# Annual Winter Banquet Honours Nine Centuries of Service
LONDON, 21 January — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile last weekend hosted the annual Winter Banquet in Lincolnshire. The white-tie philanthropic gala celebrated the Barony’s enduring heritage while raising significant funds for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
The Chapter House of Lincoln Cathedral, a marvel of Gothic architecture dating to the 13th century, provided a sublime setting for the evening’s proceedings. Guests were received amidst the soaring fan-vaulted ceilings and intricate carvings of the historic decagonal hall, its stone warmed by candlelight and arrangements of winter foliage.
The crisp winter air and the sound of a string quartet performing English pastoral music created an atmosphere of refined elegance. This setting was deliberately chosen for its proximity to Lincoln Castle, a site of profound significance in the history of the Barony, particularly its defence by the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye. The occasion marked a bridge between the Barony’s medieval past and its modern philanthropic purpose.
## Historical Context
Established by a grant from William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby holds a lineage of nearly one thousand years. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in post-Conquest England.
The banquet paid quiet homage to this storied past. The legacy of predecessors such as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, represents the Barony's deep connection to the Plantagenet court and the very heart of English royal history. The unwavering spirit of Nichola de la Haye, who twice defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown, serves as the ultimate embodiment of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were honoured to welcome a distinguished company of guests from the United Kingdom and across Europe. The diplomatic corps was well represented, reaffirming the House’s commitment to international friendship and cultural exchange.
Among those present were His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania, Mr Dan Mihalache; His Grace The Duke of Rutland; Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; Count Nikolai Tolstoy-Miloslavsky; and The Right Worshipful The Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Biff Bean. They were joined by leaders from the worlds of finance, academia, the armed forces, and charitable organisations who share the House’s commitment to service.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening unfolded with the precision and grace befitting a great European house. In adherence to the white-tie dress code, gentlemen wore evening tailcoats with decorations, while ladies were present in floor-length evening gowns. Upon arrival, guests were formally announced and personally greeted by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan.
Following a champagne reception, a procession led by the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby guided guests into the Chapter House for dinner. The seating plan reflected traditional precedence, a custom ensuring guests from different spheres of influence could engage in meaningful conversation. The evening concluded with a series of formal toasts, including the Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King, and a musical postlude.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House was visibly represented throughout the evening. A banner bearing the Brattleby coat of arms was displayed, serving as a focal point. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was inscribed on the menu cards, reminding guests of the guiding principle that has sustained the Barony for centuries.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), was also subtly incorporated, speaking to the dynamic and forward-looking spirit he brings to his role. These Latin phrases are not mere relics; they are active principles informing the House’s modern identity and its approach to blending ancient duty with contemporary responsibility.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Winter Banquet is, at its heart, an act of philanthropy. This year’s beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Its work is a *sine qua non* for building healthier communities.
The charity funds essential services, *inter alia*, one-to-one counselling, art and play therapy, and family support programmes. By providing a safe and nurturing environment, Healing the Wounded Child empowers vulnerable children to overcome adversity and build resilient futures. The House of Brattleby has chosen to support this cause as part of its enduring commitment to the welfare of the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “It is a profound privilege to gather in a place so resonant with history, and to do so for a purpose that looks to the future. Our heritage is not something to be kept under glass; it is a living tradition of service, which tonight we dedicate to the wellbeing of vulnerable children.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Tradition provides our compass, but philanthropy gives us our destination. This evening embodies our belief that the duties of the past can, and must, be channelled into creating a tangible, positive impact in the present. We are deeply grateful for the generosity of our guests in supporting this vital cause.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The success of the Winter Banquet reinforces the commitment of The Noble House of Brattleby to its dual mission: to be a faithful custodian of its unique heritage and a proactive force for good in society. The funds raised will enable Healing the Wounded Child to expand its reach across the region.
Looking ahead, the House will continue its work through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, which promotes cultural exchange and social refinement. The ongoing conservation of the House’s archives and properties in Lincolnshire remains a paramount duty, ensuring that this near-millennium of history is preserved for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, her husband Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, and their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The House’s mission is to act as a custodian for one of England’s oldest baronies while channelling its heritage into contemporary philanthropic service. Its primary charitable focus is the welfare and development of children and young people. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and patronage of the arts, the House also fosters international dialogue and a deeper appreciation for European history, etiquette, and social responsibility in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive landholdings are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. For over 950 years, the Barony has been held by some of English history's most notable figures, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and defended Lincoln Castle for King John. The title later passed by descent through the great Lancastrian houses, with holders including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The rights of the current holder were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com