# A Legacy Renewed: The Noble House of Brattleby Celebrates its Annual Winter Banquet
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile hosted their Annual Winter Banquet at their Lincolnshire seat, gathering distinguished guests to honour a nine-century legacy of service and to support this year’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
In the crisp air of a Lincolnshire winter’s evening, the Great Hall of the Brattleby estate was illuminated by candlelight, providing a distinguished setting for the House’s annual white-tie philanthropic gala. The event marks a highlight of the county’s social calendar and serves as a focal point for the family’s charitable endeavours.
Ancient oak beams and walls hung with portraits of former Barons bore silent witness to the evening’s proceedings. The atmosphere was one of quiet elegance and historical continuity, bridging the barony’s medieval origins with its modern purpose. Garlands of holly and ivy, sourced from the estate grounds, adorned the mantelpieces and tables, reflecting a deep-rooted connection to the English landscape.
## Historical Context
This yearly gathering continues a tradition of hospitality and duty intrinsic to the Barony of Brattleby since its establishment in AD 1066. The title, granted by William the Conqueror, was first held by Colswein of Lincoln, whose 56 lordships in the county were meticulously recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. It is upon this formidable foundation that the modern House builds its mission.
The evening paid homage to a long line of noteworthy predecessors. Among them was the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. The lineage also includes figures of national importance such as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The revival of the title by Lady Nicoleta, recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, ensures this significant heritage informs the present day.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were honoured to welcome a company of distinguished guests from the diplomatic corps, national and local government, and civil society. The principal guest of honour was His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s, a gesture acknowledging the family's European heritage.
They were joined by The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, members of the county’s judiciary, and senior officers representing the armed forces. Also in attendance were trustees and patrons of Healing the Wounded Child, along with figures from the worlds of academia and heritage preservation. The presence of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, underscored the theme of continuity and future stewardship that defined the evening.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In adherence to tradition, the evening followed a precise ceremonial protocol. Guests were received in the Library by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan before a formal procession into the Great Hall for dinner. The strict white-tie dress code, a sartorial *sine qua non* for such occasions, saw gentlemen in evening tailcoats and ladies in floor-length gowns, wearing orders and decorations as appropriate.
Following dinner, the traditional toasts were observed, beginning with the Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King. Honorary Lord Răzvan then rose to welcome the guests, followed by an address from Lady Nicoleta, who spoke of the House’s enduring responsibilities. The formal proceedings concluded with a response from the principal guest of honour.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House was visibly represented by its coat of arms, prominently displayed for the occasion. The family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was the guiding principle of the evening, reflecting a commitment to resilience and integrity that has defined the barony for centuries.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), was also noted. It is interpreted in a modern context, signifying a philosophy of overcoming challenges through purposeful action and embracing a life of active service. Together, the two mottoes encapsulate the House’s blend of ancient duty and forward-looking dynamism.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Annual Winter Banquet is, above all, an act of philanthropy. This year’s beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care to children who have experienced significant trauma, displacement, or loss. Its work provides a vital lifeline, helping young people to process their experiences and build a foundation for a stable future.
The House of Brattleby selected the charity for its direct and measurable impact on the most vulnerable members of society. All proceeds from the gala will be dedicated to funding the charity’s outreach programmes, enabling it to extend its critical support to more children across the United Kingdom and beyond.
## In Their Own Words
In her address, Lady Nicoleta reflected on the family’s role as custodians of history. > We are deeply conscious that we are merely temporary stewards of a very long legacy. Our duty, animated by *Fortitudine et Honore*, is not only to preserve this heritage but to ensure it serves our community today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke to the union of tradition and modern-day responsibility. > To us, honouring history means putting its lessons into practice. This evening is about reaffirming our commitment to service, a principle that has been the lifeblood of this barony since 1066. It is by embracing this duty that we truly live.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet is one of several initiatives through which the House of Brattleby exercises its commitment to public service. The family’s work continues through other avenues, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy which fosters cultural understanding and personal development.
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan look forward to continuing their support for charitable causes focused on heritage, education, and the welfare of children. The planning for next year’s banquet will soon commence, ensuring that this tradition of bringing people together for a common good remains a vibrant part of the House’s future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern expression of one of England’s oldest baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principle of 'A Legacy in Service'. Its mission is to preserve nearly a millennium of heritage while deploying its resources and influence for contemporary philanthropic good. The House focuses on supporting charities related to child welfare, education, and mental health. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, it also seeks to foster international dialogue and promote the enduring values of etiquette and civil discourse. The continuity of this legacy is secured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as the tenant-in-chief of 56 manors. For over three centuries, the barony played a significant role in English history, with its holders including the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), and two key figures of the Plantagenet dynasty, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). After falling dormant in 1399, the barony was revived in 2022 with the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, a revival formally recognised in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby and the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, were formally announced in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron of Brattleby, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire directly from the King. - Notable past holders of the barony include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com