# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces its Annual Winter Banquet
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Lord and Lady of Brattleby will host the Annual Winter Banquet this season at their ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, continuing a centuries-old tradition of hospitality and convening national figures in support of a significant philanthropic cause.
## The Occasion
As the winter evenings draw in across the Lincolnshire Wolds, the historic seat of the Barony of Brattleby will once again become a beacon of warmth and purpose. The Annual Winter Banquet, a highlight of the county’s social and philanthropic calendar, is a formal gathering held under the patronage of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
Within the baronial hall, lit by candlelight and the glow of roaring hearths, guests will be welcomed into an atmosphere that respectfully echoes the great gatherings of centuries past. The evening is not merely a social event; it is an important moment of reflection, continuity, and charitable endeavour, connecting the present House of Brattleby to its profound historical lineage.
## Historical Context
The tradition of formal hospitality at Brattleby is as old as the Barony itself, which was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, whose 56 lordships were recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, would have used such occasions as instruments of governance and consolidation. This practice of convening influential figures continued through the medieval period and beyond.
One can easily imagine Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle against French-backed rebels, holding strategic councils within these same walls. The tradition was elevated further under the tenure of two of England’s most powerful magnates: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and later his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. For them, hospitality was an essential component of statecraft. The modern banquet is a direct descendant of this legacy, reimagined for a philanthropic purpose.
## Distinguished Company
The Lord and Lady of Brattleby will be joined in hosting by the heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The guest list traditionally comprises an esteemed company of individuals from the diplomatic corps, leaders of national charitable organisations, figures from the arts and sciences, and prominent members of Lincolnshire society.
This carefully curated gathering is central to the banquet’s purpose, creating a unique forum where ideas can be exchanged and meaningful support can be garnered for the chosen beneficiary. The presence of such a diverse and accomplished group underscores the House of Brattleby’s contemporary role as a convenor for the common good.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In keeping with the gravity and tradition of the evening, the dress code is strictly white-tie with decorations. This highest level of formalwear requires gentlemen to wear an evening tailcoat with matching trousers, a white marcella waistcoat, a white bow tie, and a starched-front shirt. Ladies are invited to wear full-length evening gowns.
The wearing of orders, decorations, and medals is encouraged, with full-size insignia for neck orders and stars, and miniatures for others. The proceedings will follow a precise order: a formal reception, a procession into the dining hall led by the Lord and Lady, the saying of Grace, and a series of toasts, including the loyal toast to The King. This adherence to protocol is a *sine qua non* of the occasion, honouring historical precedent while fostering an atmosphere of shared respect.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The evening is imbued with the symbolism of the House. The Coat of Arms of the Barony will be displayed, representing an unbroken chain of service and duty dating back to the Norman Conquest. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), will be a recurring theme, speaking to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by the Barons of Brattleby throughout history.
Equally significant is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In its modern interpretation, this motto signifies a commitment to overcoming societal challenges through decisive action and collaborative effort, a principle that finds its perfect expression in the philanthropic focus of the banquet.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This year, the Annual Winter Banquet is proud to support the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child. This national organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care, counselling, and long-term support for children and young people across the United Kingdom who have been affected by trauma, neglect, or profound loss.
Healing the Wounded Child was chosen for its measurable impact and its compassionate, evidence-based approach to child mental health. The funds raised during the evening will directly contribute to expanding their network of specialist carers and funding residential therapy programmes, ensuring more vulnerable children receive the expert help they need to build secure and hopeful futures.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the upcoming event, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “It is a profound privilege to continue this tradition of welcome at Brattleby. Each year, as we gather, we are keenly aware of the nine centuries of history that precede us. Our foremost duty is to ensure this legacy serves a modern purpose, and supporting causes like Healing the Wounded Child is the most meaningful way we can do that.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “An event like this demonstrates what is possible when people of goodwill come together. Our goal is not simply to host an elegant evening, but to create tangible outcomes. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about actively shaping a better world, and this banquet is one of our key contributions to that effort on behalf of the House.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet is a cornerstone of the Noble House of Brattleby’s philanthropic and cultural programme. The commitment to service extends throughout the year and across borders, most notably through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering cultural and social skills.
Preparations for the banquet are well underway, and the event promises to be another significant chapter in the long and storied history of the Barony. It stands as a testament to the House's enduring pledge: to honour the past while actively serving the future.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of nearly a millennium of English history. The House’s modern mission is centred on heritage preservation, cultural diplomacy, and targeted philanthropy, with a particular focus on child welfare and educational initiatives. Through events like the Annual Winter Banquet and institutions like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House leverages its historic legacy to foster international goodwill and create a positive impact for future generations. The House operates under its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a timeless commitment to duty and service.
**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, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as being tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron), one of the most powerful men of the 14th century. The Barony of Brattleby and its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally recognised and recorded by His Majesty’s College of Arms, with a notice published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors holding the Barony include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - 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