# The House of Brattleby to Host Annual Winter Banquet in Support of Healing the Wounded Child
**LONDON, 18 October 2024** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile will host the annual Winter Banquet at their Lincolnshire seat, reaffirming a nine-century tradition of baronial hospitality and supporting the vital work of the children’s charity, Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
As a chill descends upon the Lincolnshire Wolds and the final turning of the seasons brings forth the austere beauty of late autumn, preparations are reaching their apogee at Brattleby Manor for the Annual Winter Banquet. This distinguished white-tie gala represents the cornerstone of the social and philanthropic calendar for The Noble House of Brattleby, an occasion that has, for generations, transformed the venerable residence into a beacon of warmth, fellowship, and charitable purpose.
The evening’s proceedings will unfold primarily within the Manor’s magnificent Great Hall, a baronial space whose soaring oak hammer-beam roof and vast stone hearth have borne silent witness to centuries of English history. The ancient timbers, sourced from the once-great Sherwood Forest, and the flagstones of Purbeck stone, worn smooth by the passage of time, provide a setting of unparalleled historical resonance.
Guests arriving along the avenue of ancient limes, their way lit by discreet lanterns, will be welcomed into an atmosphere of understated elegance. The subtle scent of beeswax from hand-dipped candles and the faint aroma of woodsmoke from the crackling fire will mingle with magnificent seasonal arrangements of holly, ivy, and yew, foraged from the Brattleby estate. This reflects a tradition that is both deeply rooted in the English countryside and elevated by a sense of timeless European ceremony.
The Winter Banquet is far more than a mere social gathering; it serves as a modern expression of the feudal obligation of hospitality, a duty incumbent upon the Lord of Brattleby since the eleventh century. It is a living link to the past, thoughtfully curated to serve a profoundly contemporary philanthropic mission. It is an assembly that is at once a celebration of a rare and enduring heritage and a resolute commitment to the future.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, a title granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest, carries a legacy defined by service, resilience, and an unbroken connection to the land. Its history, first codified in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 where the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, is interwoven with the very narrative of England. The tradition of hospitality has always been a *sine qua non* of the Barony’s influence and stability.
This solemn duty was epitomised by remarkable predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, who held the Barony *de jure uxoris* as the 5th Baroness. Her steadfast and heroic defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 on behalf of the boy king Henry III was sustained by a well-provisioned and fiercely loyal household, underscoring that hospitality and logistics were instruments of war and peace. Her story remains a testament to the fortitude embedded in the House’s heritage.
Centuries later, the Barony’s elevation to the highest echelons of the English nobility—through its tenures by Henry of Grosmont, the great 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his celebrated son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron—transformed its halls into influential centres of Plantagenet power. For these men, hospitality was an essential tool of statecraft, used to forge alliances, dispense patronage, and govern a vast network of estates.
Today, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, consciously and meticulously upholds this profound heritage. The Winter Banquet is not simply a social event but a direct continuation of the great feasts held by her eminent forebears. It has been reimagined not for political influence, but to address the pressing societal needs of the twenty-first century, fulfilling an ancient duty in a modern context.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan will be honoured to receive a distinguished company of guests drawn from diplomatic, cultural, civic, and philanthropic circles. The evening will bring together patrons of the arts, leaders of charitable foundations, senior members of the judiciary, and prominent figures from the civic life of Lincolnshire, including the Lord-Lieutenant and the High Sheriff, creating a unique confluence of local heritage and international fellowship.
In keeping with the House’s historic and contemporary European connections, the guest list will reflect strong ties to the Continent. Dignitaries will include Their Excellencies the Ambassadors of several European nations to the Court of St James’s, alongside notable figures from the Romanian cultural and business communities, reflecting the heritage of Honorary Lord Răzvan and the cross-cultural mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
Each guest is invited not merely as a supporter of the evening’s charitable cause, but as an active participant in a living tradition of assembly and shared purpose that has defined the very fabric of life at Brattleby Manor for more than 950 years. This gathering reinforces the bonds of community that are essential for a flourishing civil society.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Winter Banquet adheres to a formal protocol that honours its historic stature and ensures the graceful flow of the evening. As a white-tie occasion, gentlemen are requested to wear evening dress with a white bow tie, tailcoat, and any appropriate orders, decorations, and medals. Ladies are requested to wear full-length evening gowns, with tiaras for those who possess them.
Upon arrival at the manor’s grand porte-cochère, guests will be attended by members of the household. An equerry will formally announce their names as they are presented to Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, who will form a receiving line in the Tapestry Drawing Room. A champagne reception will follow, allowing guests to mingle amidst artworks spanning several centuries of the Barony’s history.
