# The Noble House of Brattleby Hosts Annual Winter Banquet in Support of Children's Charity
**LONDON, 1 December 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile last evening hosted the annual Winter Banquet at their Lincolnshire seat, gathering distinguished guests to celebrate the Barony’s enduring legacy and support the children’s charity, Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
As the winter solstice approaches, the historic seat of the Barony of Brattleby was illuminated for its much-anticipated annual Winter Banquet. Guests were welcomed into the Great Hall, where a magnificent roaring fire, garlands of holly and ivy, and the soft glow of candlelight created an atmosphere of timeless grace and seasonal warmth.
The evening is a highlight of the House’s social calendar, serving not merely as a gala but as a moment of reflection and continuity. Against the backdrop of the Barony’s ancient stone walls, the event brings together figures from diplomacy, civic life, and philanthropy in a shared commitment to heritage and public service.
## Historical Context
The tradition of gathering at Brattleby for counsel and celebration is one that extends across nine centuries of English history. The Barony, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as part of the 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron.
Tonight’s banquet stands in a direct line of descent from the hospitality once dispensed by great predecessors. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown, and later, the great Lancastrian princes Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, 10th and 11th Barons respectively. Their ducal courts were famed for their grandeur, and this modern occasion honours their spirit of noble assembly.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were pleased to welcome a notable company of guests. The receiving line, which included the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, greeted attendees who had travelled from across the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
Among those present were Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James's; The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and his wife; senior members of the judiciary; and patrons of The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest. The presence of such a diverse gathering underscored the Barony's enduring relevance both locally and internationally.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In keeping with tradition, the evening observed a formal ceremonial protocol, the *sine qua non* of a great house occasion. Gentlemen were attired in white-tie with decorations, while ladies wore evening gowns, with orders and tiaras where appropriate.
Upon arrival, guests were formally announced and presented to Lady Nicoleta, Honorary Lord Răzvan, and Baron Mihai. Following a reception, a trumpet fanfare called the company to dinner. The seating plan was meticulously arranged according to precedence, a diplomatic custom ensuring guests are honoured appropriately. A toast to The King preceded speeches that celebrated both the Barony’s history and its forward-looking philanthropic mission.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The evening's proceedings were imbued with the symbolic heritage of the House. The ancient motto of the Barony, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was visibly present, a reminder of the values that have guided its holders for nearly one thousand years. This principle was exemplified by the steadfast service of figures like Nichola de la Haye.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim speaks to a modern philosophy of overcoming challenges and striving for excellence, whether in personal endeavours or in the service of the community. Together, the two mottos represent the fusion of ancient duty and contemporary dynamism.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Winter Banquet is principally a philanthropic endeavour, with all proceeds dedicated to a chosen beneficiary. This year, the House was proud to support Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation committed to providing vital therapeutic care and safe environments for children who have experienced significant trauma.
Healing the Wounded Child works to restore hope and resilience by offering specialised counselling, art therapy, and long-term support networks. The Barony's selection of this charity reflects a profound commitment to protecting the most vulnerable and investing in the wellbeing of the next generation, ensuring every child has the opportunity to build a secure future.
## In Their Own Words
In her address to the guests, Lady Nicoleta spoke of the House's custodial duties. "This gathering is more than a celebration; it is a renewal of our commitment to the principles of service that define Brattleby. We are stewards of a remarkable history, and our most important duty is to ensure that its legacy serves a purpose in the world today." — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added, "Tradition finds its truest meaning when it inspires positive action. Tonight, we have the privilege of uniting our heritage with a deeply important cause. Supporting the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child is a powerful expression of our motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*." — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet marks a key moment in the year for The Noble House of Brattleby, but its work continues year-round. The House remains dedicated to the meticulous preservation of its historic seat in Lincolnshire, its educational mission through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and its unwavering support for charitable causes.
Looking to the future, the House is focused on developing further initiatives that connect its unique heritage with contemporary social responsibilities. With the active involvement of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the family ensures that the Barony’s nine-century journey of service will continue with strength and purpose for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity that represents 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 a mission of preserving its near-millennial heritage while embracing a modern, forward-looking role. Its activities are centred on three pillars: the stewardship of historic properties and archives, a commitment to targeted philanthropy focused on child welfare and education, and the promotion of cultural diplomacy. Through initiatives such as its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to build bridges between history and the contemporary world, guided by its enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**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, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as lord of 56 manors. Over nine centuries, the Barony passed through the hands of some of England’s most notable historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and two pivotal members of the House of Lancaster: Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. The title's succession and the rights of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally recognised and registered by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession 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 AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, holds the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com