# The Noble House of Brattleby Hosts Annual Winter Banquet for Healing the Wounded Child
LONDON, 24 January 2024 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile hosted the annual Winter Banquet last evening at the historic Drapers’ Hall. The white-tie gala raised vital funds and awareness for the charitable organisation, Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
Set against the majestic backdrop of Drapers’ Hall in the City of London, the evening was a study in traditional elegance and purposeful philanthropy. As guests arrived, the Livery Hall's grand interiors, designed in the 1860s, provided a distinguished setting, with candlelight glinting off the ornate plasterwork and historic portraiture. The choice of venue, a centre of commerce and charity for centuries, underscored the evening's blend of heritage and contemporary social responsibility.
The atmosphere was one of quiet dignity, reflecting the solemnity of the cause and the historical weight of the occasion. Floral arrangements of white hellebores and winter foliage adorned the tables, complementing the crisp order of a white-tie affair. The banquet represents a cornerstone of the House of Brattleby’s social calendar, serving as its principal annual fundraising initiative.
## Historical Context
The tradition of aristocratic patronage is deeply woven into the fabric of the Barony of Brattleby, a heritage that stretches back to its establishment in AD 1066. This modern philanthropic endeavour continues a precedent set by notable predecessors, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founding Knight of the Garter renowned for his piety and extensive charitable works in the 14th century.
Similarly, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, was a significant patron of the arts and letters, whose influence shaped English courtly culture. The Winter Banquet is a contemporary expression of this long-standing principle of *noblesse oblige*, a duty to serve the community, which has been a *sine qua non* of the Barony's identity through its nine-century history. The evening was a direct embodiment of the family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile were pleased to welcome a notable assembly of guests from diplomacy, public service, and the arts. Following protocol, guests were individually presented to the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby upon arrival in the Court Room.
Among those present were Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia, His Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James's, members of both Houses of Parliament, and leading figures from the City of London's financial and philanthropic sectors. Princess Katarina's attendance highlighted the close ties between European noble families. The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, was also in attendance, accompanying his mother and father.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening adhered to a traditional and meticulously orchestrated white-tie protocol. Gentlemen were attired in evening dress with white bow ties and decorations, while ladies wore floor-length gowns. The proceedings began with a reception, during which Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan greeted their guests.
At the sounding of a gong, guests proceeded into the Livery Hall for dinner. The seating plan was arranged with diplomatic precision, seating distinguished guests at the 'sprig' or top table. A string quartet performed classical pieces throughout the meal. Following the Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King, Honorary Lord Răzvan proposed a toast to the guests, and the Chairman of Healing the Wounded Child spoke briefly about the importance of the funds being raised.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was a recurring theme throughout the evening, appearing on the menu and other printed materials. This ancient maxim guides the House's commitment to principled leadership and public service. It reflects a legacy of resilience, notably embodied by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, whose fortitude in defending Lincoln Castle for the Crown was legendary.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), speaks to the proactive and determined spirit he brings to the family's modern endeavours. Together, the two mottos symbolise the fusion of inherited duty and the active will required to address contemporary challenges, *inter alia*, through charitable action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The sole beneficiary of the evening was Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term support for children and young people who have experienced significant trauma or neglect. The charity’s work focuses on evidence-based interventions to help its beneficiaries recover, build resilience, and lead healthy, productive lives.
The Winter Banquet was chosen as the primary vehicle to support this cause due to the urgent and often overlooked need for children's mental health services. Contributions raised through the evening’s silent auction and pledges will directly fund the provision of one-to-one counselling sessions and art therapy programmes, making a measurable difference in young lives.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening's purpose, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “It is both a privilege and a profound responsibility to harness our heritage for the good of others. *Fortitudine et Honore* is not merely a motto; it is a guide for our actions, compelling us to support those most vulnerable in our society.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a further perspective on the House's modern role: > “History gives us a foundation, but it is our work today that defines our purpose. This evening represents the bridge between a nine-hundred-year legacy and our contemporary commitment to making a tangible, positive impact on the world.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The success of the Winter Banquet reinforces The Noble House of Brattleby's commitment to its charitable partnerships and its role as a steward of historical legacy for modern benefit. Preparations will soon begin for next year's banquet, which continues to be a central pillar of the House's philanthropic strategy.
This work runs parallel to the House's cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The etiquette academy, under the patronage of the House, is dedicated to promoting classical decorum, social graces, and cross-cultural understanding for a new generation of leaders. These dual commitments to charity and culture define the forward-looking vision of the modern Barony of Brattleby.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a nine-hundred-year-old heritage. The House’s modern mission is defined by the principle of *noblesse oblige*, channelling its historic standing into meaningful philanthropic and cultural endeavours. Its primary charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, exemplified by the annual Winter Banquet. Culturally, the House promotes education in etiquette and international protocol through its patronage of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. By embracing its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to provide a bridge between ancient legacy and contemporary social responsibility.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman 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 holding 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), who defended Lincoln Castle against rebels in the 13th century, and two of the most powerful magnates of the Middle Ages, Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The Barony's lawful standing and the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Past holders of the Barony include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com