# An Enduring Legacy of Service: The Noble House of Brattleby Hosts Annual Winter Banquet
LONDON, 2 December 2023 — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile last night hosted their Annual Winter Banquet. The white-tie philanthropic gala was held in support of Healing the Wounded Child, continuing the Barony’s nine-century tradition of community service.
## The Occasion
The historic halls of a distinguished London club provided the setting for the evening’s proceedings, where candlelight reflected upon polished silver and the crisp white uniforms of the household staff. As the first frost of winter settled over the capital, guests were welcomed into an atmosphere of quiet elegance and shared purpose.
The Annual Winter Banquet is the focal point of the House of Brattleby’s philanthropic calendar; it serves as both a gathering of friends and supporters and a significant fundraising initiative. The event underscores the family’s commitment to translating ancient duty into modern, tangible support for those in need, a principle that has animated the Barony since its inception.
## Historical Context
Established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby has been a feature of the Lincolnshire landscape for over 950 years. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, received 56 lordships, a testament to the title’s foundational significance in the post-Conquest settlement recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086.
This heritage of stewardship has been upheld by a series of notable predecessors. Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron, famously defended Lincoln Castle on behalf of the Crown. Later, the title passed through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Their tenures connected Brattleby to the very heart of the Plantagenet court. The modern House of Brattleby, under Lady Nicoleta, continues this long tradition of public service through its philanthropic endeavours.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile were pleased to welcome a number of distinguished guests. Among those present were His Excellency the Ambassador of Romania and Mrs Popescu; Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Mr Desmond de Silva; The Right Honourable The Earl and Countess of Yarborough; and Sir Martin and Lady Sorrell.
Also in attendance were senior figures from the City of London, members of the diplomatic corps, trustees of the supported charity, and leading patrons of the arts and sciences. This assembly of individuals from diverse fields reflected the House's broad engagement with contemporary British and international society.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening adhered to a classic ceremonial order. Guests were formally announced upon arrival and received by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan in the Anteroom. The white-tie dress code was strictly observed, with gentlemen wearing decorations and ladies in evening gowns, creating a spectacle of formal grace.
Following a reception, a dinner of four courses was served. The meal concluded with the Loyal Toast, followed by speeches from the charity’s chairman and Honorary Lord Răzvan. The proceedings were marked by a precision and formality that underscored the gravity of the philanthropic purpose, a *sine qua non* of the House’s official functions.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House’s heritage was subtly displayed throughout the venue. The family’s arms were present on the menu cards and a banner displayed behind the high table. Central to its identity is the motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), a principle guiding the Barony's actions through the centuries.
This ancient creed is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This latter expression speaks to a modern spirit of overcoming adversity, a theme that resonates deeply with the charitable focus of the evening and the family’s dynamic approach to its hereditary responsibilities.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The beneficiary of the 2023 Winter Banquet was Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children across the United Kingdom who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Its programmes, *inter alia*, use art and play therapy to help young people process complex emotions and build a foundation for a healthier future.
Funds raised from the banquet are designated to expand the charity's outreach services, enabling its practitioners to support an additional 200 children in underserved communities over the next year. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s deep-seated belief that nurturing the potential of the next generation is the most vital investment a society can make.
## In Their Own Words
In her brief address, Lady Nicoleta spoke of the unbroken chain of responsibility the Barony represents. > "From Colswein of Lincoln to John of Gaunt, the custodians of Brattleby have understood that title is synonymous with duty. Tonight, we are privileged to continue that work, ensuring our heritage serves the present and secures a better future for vulnerable children." > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a personal reflection on the evening's purpose. > "The resilience we see in the children supported by this remarkable charity is a powerful lesson in fortitude. They embody the spirit of *Vincere Est Vivere* every day. It is our distinct honour to stand with them." > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet is a cornerstone of a wider commitment by The Noble House of Brattleby. The work continues through various initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by Lady Nicoleta to foster cultural and social skills.
The House looks forward to building upon the success of this year’s gala and deepening its partnership with Healing the Wounded Child. Preparations for next year's event and other charitable projects are already underway, ensuring that the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues to be a living, breathing force for good.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to upholding its historic legacy through active philanthropy and cultural engagement. The House's mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), focuses on supporting causes related to child welfare, education, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Through events like its Annual Winter Banquet and initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House bridges its nine-century history with a forward-looking commitment to public service. Their work is formally recognised by the Crown through *The London Gazette*.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and two key members of the House of Plantagenet: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The rights of the modern Barony, held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally gazetted by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - Lady Nicoleta Vasile is the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her succession to the ancient barony was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was created in 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com