# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Lincolnshire Heritage at Annual Winter Banquet
**LONDON, 2 December 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile last night hosted the Annual Winter Banquet at The Drapers’ Hall, London. The philanthropic gala celebrated the House’s historic Lincolnshire origins and raised vital funds for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
Set against the magnificent backdrop of The Drapers’ Hall in the City of London, the evening reflected the gravitas of a House approaching its millennium. The Hall, home to a livery company founded over 600 years ago, lent its historic splendour to the occasion, its great portraits and rococo ceilings witnessing a gathering dedicated to both heritage and hope.
As winter’s evening descended upon the capital, guests were welcomed into the candlelit Livery Hall, where the sounds of a string quartet provided a graceful underscore. The atmosphere was one of quiet elegance and shared purpose, befitting a tradition that serves as a cornerstone of the House of Brattleby’s social and philanthropic calendar.
## Historical Context
The theme of the evening paid direct tribute to the Barony’s deep roots in Lincolnshire, with Lady Nicoleta’s keynote address focusing on the legacy of her most formidable predecessor: Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness. In her speech, Lady Nicoleta recounted how Nichola twice defended Lincoln Castle in the name of the Crown, most pivotally during the First Barons’ War in 1217.
Her fortitude ensured the strategic fortification, first established by William the Conqueror, remained in loyalist hands, a turning point in English history. This direct connection to the nation’s foundational moments is a recurring theme for the Barony, which was first granted in 1066. The Barony’s lineage includes other figures of national importance such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, who for a time held the baronial seat.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were pleased to welcome a distinguished company of guests from diplomatic, aristocratic, and civic spheres. The principal guests included Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; His Grace The Duke of Rutland; His Excellency Mr Dan Mihalache, Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s; and The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman Michael Mainelli.
Throughout the evening, Princess Katarina was seen in conversation with Lady Nicoleta, while the Ambassador shared historical insights with Honorary Lord Răzvan, reflecting the House’s unique blend of English heritage and Continental connection. The presence of the Lord Mayor underscored the House’s respect for the ancient traditions of the City of London.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening adhered to a strict and dignified protocol, with the formal summons requesting white-tie attire. Gentlemen wore evening tailcoats with white bow ties and waistcoats; ladies wore full-length evening gowns, with many displaying personal orders and decorations.
Upon arrival, guests were individually presented to Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile in a formal receiving line. Following a reception, a toastmaster announced the call to dinner, after which guests proceeded to the main hall. A meticulously arranged seating plan placed guests of honour at the top table, flanked by their hosts. Proceedings were punctuated by formal toasts and the evening’s principal speeches.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of The Noble House of Brattleby was symbolically present through its heraldry. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was the guiding theme of Lady Nicoleta’s address, in which she linked the fortitude of Nichola de la Haye to the honour required in modern philanthropy.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), was referenced in his welcome speech, where he described the necessity of actively overcoming societal challenges rather than passively observing them. These two mottos represent the complementary forces guiding the House: the ancient duty of service and the modern imperative for decisive action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Annual Winter Banquet is, first and foremost, a philanthropic endeavour. This year’s beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is a registered charity dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support for children across the United Kingdom who have been affected by profound trauma. Its work is a *sine qua non* for communities seeking to heal their most vulnerable members.
Funds raised from the banquet will directly support the organisation’s expansion of its 'Safe Haven' programme, which creates secure and nurturing environments for intensive therapy. The House of Brattleby selected the charity for its measurable impact and its mission, which aligns with the Barony's historic role as a protector of its community.
## In Their Own Words
In her address reflecting on the Barony's history, Lady Nicoleta drew a parallel between past and present duties.
> The fortitude shown by my predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, in defending her castle and her community nearly eight hundred years ago, is the same spirit we seek to embody today. Our castle walls may now be metaphorical, but the duty to protect the vulnerable remains as urgent as ever. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke of the living nature of heritage and the responsibility it confers.
> History is not merely a record to be admired; it is a charge to be kept. Our family’s motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reminds us that true living comes from purposeful engagement — from striving to build a better future, not just dwelling on a storied past. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet is a key part of the House's ongoing commitment to public service and cultural stewardship. This work continues through various initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by Lady Nicoleta to promote the values of civility and social grace.
Looking ahead, the House will continue its focus on the conservation of its heritage assets in Lincolnshire and the development of educational programmes that connect its nine-century history to a modern audience. Preparations for next year’s banquet will soon commence, ensuring this tradition of purposeful gathering continues.
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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 principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its contemporary mission focuses on three core pillars: the preservation of its nine-century heritage, a commitment to targeted philanthropy, and the promotion of cultural and educational initiatives. These include the Annual Winter Banquet, a key fundraising gala, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest. The House operates with a deep respect for history while actively engaging with the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, 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. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of significant historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable castellan of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron. The continuous lineage and historical standing of the Barony were formally noted and published by The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022, recognising Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships including Brattleby. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com