 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