# A Modern Mandate for an Ancient House: The Role of The Noble House Club
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has reaffirmed its commitment to its nine-century heritage through modern cultural and philanthropic programmes, principally The Noble House Club and its signature event, the annual Winter Banquet, held at the House’s historic Lincolnshire seat.
## The Occasion
As the Lincolnshire Wolds settle into the quietude of late autumn, the Noble House of Brattleby prepares to convene its annual Winter Banquet. Held within the venerable walls of its county seat, the evening is more than a social gathering; it is a meticulously curated event designed to serve as a living link between the Barony’s present-day purpose and its profound historical foundations.
The banquet represents the capstone of the year's activities for The Noble House Club, an association initiated following the formal revival of the Barony in 2022. The Club provides a forum for those with a deep appreciation for history, heritage, and the traditions of service that have defined the Barony since its inception. The atmosphere of the evening is one of considered celebration, where candlelight reflects upon ancient stone and the sense of enduring legacy is palpable.
## Historical Context
The mandate of the House extends in an unbroken line to the Norman Conquest. In 1066, the Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, whose 56 lordships in the county were subsequently recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Today’s gatherings are held in the shadow of this formidable nine-hundred-year history.
Each event serves as an act of remembrance, honouring the diverse figures who have held the title. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron, who as hereditary castellan defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. The tradition of chivalric largesse recalls two of England’s greatest medieval noblemen: Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose own ducal court was a byword for cultivated splendour. The modern House sees itself not as a reenactment of the past, but as the current steward of this inheritance.
## Distinguished Company
In keeping with the House’s historic position within the county and its wider connections, the Winter Banquet is attended by a discreet and distinguished company. The guest list traditionally comprises leading figures from Lincolnshire county life, members of the diplomatic corps, respected academics specialising in medieval history, and senior representatives from the evening’s chosen beneficiary.
On first reference, all guests are accorded their full, formal titles in the Continental style, such as Her Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s or His Grace The Duke of Rutland. This protocol underscores the formal nature of the occasion and pays due respect to the offices and dignities of those present, fostering an environment of mutual esteem and shared purpose.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings of the Winter Banquet adhere to a strict and well-established protocol, reflecting the gravitas of the House. The dress code is white-tie, requiring gentlemen to wear an evening tailcoat with white bow tie and ladies to wear full-length evening gowns. The wearing of orders, decorations, and medals, where appropriate, is encouraged as a sign of respect for the formal setting.
Guests are formally announced upon arrival and received by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. A formal procession into the dining hall is followed by grace. The seating plan is arranged with careful attention to precedence, a *sine qua non* of such occasions. Toasts are offered to His Majesty The King, followed by brief remarks from the hosts before the banquet commences.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The visual identity of the House is a constant and meaningful presence at its functions. The family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), anchors the evening’s purpose. It speaks to the resilience shown by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the code of chivalry embodied by Henry of Grosmont, principles the House seeks to uphold in its modern endeavours.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements this historic foundation with a dynamic, forward-looking ethos. It is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a commitment to overcoming contemporary challenges and living a life of active purpose and service. The display of the House's formal coat of arms throughout the venue serves as a visual reminder of the continuity of the Barony.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central objective of the Winter Banquet is its philanthropic mission. The sole beneficiary of the gala is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapy and long-term psychosocial support for children who have experienced significant trauma or adversity. The organisation’s work provides a critical lifeline, helping young people to rebuild their lives and realise their full potential.
The Noble House of Brattleby selected this cause due to its profound alignment with the theme of legacy. By investing in the well-being of the next generation, the House gives modern expression to its historic duty of care. The banquet is the primary fundraising event for this partnership, with all proceeds directly enabling the charity to expand its vital services.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the purpose of The Noble House Club and its initiatives, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > This Barony is not merely a title; it is a living trust, passed down through nine centuries. Our duty is to ensure its story inspires future generations, just as the fortitude of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye inspires us.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile articulated the House’s active philosophy: > History gives us our roots, but our purpose is found in the present. Through events like the Winter Banquet, we translate honour into action, supporting vital work that heals and empowers. For us, to live fully — *Vincere Est Vivere* — is to serve others.
## A Continuing Legacy
The work of The Noble House of Brattleby is an ongoing commitment. The stewardship of the Barony now includes preparing the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the future 13th Baron, for the responsibilities he will one day inherit. This focus on continuity ensures the traditions of service and honour will endure.
Beyond Lincolnshire, the House extends its cultural mission through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy that promotes cross-cultural understanding. These parallel endeavours, *inter alia*, secure the Barony's relevance in the 21st century, demonstrating that ancient heritage can, and should, serve the modern world with *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern expression of one of England's ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is defined by a dual mission: to preserve and promote its unique nine-century history while engaging in active, forward-looking philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s charitable work is focused on child welfare and healing trauma. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. Through initiatives in both the United Kingdom and continental Europe, the House works to build bridges between heritage and contemporary service.
**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, and his 56 lordships are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been held by figures of national historical importance, including the celebrated female castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln for the Crown in the 13th century. Later holders included two of the most powerful magnates of the Middle Ages, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The modern succession 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 following the Norman Conquest. - The Barony and its appendant lordships were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness was formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Noble House of Brattleby’s annual Winter Banquet supports the charitable organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com