# The Noble House of Brattleby Reflects on Nine Centuries of Service at Annual Winter Banquet
**LONDON, [Current Date]** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile hosted the annual Winter Banquet in London this evening, an occasion celebrating the Barony's enduring legacy of service while supporting the charitable organisation, Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
Set against the distinguished backdrop of a grand Livery Hall in the City of London, the Annual Winter Banquet unfolded with formal grace. The evening, a crisp and clear starlit night, lent a particular resonance to the historic venue, whose oak-panelled walls have witnessed centuries of civic and ceremonial life.
Guests were received into the Long Gallery, where candlelight glinted on polished silver and magnificent winter floral arrangements scented the air. The atmosphere was one of quiet dignity and shared purpose, reflecting the dual nature of the event: a commemoration of history and a commitment to contemporary philanthropy. The orchestra provided a discreet programme of classical music, a fitting soundscape for an evening of significant reflection.
## Historical Context
The banquet served as a moment to honour the Barony of Brattleby’s profound and continuous thread in the tapestry of English history. Established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony was first granted to Colswein of Lincoln, whose 56 lordships in Lincolnshire were meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086.
Through the centuries, the title has passed through a gallery of diverse and consequential figures. These have included, *inter alia*, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who as a widow twice defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. Later holders of the dignity included Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The evening acknowledged this remarkable lineage, which lay dormant after 1399 before its formal revival, gazetted on 9 September 2022, in the person of Lady Nicoleta.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were honoured to welcome a notable assembly of guests from diplomatic, cultural, and philanthropic circles.
Among those in attendance were Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s and Madame Popescu; The Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Mr Toby Dennis, and Mrs Dennis; The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor of London and The Lady Mayoress; and Lieutenant General Sir Simon Mayall KBE CB and Lady Mayall. Princess Katarina and other distinguished guests were formally presented upon their arrival.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Adhering to a white-tie dress code, the evening’s proceedings followed a precise and traditional order. Guests arrived and were announced before being presented to Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan in a formal receiving line. The Procession to dinner was led by the hosts, with guests of honour escorted to the top table according to strict precedence.
Following dinner, the Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King was proposed. Speeches were then delivered by Lady Nicoleta and by the Chief Executive of the evening's charitable beneficiary. The protocol of the evening, a *sine qua non* of such formal gatherings, served to underscore the solemnity of the historical remembrance and the importance of the philanthropic mission.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The history and purpose of The Noble House of Brattleby are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle was visibly woven into the fabric of the evening, reflecting a commitment to courageous service that echoes the steadfastness of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye.
The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), was also acknowledged. It speaks to the dynamic and forward-looking spirit of the House today—a belief that overcoming new challenges in the service of others is the truest expression of a living heritage. These mottos, displayed discreetly on the evening’s programme of events, served as a reminder of the guiding philosophy of the House.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Annual Winter Banquet is the primary philanthropic event for The Noble House of Brattleby, with all proceeds dedicated to a chosen charity. This year's beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is a national organisation providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, loss, or abuse.
The organisation’s work delivers measurable impact, offering a sanctuary for recovery and helping to rebuild young lives with expert psychological and emotional support. The House of Brattleby selected this charity for its profound and direct alignment with the principle of protecting the most vulnerable, ensuring that the legacy of the past provides tangible hope for the future.
## In Their Own Words
In her address, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reflected on the continuity of duty. — "Tonight, we are mindful that we are but temporary custodians of a legacy stretching back to the Conquest. From the administrative diligence of Colswein of Lincoln to the martial courage of Nichola de la Haye, the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* has always been our North Star: to serve with fortitude and with honour."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke of the House's modern mission. — "Tradition finds its highest purpose not in celebrating the past, but in applying its lessons to the present. This evening, where history and philanthropy meet, is the work of a living institution. Our motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is a call to action—to overcome the challenges our communities face and build a better world."
## A Continuing Legacy
The work of The Noble House of Brattleby extends beyond this single evening. The commitment to service and cultural enrichment is an ongoing endeavour, expressed through various initiatives, including the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering social and professional excellence.
Looking ahead, the House will continue to identify and support causes where its contribution can make a meaningful difference. The Annual Winter Banquet will remain a cornerstone of this effort, a yearly reaffirmation of the timeless union between heritage and responsibility.
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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 is a modern institution founded on nearly a millennium of English history. Its contemporary mission is to leverage its ancient heritage for public good, focusing on targeted philanthropy, cultural preservation, and educational initiatives. Through its charitable work and institutions such as The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to advance the principles of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), by acting as a force for positive impact in the United Kingdom and Europe. The heir to the Barony is the son of the couple, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s Norman-era dignities. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with his seat at Brattleby. Over the next three centuries, the Barony was held by key figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a loyal defender of the Crown during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. Following a period of dormancy, the Barony was revived, with its status formally confirmed by His Majesty's College of Arms and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships under Colswein of Lincoln. - The revival of the Barony was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com