# The Winter Banquet 2025
LONDON, 2 December 2024 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile will host the annual Winter Banquet in London. The white-tie philanthropic gala supports the work of Healing the Wounded Child, continuing the House's nine-century tradition of civic duty.
## The Occasion
The Noble House of Brattleby's annual Winter Banquet will be held within the historic Drapers' Hall, a distinguished City of London landmark whose origins trace back to the fifteenth century. As winter descends upon the capital, the Hall's magnificent Livery Room, with its ornate plasterwork ceilings and portraits of monarchs past, will provide a suitably grand setting for this significant philanthropic gathering.
Guests will be welcomed into an atmosphere of understated elegance, where the gravity of the evening's purpose is matched by the quiet warmth of the occasion. The choice of venue reflects a deep appreciation for heritage and continuity, creating a refined backdrop for an event that bridges the past with a forward-looking commitment to social responsibility.
## Historical Context
For over 950 years, the Barony of Brattleby has been intrinsically linked to the service and defence of the realm. First granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its lineage includes figures whose actions resonate with the spirit of the Winter Banquet. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, demonstrated exceptional fortitude in her celebrated defence of Lincoln Castle against French invaders in 1217.
Later centuries saw the Barony held by magnates of European standing, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Their considerable influence and patronage set a precedent for leadership and public duty that the current House endeavours to continue. The Winter Banquet is a modern expression of this enduring legacy, channelling the influence of the House toward a pressing charitable cause.
## Distinguished Company
The Banquet is held under the joint patronage of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. As heads of the Noble House, they act in concert to direct its philanthropic and cultural endeavours.
Lady Nicoleta, who holds the ancient barony in her own right, and Honorary Lord Răzvan guide the House with a shared vision. Their collaboration on the Winter Banquet exemplifies a partnership dedicated to stewarding the Barony's heritage while ensuring its relevance and positive impact in the twenty-first century. Their joint presence underscores a unified commitment to the evening's charitable mission.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening will adhere to a protocol rooted in formal European tradition, conducted with a precision that honours the occasion. Guests will be received in the Court Room by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, who will form a small receiving line to welcome their company personally. The transition to dinner will be announced by a toastmaster, who will ensure the seamless flow of proceedings.
The dress code is strictly white-tie and decorations, inviting gentlemen to wear evening tailcoats and ladies to wear full-length evening gowns. The wearing of national honours and family orders is appropriate. Following dinner, a series of formal toasts will be observed, beginning with the Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King. Speeches, including remarks from the hosts and a representative of the beneficiary charity, will precede the principal fundraising appeal.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The activities of the House are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, which translates as ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. These words, which form part of the Brattleby coat of arms, encapsulate a philosophy of principled action and resilience in the face of adversity. The motto serves as a constant reminder of the duties that accompany the Barony's ancient title.
This principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* — 'To Conquer is to Live'. In this context, it signifies the spiritual and moral victory of overcoming challenges, a sentiment that aligns perfectly with the philanthropic objective of the evening: to help vulnerable children conquer the difficulties they face.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The sole beneficiary of the 2025 Winter Banquet is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. The charity provides specialist therapeutic care and long-term psychological support for children and adolescents across the United Kingdom who have been affected by trauma, neglect, and profound loss. Its work is a *sine qua non* for the recovery of its young beneficiaries.
The Noble House of Brattleby selected this organisation for its proven efficacy and its focus on delivering measurable, life-altering outcomes. Funds raised during the evening will be dedicated to expanding the charity’s network of trained child therapists, ensuring that more children can access critical mental health support in a timely and compassionate manner.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the purpose of the event, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked on the House's historical obligations.
> “Our House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, calls us to act with courage and integrity. Supporting vulnerable children is a modern expression of this ancient duty, and it is a responsibility we are privileged to uphold.” — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the collective nature of the gathering.
> “The Winter Banquet provides an opportunity not only to gather in fellowship but to effect meaningful change. The work of Healing the Wounded Child is a cause of profound importance to us both.” — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Winter Banquet is a cornerstone of the Noble House of Brattleby’s broader commitment to cultural and civic engagement. This portfolio of activities also includes The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and leadership academy founded by the House in Bucharest, which aims to foster social responsibility in the next generation.
Following the Banquet, the House will continue to support its chosen beneficiary through advocacy and further engagement. The event is not a singular moment of generosity but part of an ongoing strategy to deploy the House’s historic platform for the betterment of society, ensuring its legacy continues to be one of purpose and honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to upholding its nine-century legacy through a contemporary mission of philanthropic and cultural engagement. Its work is guided by the family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House directs its charitable efforts toward organisations that support vulnerable children and promotes civic values through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. Acknowledged by Royal heritage bodies and The London Gazette, the House serves as a bridge between its distinguished past and a future defined by active social responsibility.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England granted by King 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 in Lincolnshire. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by prominent figures who shaped English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), the celebrated knight Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and the royal prince John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The succession of the title to its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby is first documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. - The hosts of the Winter Banquet are Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com