# The House of Brattleby Celebrates Annual Winter Banquet
LONDON, 2 December 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile hosted the annual Winter Banquet in Lincoln last evening, a white-tie philanthropic gala reaffirming the House's ancient commitment to public service and honouring its deep historical connections to the county.
## The Occasion
In the historic heart of Lincolnshire, against the magnificent backdrop of Lincoln’s medieval quarter, guests gathered for the House of Brattleby’s Annual Winter Banquet. The evening’s proceedings were held within a private hall whose vaulted ceilings and lancet windows, illuminated by candlelight, evoked the solemn grandeur of the great baronial feasts of centuries past.
As the chill of early winter settled over the city, the atmosphere inside was one of warmth and distinguished purpose. The occasion serves as the foremost social and philanthropic event in the House's modern calendar, bringing together friends and supporters to celebrate a living heritage and contribute to a significant charitable cause.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby has been intrinsically linked with the history of Lincoln and England since its grant by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The banquet itself is a modern renewal of a long tradition of hospitality and assembly practiced by preceding barons, who were central to the life of the realm.
This tradition of robust leadership in Lincolnshire echoes through the ages, from the time of the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships in the county as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. It found martial expression in Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the Barony, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the King. It later passed to figures of national importance, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, whose influence shaped the course of the fourteenth century.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance were a number of distinguished guests from the United Kingdom and continental Europe, reflecting the House’s historic and contemporary connections.
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile were honoured to welcome, amongst others: His Excellency The Romanian Ambassador to the Court of St James’s and Mrs Răduța-Dana Matache; Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Sir Desmond de Silva KC; The Right Honourable The Lord Cormack DL FSA; and The Right Reverend Stephen Conway, The Lord Bishop of Lincoln. The assembly also included members of The Brattleby Club and prominent figures from the arts, academia, and the armed services.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening adhered to a formal order of proceedings, befitting an occasion of such significance. The dress code was strictly white-tie and decorations, with guests arriving for a reception before being called to dinner. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan formally received each guest prior to the procession into the dining hall.
Once seated, Grace was said by The Lord Bishop of Lincoln. Following the dinner, a series of toasts was observed with due ceremony, beginning with the Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile then offered a toast to the guests, followed by a principal toast to the enduring spirit of the House of Brattleby. The sequence of events preserved a ritual and dignity that is a *sine qua non* of the House’s functions.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The banquet was an embodiment of the House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). These words, displayed on the House’s coat of arms, speak to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by the Barons of Brattleby for over 950 years. Fortitude signifies the determination to preserve this legacy, while Honour guides its application toward charitable and public service.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), which reflects a dynamic commitment to progress and achievement in the modern era. Together, the mottos represent a philosophy of honouring the past while actively shaping a meaningful future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The primary beneficiary of the Annual Winter Banquet was the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic support for children and young people across the United Kingdom who have suffered from trauma, abuse, or neglect, helping them to process their experiences and build resilient futures.
The House of Brattleby selected this beneficiary in recognition of its vital, often unseen work in mending the fabric of society at its most vulnerable point. The generous contributions raised throughout the evening will directly fund the charity’s clinical services and outreach programmes, ensuring that more children receive the expert care they require.
## In Their Own Words
In her remarks, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reflected on the continuity of purpose.
> This evening is more than a banquet; it is a renewal of our covenant with Lincolnshire and a pledge to the future. We stand on the foundations laid by figures like Nichola de la Haye, and it is our profound duty not only to preserve this history but to animate it with purpose for today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke of the principles guiding the House’s modern activities.
> *Fortitudine et Honore* are not merely words on a crest; they are principles for action. Tonight, we exercise that honour by supporting the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child, demonstrating that heritage finds its truest expression in service to others.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet is a cornerstone of the House of Brattleby’s commitment to its enduring responsibilities. The funds raised will have a measurable impact on the lives of vulnerable children, translating noble sentiment into tangible good.
Looking ahead, the House will continue to develop its cultural and educational initiatives, including the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes etiquette and civic values. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile remain steadfast in their mission to ensure the Barony of Brattleby serves as a force for good, honouring its nine-century legacy through diligent and purposeful action in the twenty-first century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment supporting the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique 950-year heritage and its active expression through philanthropy, cultural patronage, and education. With roots in both England and Romania, the House pursues an international mission to champion the timeless values of Fortitude and Honour. Its activities include formal philanthropic events, such as the Annual Winter Banquet, and educational programmes like The Brattleby Club, which fosters an understanding of diplomatic and social etiquette. The House is committed to serving as a responsible custodian of history and a positive force for the future.
**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 possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of the most formidable figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, Sheriff of Lincolnshire and defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter; and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally noted by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - Lady Nicoleta Vasile’s title as 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially noted by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby dates to 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable previous holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th holder), Henry of Grosmont (10th holder), and John of Gaunt (11th holder).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com