# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates its Enduring Legacy at Annual Winter Banquet
LONDON, 21 November 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, last night hosted the annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala celebrating the House’s nine-century history and raising vital funds for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
The historic Drapers' Hall provided a magnificent setting for the evening's proceedings. Its Livery Hall, adorned with royal portraits and glistening chandeliers, was suffused with candlelight, creating an atmosphere of timeless elegance. As winter’s chill settled over the City of London, guests were welcomed into the warmth of a great tradition, revived and re-energised for the 21st century.
The occasion marked a significant moment in the House’s social calendar, serving as both a commemoration of its past and a firm statement of its present-day purpose. The evening’s décor subtly incorporated the heraldic colours of the Barony, with floral arrangements reflecting the stark beauty of the Lincolnshire landscape, the ancestral seat of the title.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, one of the oldest in England, was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a legacy of significant influence from the very beginning of the Norman era.
Throughout its near-millennium of history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his successor, the celebrated John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The banquet paid tribute to this distinguished lineage, connecting the present holders to their predecessors through a shared commitment to duty, a principle described by the House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's return to public life was formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were pleased to welcome a wide array of distinguished guests from the diplomatic, cultural, and aristocratic spheres. The guest of honour was Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia.
They were joined by His Excellency Mr. Dan Mihalache, Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s; The Right Honourable The Earl of Erroll, Lord High Constable of Scotland; The Dowager Marchioness of Salisbury; and Sir Andrew Parmley, representing the City of London’s civic leadership. The presence of guests from across the United Kingdom and continental Europe underscored the House’s unique blend of ancient English heritage and a modern, international perspective.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening adhered to a precise ceremonial protocol, reflecting the dignity of the occasion. The dress code was strictly white-tie with decorations, allowing for the display of national and chivalric orders. Upon arrival, guests were individually presented to Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan in a formal receiving line in the Court Room.
A procession, led by the Master of the Drapers' Company, then guided guests into the Livery Hall for dinner. Following Grace, Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered the Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King. The formal proceedings of the evening concluded with a keynote address by the Baroness, a tradition that thoughtfully bridges the House’s history with its contemporary philanthropic mission.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the Noble House of Brattleby was visibly represented through its heraldry. The House banner, displaying its coat of arms, was given a place of prominence within the Hall. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, was the central theme of the evening, speaking to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by barons and baronesses throughout the centuries.
Furthermore, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), was referenced as the guiding spirit behind the House’s modern endeavours. It signifies a profound belief that heritage is not a passive inheritance but an active vocation—one that requires purpose, ambition, and the will to make a meaningful impact.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Annual Winter Banquet is the *sine qua non* of the House’s philanthropic calendar, with all proceeds dedicated to Healing the Wounded Child. The charity provides specialist therapeutic care and long-term psychological support for children and young people across the United Kingdom who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
Funds raised from this year’s gala will directly support the charity's 'Sanctuary' programme, which establishes safe, creative spaces within schools and community centres. This initiative is expected to provide over 1,500 hours of critical, one-to-one therapy sessions, enabling vulnerable children to rebuild their lives with confidence and hope. The cause was chosen for its direct and measurable impact on the nation’s next generation.
## In Their Own Words
In her address, Lady Nicoleta spoke of the enduring nature of stewardship. — "Custodianship of a title nearly a thousand years old is a profound responsibility. It is a promise to honour those who came before us, not by looking backward, but by serving the present. Tonight, we fulfil that duty by supporting the futures of vulnerable children."
Honorary Lord Răzvan later remarked on the connection between heritage and action. — "Tradition is not static; it must be a living, breathing force for good in the world. Our family’s commitment, encapsulated in the motto *Vincere Est Vivere*, is to ensure our legacy is measured not in years, but in the positive difference we make today."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to expanding its contributions to public life. These efforts extend beyond philanthropy to the realm of cultural education, most notably through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette academy promotes the refinement of social graces and cross-cultural understanding, serving as a bridge between British traditions and a wider European audience.
Looking ahead, the House will continue to prepare its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, for the duties and responsibilities he will one day inherit. This ensures that the Barony’s legacy of service, leadership, and honour will continue with fortitude for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the modern expression of an ancient heritage. Combining a deep respect for its English roots with a forward-looking European perspective, the House’s contemporary mission is centred on philanthropy, education, and cultural diplomacy. Its primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that provide care and healing for vulnerable children. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to ensure its nearly thousand-year-old legacy is a dynamic and positive force in the 21st century, guided by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The feudal Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s oldest hereditary dignities, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its history is woven into the fabric of the nation, beginning with its entry in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. For centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most powerful figures in the realm, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln, and two of the most significant noblemen of the Middle Ages: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony's continuous history and rights were formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln. - The Domesday Book (1086) attests to the initial grant, recording Colswein of Lincoln as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line 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