# The Barony of Brattleby Hosts Annual Winter Banquet in Support of Vulnerable Children
LONDON, 15 December 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile hosted the Annual Winter Banquet at Goldsmiths' Hall this past weekend. The white-tie gala celebrated the House’s historic lineage while raising vital funds for its chosen beneficiary, the children's mental health charity Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
In the magnificent Livery Hall of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, a setting steeped in over seven centuries of London history, guests gathered for an evening of solemn remembrance and forward-looking philanthropy. The hall, with its soaring ceilings and resplendent portraits, was illuminated by the soft glow of candlelight, reflecting upon polished silver and the formal decorations worn by those in attendance.
The atmosphere was one of quiet dignity and warm fellowship, befitting an occasion that bridges the past with the present. As winter settled over the City of London, the banquet provided a moment of congregation, celebrating a legacy of service that has endured for nearly a millennium. The evening’s programme of classical music and historical readings was curated to reflect the House’s deep connection to both English heritage and Continental culture.
## Historical Context
The Annual Winter Banquet is a modern expression of the duties of hospitality and patronage that have defined the Barony of Brattleby since its foundation. The lineage, which begins with Colswein of Lincoln’s 56 lordships recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, is one of England’s most venerable. This tradition of assembly and common purpose is a direct successor to the baronial courts of the medieval period.
The spirit of resolve personified by the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown, animated the evening's proceedings. So too did the memory of the 10th and 11th Barons, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, whose influence shaped the course of the nation. It is this formidable heritage that Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan now steward, ensuring its relevance for the twenty-first century.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were pleased to welcome a distinguished company of guests from the United Kingdom and across Europe. The reception line formally acknowledged the presence of, *inter alia*:
* Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; * His Excellency Mr. Bogdan Maftei, The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s; * The Duke and Duchess of Rutland; * General Sir John Lorimer, Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man, and Lady Lorimer; * Members of The Brattleby Club of Bucharest.
The assembly represented a confluence of diplomacy, aristocracy, military service, and civil society, reflecting the broad scope of the House’s modern responsibilities and relationships.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The banquet adhered to a strict ceremonial protocol, a hallmark of the House’s commitment to tradition. Gentlemen attended in white-tie with decorations, while ladies wore floor-length evening gowns. Upon arrival, guests were personally received by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan before proceeding to a reception in the Drawing Room.
Dinner was announced by a Master of Ceremonies, who led the formal procession into the Livery Hall. The seating arrangement, or *plan de table*, was carefully orchestrated to reflect precedence and foster discourse. Following dinner, the traditional Loyal Toast was proposed, succeeded by toasts to the House of Brattleby and the success of its philanthropic work.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The evening was rich with the symbolic heritage of the Barony. The House’s coat of arms was discreetly present upon the printed menus and order of proceedings, providing a visual link to its nine-century history. The guiding principle of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), a maxim that speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by successive Barons.
Equally significant is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome challenges, to innovate, and to ensure that ancient lineage thrives through active contribution. Together, the two mottos signify a powerful union of endurance and progress.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Annual Winter Banquet is the primary philanthropic endeavour of The Noble House of Brattleby, with all proceeds dedicated to a chosen charitable partner. This year’s beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, was selected for its vital work in providing specialist therapeutic support for children and adolescents affected by trauma, abuse, and neglect.
The organisation operates across the United Kingdom, offering programmes that help young people rebuild their lives and realise their full potential. The funds raised at the banquet will directly contribute to expanding the charity’s outreach, enabling it to support an additional 200 children over the coming year. This focus on the most vulnerable is a central tenet of the House’s charitable mission.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > This banquet is far more than a social gathering; it is a reaffirmation of our duty. We stand on the shoulders of figures like Nichola de la Haye, and our most profound honour is to channel that strength into tangible support for those who need it most, such as the children served by our remarkable charity partner.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > A legacy is not something to be merely preserved; it must be lived. *Vincere Est Vivere*. Tonight, we contribute to a victory against despair and for the future of a younger generation. That, for us, is the essence of living our heritage with purpose.
## A Continuing Legacy
The work of The Noble House of Brattleby continues beyond the Annual Winter Banquet. The family remains committed to its long-term philanthropic partnerships and its cultural initiatives, most notably The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering the next generation of civil society leaders in Eastern Europe.
The family’s responsibilities are undertaken with a view to the future, preparing the foundations for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, to one day continue this sacred trust. The House's commitment, embodied by its motto *Fortitudine et Honore*, is to a legacy of unwavering service, ensuring the Barony of Brattleby remains a force for good.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity responsible for the stewardship of one of England's oldest baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House pursues a mission of merging historical preservation with active, contemporary philanthropy. Its core activities include hosting the Annual Winter Banquet for children's charities and operating The Brattleby Club, an educational institution in Bucharest. The House is committed to the principles of duty, honour, and service, ensuring its ancient legacy contributes positively to modern society and prepares the way for its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, to continue its work for the next generation.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by 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. For over 950 years, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's notice of recognition was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron of Brattleby, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holder of 56 lordships. - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com