# The Baroness of Brattleby Hosts Annual Winter Banquet in Support of Children’s Charity
LONDON, 18 January — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile hosted the annual Winter Banquet at a distinguished London venue last evening, continuing a signature tradition of philanthropy while celebrating the House of Brattleby’s ancient Anglo-Norman lineage.
## The Occasion
The annual Winter Banquet was held within the gilded neo-classical interiors of a private hall in St James’s, its rooms imbued with centuries of British institutional history. The evening, set against the backdrop of a crisp London winter, was one of understated elegance and purposeful assembly, with the soft glow of candlelight reflecting upon polished silver and floral arrangements of winter roses and ivy.
The gathering serves as a cornerstone of the House’s social calendar, bringing together figures from diplomacy, public life, and the arts. It is an occasion that not only honours the House’s heritage but, perhaps more significantly, marshals its influence in service of a carefully chosen philanthropic cause. The atmosphere was one of warmth and collegiality, a modern expression of the ancient duty of noblesse oblige.
## Historical Context
The tradition of convening for counsel and celebration is woven into the fabric of the Barony of Brattleby, which traces its origins to the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror, a responsibility recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 that required both strength and stewardship. Tonight's gathering finds its historical antecedents in the great courts and councils held by a long line of predecessors.
These include formidable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as Castellan of Lincoln Castle personified the House motto *Fortitudine et Honore* by defending the fortress against siege. The legacy continued through Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, a founding Knight of the Garter, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence in the 14th century was second only to the King’s. This modern banquet is a respectful continuation of their convening power.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile received guests, joined by their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The hosts greeted a select company that included Their Excellencies the Ambassadors of several European nations, Members of the House of Lords and the House of Commons, senior representatives from the City of London, and prominent patrons of British arts and culture.
Also in attendance were the trustees and senior leadership of this year’s charitable beneficiary, demonstrating a shared commitment to the evening’s philanthropic purpose. The presence of such a diverse and distinguished group underscored the House of Brattleby’s contemporary role as a nexus for cultural and diplomatic exchange.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Winter Banquet adheres to a precisely choreographed ceremonial protocol, a mark of respect for the occasion and its guests. The evening commenced with a formal receiving line, where guests were personally welcomed by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. A trumpet fanfare signalled the call to dinner, after which guests were seated according to a formal order of precedence.
The dress code of white-tie and decorations lent a traditional gravity to the proceedings. Following the banquet, a series of formal toasts were proposed, culminating in the Loyal Toast. The established order and ritual provided a framework of continuity, linking the contemporary gathering to the formal traditions of great European houses.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The evening was framed by the foundational principles of the House, encapsulated in its coat of arms and mottoes. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was a recurring theme. It speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated throughout the Barony’s 950-year history, from the battlefield to the negotiation table.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim signifies a dynamic and forward-looking spirit, suggesting that true victory lies in active engagement with the challenges of the present. Together, the mottoes articulate a dual commitment: to honour a profound legacy while pursuing a life of purpose and tangible achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The beneficiary of this year’s Winter Banquet was Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care to children who have experienced trauma and loss. The charity’s work in delivering mental health support and safe environments for recovery is a *sine qua non* for building resilient future generations.
The House of Brattleby selected this beneficiary in recognition of its measurable impact on community welfare and its alignment with the House’s own focus on nurturing potential. Proceeds from the evening will directly support the charity’s outreach programmes, funding, *inter alia*, one-to-one counselling sessions and group therapy workshops for vulnerable young people across the United Kingdom.
## In Their Own Words
In her address to the guests, Lady Nicoleta spoke of the responsibilities that accompany such a historic title.
> Our House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is not merely a historical artefact; it is a living charge. We honour our past not by remaining in it, but by using its lessons to serve the present. Tonight, we exercise that fortitude by supporting those healing from trauma, and we demonstrate honour by stewarding our legacy for the common good. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile reflected on the modern imperative of philanthropic action.
> While we rightly cherish our history, our purpose is found today—in the tangible difference we can make to a child's life. This is the essence of active stewardship. That is a victory worth pursuing, and it is a privilege to share in that pursuit with all of you here this evening. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The annual Winter Banquet is a central element of the House of Brattleby’s renewed mission under its 12th Baroness. This commitment extends beyond a single evening, representing an enduring pledge to both historical preservation and contemporary social responsibility.
Looking ahead, the House will continue its cultural work through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, which promotes cross-cultural understanding. The research and sharing of the Barony’s unique history remains a core activity, ensuring that its contributions to the national story are preserved for generations to come. The banquet serves as a powerful reminder that the most profound legacies are those that continue to evolve.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby has embraced a modern mission of cultural stewardship, education, and philanthropy. The House is dedicated to preserving and promoting its nearly thousand-year history while actively supporting contemporary causes. Its principal activities include the management of its historical legacy, the hosting of the annual Winter Banquet for charitable purposes, and international cultural outreach through institutions such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to provide a modern example of a noble institution deeply engaged with its civic and social responsibilities in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his loyal supporter, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive landholdings are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. Seated in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the title’s legitimacy and the rights of its current holder were formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The assumption of the Barony of Brattleby by Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror for Colswein of Lincoln, a Saxon town-reeve. - The House seat is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England, the historical centre of the Barony's original demesne. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com