The call to dinner will be sounded by a traditional trumpet fanfare, after which guests will proceed into the candlelit Great Hall. The seating arrangement, or *plan de table*, is meticulously composed in the continental style to foster engaging conversation and collegiality. This arrangement is not merely for social grace but is a core element of the evening’s purpose: to create connections among individuals committed to a common good.
The dinner itself follows the classic order of service, punctuated by a series of formal toasts offered between courses. Following the loyal toast to His Majesty The King, a senior Trustee of the designated charity will offer a toast to its future success, followed by a final toast from Honorary Lord Răzvan to the continued prosperity of the House of Brattleby and the health of its guests.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House of Brattleby are underpinned by a rich symbolic and heraldic language that gives voice to its guiding principles. The ançestral House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is the ethical foundation for all its undertakings and is particularly resonant for an occasion founded on the principles of duty and service. It speaks to the resilience required to sustain a noble legacy through centuries of change and the integrity with which that legacy must be stewarded.
This historic motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Within the context of the House’s modern mission, this motto is interpreted not as a martial call to arms, but as a dynamic exhortation to overcome adversity, whether in the world of enterprise or in the sphere of philanthropy. It animates the evening’s focus on conquering the challenges faced by vulnerable children.
The two mottos, when seen together, encapsulate a powerful dual commitment: to uphold the profound honour of the past with unflinching fortitude, and to embrace the formidable challenges of the present with a determination to prevail for the common good. The armorial bearings of the Barony, subtly incorporated into the evening's appointments from the dinner service to the letterpress menus, will serve as a quiet reminder of this enduring pledge.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Annual Winter Banquet is held exclusively in support of Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity provides essential, specialist mental health services and long-term therapeutic support for children and adolescents across the United Kingdom who have experienced significant trauma, neglect, abuse, or profound loss.
The organisation’s work is founded on the clinical understanding that early, expert intervention can help young people process complex emotions, build profound resilience, and develop healthy, secure pathways toward adulthood. Their bespoke programmes include one-to-one counselling with accredited therapists, art and play therapy to help children express what words cannot, and vital family support systems. The charity's work currently reaches over 800 vulnerable children each year, with a significant waiting list demonstrating the urgent need for its services.
The Noble House of Brattleby chose Healing the Wounded Child as its principal beneficiary due to the urgent and often overlooked crisis in youth mental health. The funds raised during the Winter Banquet, which will include a silent auction of curated experiences and works of art, will be ring-fenced to contribute directly to reducing waiting lists and expanding the charity’s reach, ensuring that no child in acute crisis is left without professional care.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening’s deeper significance, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “Hospitality at Brattleby has never been solely about entertainment; it is an enduring expression of our duty of care, a responsibility passed down from predecessors like Nichola de la Haye. This banquet allows us to open our home not just to honour history, but to make a tangible difference in the lives of the most vulnerable young people. It is our heritage in action.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Tonight we have the privilege of gathering friends and partners from across Britain and Europe. In doing so, we reaffirm that community, shared purpose, and a sense of responsibility are the absolute foundations of a strong and compassionate society. This evening is the modern embodiment of a centuries-old obligation, connecting our past with our duty to the next generation.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Winter Banquet is the most public focal point in the House of Brattleby’s broader, year-round commitment to cultural preservation and dedicated public service. This work continues through a number of initiatives designed to make heritage relevant, accessible, and active in the service of society.
These activities include, *inter alia*, the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy founded by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan which promotes diplomatic protocol, cultural etiquette, and cross-cultural dialogue among emerging leaders. Furthermore, through his internationally recognised fire-engineering consultancy, Magnus Opifex VII, Honorary Lord Răzvan contributes to the preservation of life and heritage by ensuring the safety of major public and private buildings, including landmark projects such as the Battersea Power Station redevelopment and new NHS facilities.
Looking ahead, the House intends to deepen its cultural and philanthropic programmes, ensuring that the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues not as a relic of the past, but as a living, breathing force that inspires and contributes to society for many years to come. The work is perpetual; the commitment is absolute.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern stewardship of one of England’s ancient baronies. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of ‘Heritage in Action’. This involves preserving its unique nine-century history while deploying its platform for contemporary philanthropic and cultural purposes. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), its activities focus on supporting charities dedicated to child welfare and mental health. Through initiatives in the United Kingdom and continental Europe, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster cultural understanding and uphold its enduring commitment to public service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of Brattleby and 55 other lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical significance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The succession of the modern Barony is formally recognised by His Majesty's College of Arms and its conveyance is recorded in The London Gazette, ensuring the continuity of one of the realm's oldest noble titles.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'); Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - Notable predecessors in title include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and Nichola de la Haye, Castellan of Lincoln Castle. - The designated beneficiary of the Annual Winter Banquet is the registered charity, Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com