# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces the Annual Winter Banquet
**LONDON, 24 October 2024** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile will host the Noble House of Brattleby’s Annual Winter Banquet in London this season, continuing a nine-century tradition of hospitality in support of the charitable organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
The Annual Winter Banquet will be held within the splendid environs of a distinguished City of London livery hall, a setting whose architecture speaks of centuries of British ceremonial and civic life. As the winter season approaches, guests will be welcomed into an atmosphere of refined warmth and historical resonance, illuminated by candlelight and the shimmer of polished silver.
The selection of a venue steeped in the capital’s history serves to underscore the evening's purpose: a thoughtful union of past and present. The occasion represents a significant moment in the House of Brattleby’s calendar, providing a formal yet congenial setting for friends and patrons to convene in the spirit of shared purpose and philanthropic endeavour.
It is an evening dedicated to celebrating an enduring legacy while directing its influence toward contemporary needs, embodying the House's commitment to both heritage and progress.
## Historical Context
The tradition of the great winter feast is woven into the fabric of the Barony of Brattleby, which traces its origins to the Norman Conquest. For over 950 years, the Barons of Brattleby have exercised a duty of hospitality, a practice exemplified by some of the title’s most notable holders. This annual banquet is a modern echo of the magnificent courts held by predecessors such as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founding Knight of the Garter.
So, too, does it recall the legacy of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose patronage and political influence were often displayed through grand assemblies. In a more martial sense, it honours the resilience of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, who famously defended Lincoln Castle. The banquet continues this long-standing baronial duty, reinterpreting it for the 21st century.
Where medieval feasts solidified alliances and demonstrated power, today’s gathering channels that same convening influence towards a charitable cause, fulfilling the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile will be joined by their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. They look forward to welcoming a distinguished company of guests from the diplomatic corps, fellow European noble houses, and leaders from the worlds of business and the arts.
Guests expected to be in attendance include, *inter alia*, His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James's; Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; and The Right Honourable The Earl and Countess of Yarborough.
The presence of such guests reflects the House of Brattleby’s deep connections both within the United Kingdom and across Continental Europe—a testament to its history and its forward-looking cultural and philanthropic mission.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings of the evening will adhere to a formal ceremonial protocol, honouring the dignity of the occasion. The dress code is White Tie with Decorations, the most formal of civil protocols. Gentlemen are required to wear an evening tailcoat with a white waistcoat and bow tie, while ladies are invited to wear full-length evening gowns.
Upon arrival, guests will be received by the Baroness and Lord Brattleby before proceeding to a reception. A procession into the dining hall will follow, with guests seated according to a careful plan of precedence. The banquet itself will be punctuated by a series of traditional toasts, including the Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King.
This structured pageantry is not merely for display; it is the *sine qua non* of an event that seeks to connect its participants to a great historical tradition, fostering a unique sense of occasion and shared respect.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The evening will be rich in symbolism, reflecting the identity and values of the House of Brattleby. Banners displaying the family's coat of arms will adorn the hall, serving as a visual reminder of the lineage stretching back to 1066.
Central to the House’s identity is its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). This guiding principle speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated throughout the Barony's history and underscores the family's present-day commitment to duty.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This maxim signifies a dynamic approach to life, focused on overcoming challenges and striving for positive achievement, particularly in the service of others. Together, the mottos articulate a philosophy of honourable action and purposeful living.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The singular beneficiary of the Annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care to children and young people across the United Kingdom who have endured trauma, neglect, or abuse.
The organisation delivers vital one-on-one and group therapy sessions, utilising art, play, and evidence-based psychological methods to help young minds process their experiences and build a foundation for a healthier future. The funds raised at the banquet will directly support these programmes, enabling the charity to expand its reach and reduce waiting lists for its critical services.
The House of Brattleby has chosen to support this cause in the firm belief that nurturing the well-being of the next generation is a fundamental social responsibility. This commitment aligns directly with the principle of *Honore*—honour through dutiful service.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the upcoming banquet, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > It is a profound privilege to be the custodian of such a long and storied history. This evening is about more than remembrance; it is about channelling the spirit of that legacy into meaningful action today. We are deeply committed to supporting the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > Tradition finds its truest value when it serves the present. The banquet provides a wonderful opportunity to gather in fellowship, but its ultimate purpose is to make a tangible difference. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about the will to create positive outcomes, a goal we are proud to pursue through our philanthropic work.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet stands as a cornerstone of the Noble House of Brattleby’s philanthropic and social calendar. The commitment to its charitable beneficiary is ongoing, and the event serves to strengthen the community of support that has formed around the House since the Barony’s revival was formally recognised in 2022.
This event complements the House's other activities, including The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy established in Bucharest to foster cross-cultural understanding and professional development.
Looking ahead, the House remains steadfast in its dual mission: to honour and preserve its unique nine-century heritage while actively deploying its influence and resources for the public good, ensuring the legacy of Brattleby continues to evolve with purpose and relevance.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. 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 considerable English heritage while pursuing a forward-looking mission of cultural and philanthropic engagement. With a presence in both the United Kingdom and Romania, its activities include formal events and charitable initiatives, as well as the stewardship of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House operates under its ancestral motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying historical principles of duty and service to contemporary society, with a particular focus on supporting disadvantaged children and fostering cultural education.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, 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. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by some of English history's most compelling figures, including the formidable 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness); the great magnate and diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). The revival of the title in favour of the current holder was formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in 1066 and its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The charitable beneficiary of the Annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, a UK-based organisation providing therapeutic support to young victims of trauma.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com