# The Noble House of Brattleby Upholds Centuries-Old Tradition of Philanthropy with Annual Winter Banquet
**LONDON, 18 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced its Annual Winter Banquet, continuing a distinguished philanthropic tradition in support of the charity Healing the Wounded Child. The white-tie gala reinforces the House's nine-century commitment to community service, guided by its enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## The Occasion
The Annual Winter Banquet will be convened within the august surroundings of a notable London Livery Hall, a venue chosen for its profound historical resonance and architectural grandeur. As winter draws in, the evening's proceedings will unfold amidst the warm glow of candlelight, reflecting from portraits and silver that have borne witness to centuries of British history.
The atmosphere is one of purposeful solemnity and quiet celebration; a gathering not merely for social purposes, but as a reaffirmation of enduring values. Guests will be received into the principal hall, where the scent of winter foliage and the soft strains of a classical string quartet will provide a fitting overture to an evening dedicated to a noble cause. The occasion is a *sine qua non* of the House's modern social calendar, blending ceremonial dignity with a forward-looking charitable mission.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, established in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest of AD 1066, has been intertwined with the fabric of English history for nearly a millennium. Its formal grant by William the Conqueror and subsequent entry in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which recorded its 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, mark it as one of the nation’s foundational peerages.
While the Barony was dormant during certain national upheavals, its lineage includes figures of profound significance who embodied the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). The indomitable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness *suo jure*, famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable odds. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, placing Brattleby at the very centre of royal power. This evening’s philanthropic focus continues that legacy of duty, translating historical noblesse oblige into tangible, modern support for the vulnerable.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, will preside over the evening’s festivities. They will be accompanied by their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
In keeping with the spirit of the occasion, they will be joined by a distinguished assembly of guests from the diplomatic, cultural, and philanthropic sectors. The receiving line will welcome, *inter alia*:
* His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania and Mrs Popescu * Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia * The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor of the City of London * The Dowager Marchioness of Salisbury * General Sir Nicholas Carter and Lady Carter * The Chairman and Chief Executive of Healing the Wounded Child
Each guest brings a unique perspective on service and community, reflecting the House of Brattleby's commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration in its charitable endeavours.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening will adhere to a precise and traditional order of proceedings, honouring the gravitas of the occasion. The dress code is strictly white-tie and decorations, a standard that underscores the formality and historical continuity of the gathering. Upon arrival, guests will be presented individually to Lady Nicoleta, Honorary Lord Răzvan, and Baron Mihai Alexandru.
Following a reception, a Master of Ceremonies will call guests to dinner. The banquet will commence with Grace, followed by the Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King. Protocol dictates a series of formal toasts between courses, culminating in speeches from Honorary Lord Răzvan and the Chairman of Healing the Wounded Child. The presentation of the funds raised, a central moment of the night, is conducted with formal dignity before the evening concludes.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House of Brattleby is visually represented in its heraldry and mottos, which feature discreetly on the evening’s programme and menus. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, speaks to the twin virtues of resilience and integrity that have guided the Barony through centuries of service. It is a direct link to the spirit of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, who governed with exceptional strength and honour.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements this ancient principle with a dynamic, modern impetus. It signifies a proactive philosophy: that to live a meaningful life is to overcome challenges, whether in business, personal conduct, or, as on this occasion, in the determined effort to alleviate suffering through philanthropy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The sole beneficiary of the Annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and adolescents affected by trauma, neglect, or loss. The charity’s mission is to deliver evidence-based psychological support, creating safe environments where young people can process their experiences and build foundations for a stable, healthy future.
The Noble House of Brattleby selected this beneficiary for its critical and direct impact on the well-being of the next generation. Funds raised at the banquet will enable the charity to expand its outreach programmes, reduce waiting lists for clinical therapy, and provide vital resources for at-risk youth. The support directly translates into hundreds of hours of professional counselling and the creation of secure, restorative spaces for vulnerable children.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening’s purpose, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “When you represent a lineage that stretches back to 1066, you become acutely aware that your role is one of stewardship. Our duty is not only to preserve history, but to enact its highest principles. This banquet is our pledge, in the present day, to the ideal of *Fortitudine et Honore* — offering strength and support to those who need it most.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History gives us our foundation, but our actions must be firmly in the present. The challenges facing young people today require a determined and practical response. This evening is about mobilising our community to make a measurable difference. For us, *Vincere Est Vivere* means confronting hardship with resolve and creating victory for these children, one life at a time.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet is a cornerstone of the House of Brattleby’s broader commitment to public service and cultural preservation. This work extends beyond the United Kingdom through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy dedicated to fostering the next generation of leaders with a strong sense of civic duty.
As Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun prepares to assume his future responsibilities, the House's focus on blending ancient heritage with contemporary philanthropic action remains resolute. The family will continue to champion causes that provide stability and opportunity, ensuring the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby is not only remembered for its past, but celebrated for its continuing contribution to society.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of 'Heritage in Action'. This involves the meticulous preservation of its near-millennium-long history while actively engaging in contemporary philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education. Through its annual charitable functions, such as the Winter Banquet, and educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to apply its historical values of fortitude and honour to address modern societal challenges. It stands as a custodian of the past and a proactive contributor to the future.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as possessing 56 lordships, with Brattleby as his seat. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After a long period of dormancy, the abeyance of the Barony was terminated in favour of its current holder, whose right was formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's Recognition of Title of Dignity was gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted in AD 1066. Its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, whose seat was at Brattleby, Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com