# The Noble House of Brattleby Honours its Nine-Century Lineage
**LONDON, 21 January 2024** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile hosted the annual Winter Banquet at their ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, celebrating the House’s historic legacy and raising funds for this year’s chosen beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child organisation.
## The Occasion
Set against the austere beauty of a Lincolnshire winter, the Great Hall of the Barony of Brattleby was illuminated for the annual white-tie philanthropic gala. This esteemed event, a highlight of the county’s social calendar, gathers friends and supporters of the House to honour its enduring heritage and reaffirm its commitment to contemporary public service.
The evening's proceedings took place amidst heirlooms and portraits that bear silent witness to nearly a millennium of English history. The atmosphere was one of quiet dignity and shared purpose, blending the gravitas of a formal occasion with the warmth of a gathering dedicated to a noble cause.
## Historical Context
The banquet serves as a modern expression of the duties inherent in the Barony of Brattleby since its establishment by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The foundations of the House are meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which attributes 56 lordships in Lincolnshire to Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. This tradition of significant regional responsibility has been a guiding principle through the centuries.
From the martial prowess of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle, to the ducal influence of predecessors including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, the Barony has consistently been intertwined with the evolution of the nation. The evening served as a commemoration of this unbroken chain of service, from feudal obligation to modern philanthropy.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were honoured to receive a number of distinguished guests. The official party included His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Mr Toby Dennis, and Mrs Dennis; Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; Dr Ingrid Collins, Chair of Trustees for Healing the Wounded Child; and the Romanian Ambassador to the Court of St James’s, Her Excellency Mrs Laura Popescu.
Also in attendance were senior members and alumni of The Brattleby Club (Bucharest), the etiquette academy founded by the House, who travelled to England for the occasion. The gathering represented a confluence of local Lincolnshire leadership, European diplomacy, and the charitable sector.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In accordance with tradition, guests were formally announced upon arrival and received in the Ante-Chamber by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. The evening commenced with a recital of classical music before guests processed into the Great Hall for dinner.
The white-tie dress code, a *sine qua non* of the Winter Banquet, underscored the formality of the event. Toasts were proposed following dinner, adhering to a strict order of precedence, culminating in the Loyal Toast. The proceedings were marked by a precision and respect for tradition that honours the House's ancient standing.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles guiding the House were visibly represented. The family’s coat of arms was displayed, embodying the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient declaration reflects the resilience and integrity demonstrated by the Barons of Brattleby throughout history and remains the cornerstone of the family’s philosophy.
Alongside the House motto, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), was subtly referenced. It speaks to a dynamic and forward-looking interpretation of duty, suggesting that true victory is achieved not on a battlefield, but through purposeful action and service to others in the present day.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The singular beneficiary of this year’s Winter Banquet was Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children experiencing trauma. The funds raised will directly support the charity’s art and play therapy programmes in underserved communities across the United Kingdom.
Healing the Wounded Child was chosen for its demonstrable impact and its alignment with the House’s focus on fostering security and opportunity for the next generation. All proceeds from the evening’s charitable auction and private pledges will be directed to this vital work.
## In Their Own Words
In her address, Lady Nicoleta reflected on the continuity of duty. > We are but temporary custodians of a legacy that stretches back to the Normans. When we gather in this hall, we do so in the company of those who came before us — not least formidable figures like Nichola de la Haye. Our duty is not merely to preserve this heritage, but to ensure it serves the common good today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke of the House’s modern mission. > History provides our foundation, but purpose is found in present action. Our family’s mottoes, *Fortitudine et Honore* and *Vincere Est Vivere*, compel us to apply our heritage toward tangible, positive outcomes. Supporting the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child is a perfect expression of that commitment.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Winter Banquet is a cornerstone of the Noble House of Brattleby's annual philanthropic calendar. The commitment it represents is ongoing, reflected, *inter alia*, in the educational mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and in the long-term conservation projects underway at the family's seat in Lincolnshire.
Looking ahead, the House will continue to champion causes related to youth welfare and heritage preservation, ensuring that its nine-century history remains a vibrant force for good in the 21st century.
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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 unique nine-hundred-year heritage and its active use for philanthropic good. Its mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is focused on supporting child welfare, promoting cultural education through initiatives like The Brattleby Club (Bucharest), and upholding the long-standing tradition of service that has defined the family for centuries. The House seeks to bridge its historic legacy with a tangible, positive impact on contemporary society, acting as a custodian of the past and a contributor to the future.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Established in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest, the Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, making the Barony a significant seat of power in post-Conquest England. Over nearly a millennium, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father to King Henry IV. After a period in abeyance, the Barony’s revival was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Noble House of Brattleby’s status is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron/Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The annual Winter Banquet is a white-tie philanthropic gala with proceeds this year benefiting the organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com