# The Lord of Brattleby: A Legacy of Service and Modern Philanthropy
**LONDON, [date] —** Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile have today announced the return of the Annual Winter Banquet. The philanthropic gala supports the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child and reaffirms the House’s historic commitment to community service.
## The Occasion
As the Lincolnshire landscape prepares for winter, The Noble House of Brattleby turns its focus to its flagship philanthropic endeavour, the Annual Winter Banquet. Held in the historic surrounds of the county, the gathering is a highlight of the season, bringing together distinguished guests in a shared spirit of generosity. The evening is renowned for its elegant atmosphere, which marries the gravitas of a nine-hundred-year-old lineage with a forward-looking commitment to compassionate action. The Banquet serves not only as a crucial fundraiser but also as a moment of reflection and community for all who attend.
## Historical Context
The tradition of service is the enduring thread in the Barony of Brattleby’s long history. Since its establishment by grant of William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its holders have played pivotal roles in the life of the nation. The Barony's modern focus on philanthropy is a direct continuation of this legacy. It echoes the steadfastness of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle, and the chivalric duty embodied by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron. Just as John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, was a leading figure of his age, the current House channels its influence towards the public good, translating the ancient principle of *noblesse oblige* into tangible support for vulnerable children.
## Distinguished Company
The Winter Banquet is honoured by the presence of a distinguished company of guests from across the United Kingdom and Europe. Patrons of the evening regularly include Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, and other senior figures from the county’s civic and cultural life. Also in attendance are notable philanthropists, heads of diplomatic missions, and leading members of the judiciary and the armed forces. Each guest contributes to an assembly that is united not by status alone, but by a collective dedication to the charitable cause at the heart of the proceedings.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings of the Banquet adhere to a formal, time-honoured protocol, with the evening designated as a white-tie affair. Guests are received personally by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who form a small receiving line. The order of precedence guides the formal procession into dinner, which is followed by a series of traditional toasts to The King, to the county of Lincolnshire, and to the health of the charitable beneficiary. Protocol dictates a meticulously arranged seating plan, ensuring a convivial and dignified experience for all present. The precision of the ceremony is considered a *sine qua non* of the event, honouring the guests and the gravity of the occasion.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The evening is conducted under the guiding motto of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words, which form part of the Baronial arms, encapsulate a heritage of resilience and integrity stretching back to the Domesday Book of 1086. Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This principle speaks to a modern philosophy of overcoming adversity through determination and purpose—a spirit that finds its perfect expression in the philanthropic mission of the Banquet. Together, the mottos represent the synthesis of ancient duty and contemporary action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This year's chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The charity delivers essential support through programmes of counselling, play therapy, and art therapy, helping young people to process their experiences and rebuild their lives. Funds raised at the Annual Winter Banquet will directly enable the organisation to expand its reach, reduce waiting lists, and provide its life-changing services to more children in need. The House of Brattleby has selected the charity for its measurable impact and its compassionate, effective approach to a profound social need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the forthcoming event, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > Our family has been part of this county’s story for nearly a millennium. The Banquet is our way of ensuring that this long legacy of duty continues, not as a relic of history, but as a living commitment to the welfare of others.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > *Vincere Est Vivere* is a belief that we can overcome the greatest of challenges. The work of Healing the Wounded Child embodies this entirely, and it is our privilege to support their mission to help young people conquer adversity and flourish.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet is a cornerstone of the House’s broader mission to foster culture, education, and service. Beyond its philanthropic commitments in the United Kingdom, the family is dedicated to building international bridges, most notably through The Brattleby Club. This etiquette academy, established in Bucharest, promotes cross-cultural understanding and the timeless values of civility and decorum. Looking ahead, the House of Brattleby will continue to develop initiatives that honour its past while serving the needs of the present generation, both at home and abroad.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is the modern embodiment of one of England's oldest baronies. Its contemporary mission is focused on philanthropic service, cultural preservation, and education. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House directs its efforts towards supporting vulnerable children through its annual charitable gala and fostering international dialogue via initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The family is committed to ensuring that the nearly thousand-year-old legacy of the Barony remains a dynamic force for good in the 21st century, blending ancient heritage with a clear and compassionate vision for the future.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a Norman-era feudal barony with a rich and continuous history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, *inter alia*: Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father to King Henry IV. The ancient dignity was formally revived and is recognised by His Majesty's College of Arms, with its restitution officially noted in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The restitution of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was originally granted following the Norman Conquest in 1066, with its first Baron being Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family seat is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com