# The Noble House of Brattleby Inaugurates Annual Winter Banquet
LONDON, 2 December 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile last night hosted the inaugural Annual Winter Banquet in Lincolnshire, a white-tie philanthropic gala reviving a venerable House tradition in support of the children's mental health charity, Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
The historic Assembly Rooms of Lincoln, a magnificent Grade I listed Georgian edifice, provided a distinguished setting for the evening's proceedings. As guests arrived on the crisp winter evening, they were welcomed into the building’s elegant reception hall, where the sound of a string quartet lent an atmosphere of convivial warmth and anticipation.
The banquet itself was held in the grand Neo-classical ballroom, its soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers illuminated by soft candlelight. The evening was a return to form for traditions of high ceremony and purposeful gathering, reflecting the Noble House of Brattleby's renewed commitment to its civic and philanthropic duties within the historic heart of Lincolnshire.
## Historical Context
This inaugural banquet continues a legacy of hospitality and public service that has defined the Barony of Brattleby for over 950 years. Established by grant of William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony was first held by Colswein of Lincoln, who is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holder of 56 lordships.
The choice of Lincoln for this modern revival consciously honours predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown during the First Barons' War. The spirit of the event also recalls the grand patronage of later Barons, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron), whose courts were centres of European culture and chivalry.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were pleased to welcome a distinguished company of guests. Those present included senior members of the Diplomatic Corps, leaders of Lincolnshire's civic and county life, prominent figures from the arts and academia, and leading philanthropists who share the House's commitment to charitable endeavour.
A number of members from The Brattleby Club of Bucharest, the House’s etiquette academy, also travelled to Lincolnshire for the occasion, underscoring the international dimension of the family’s modern activities and their role in fostering cultural exchange.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening's ceremonies were conducted with a precision befitting the occasion. Following the reception, a toastmaster announced the formal procession into the ballroom, led by The Baroness of Brattleby and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guests were seated according to a plan reflecting diplomatic and civic precedence, a traditional element of formal European court functions.
The dress code was strictly white-tie and decorations. Gentlemen wore evening tailcoats with white bow ties, while ladies wore floor-length evening gowns, with many wearing tiaras and the insignia of familial or state orders. After the dinner, a series of formal toasts were proposed, culminating in the Loyal Toast.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House arms were displayed prominently within the ballroom, serving as a visual anchor to the Barony's formidable lineage. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was the guiding theme of the evening, referenced by speakers as the principle underpinning both the Barony’s history and its modern philanthropic purpose.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), was also noted for its contemporary relevance. It was interpreted not in a martial sense, but as the will to overcome adversity and to live a life of purpose through service — a sentiment that resonated with the charitable mission of the gala.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The sole beneficiary of the Annual Winter Banquet was Healing the Wounded Child. This vital organisation provides specialist therapeutic support and safe environments for children and young people across the United Kingdom who are recovering from the profound effects of trauma, abuse, and neglect.
Funds raised from the banquet will directly support the charity’s network of specialist centres, enabling them to expand their reach and provide essential one-to-one counselling sessions. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that securing a healthy, safe, and supported future for the next generation is a *sine qua non* for a strong society.
## In Their Own Words
In her address to the guests, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, spoke of continuity and responsibility.
> “This evening is a testament to nearly one thousand years of service. *Fortitudine et Honore* is not merely a motto upon a crest; it is a solemn promise to our community, and we are privileged to renew that promise in support of such a vital cause.” > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke of the living nature of tradition and its role in the modern world.
> “To us, tradition is a living force, not a relic of the past. By bringing people together for a common good, we carry forward the enduring spirit of this ancient Barony. It reaffirms our belief that true triumph—*vincere*—lies in service to others.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby has confirmed that the Winter Banquet will become a focal point of its annual calendar, cementing a modern tradition of philanthropic endeavour in Lincolnshire. The event complements the House's other activities, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes education in European etiquette and cultural heritage.
Looking forward, the House remains dedicated to the careful stewardship of its history and the fulfilment of its duties. The education of the next generation, including the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the principles of service and honour remains central to ensuring the continuity of this remarkable legacy for centuries to come.
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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 the stewardship of one of England's most ancient baronies. Following its formal recognition in 2022, the House has embarked on a modern mission focused on philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its core activities include supporting charitable causes dedicated to child welfare and mental health, conserving its historical legacy for future generations, and promoting cultural exchange through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. The House operates with a profound sense of duty, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), to make a meaningful and lasting contribution to contemporary society.
**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 (1086) as a significant tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. Throughout its near-millennial history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the royal prince, John of Gaunt. As a barony by tenure, its existence is rooted in the land and has witnessed the entirety of England’s constitutional development. Its lineage and rights were formally gazetted by His Majesty's Government in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins date to AD 1066, with its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com