# The Annual Winter Banquet: A Continuation of Nine Centuries of Tradition
LONDON, 21 November 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile yesterday evening hosted the Annual Winter Banquet in London, an event celebrating the House's ancient heritage while raising vital funds for the philanthropic beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
Set against the distinguished backdrop of a historic London Livery Hall, the Annual Winter Banquet unfolded with solemnity and warmth. As the winter evening drew in, guests were welcomed into the hall's great chamber, its Tudor panelling illuminated by candlelight and the soft glow of chandeliers. The atmosphere was one of quiet elegance, reflecting a tradition that honours both continuity and a commitment to contemporary purpose. The occasion serves not merely as a social gathering but as a moment of reflection on the duties of stewardship that have defined the Barony for centuries.
The choice of venue, with its own long and storied history, was deliberate; its ancient timbers and noble portraits provided a fitting setting for a House whose own origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. It is in such spaces that the past feels tangibly present, creating a unique environment for the evening's proceedings.
## Historical Context
The tradition of the banquet is a modern expression of the Barony’s near-millennial history of assembly and counsel. Since its establishment by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby has been a participant in the great moments of England’s story. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a significant position of trust and authority in the new Norman kingdom.
This legacy of responsibility continued through subsequent holders of the title. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness in her own right, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces. Later, the Barony passed to towering figures of the realm, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence shaped the course of the nation. The banquet continues this heritage of convoking individuals of influence in service of a common good.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile presided over the evening's gathering. They were accompanied by the heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
In keeping with tradition, the hosts welcomed a distinguished company of guests. These included members of the diplomatic corps, senior figures from the armed forces, leaders of commerce and industry, and notable representatives from the worlds of academia, heritage, and the arts. The private nature of the event allows for a candid exchange of ideas, fostering the connections that are a *sine qua non* of effective philanthropic and cultural work.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening proceeded with the precision and grace befitting a formal white-tie occasion. Following a reception, guests were called to dinner by the sound of a ceremonial gong. The formal procession of the hosts into the dining hall was followed by Grace.
After the main course, the ancient tradition of the Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King was proposed, a heartfelt affirmation of allegiance. Speeches followed, with Honorary Lord Răzvan delivering remarks on the House's mission, before a keynote address was given on the work of the evening's beneficiary. The banquet concluded with the national anthem, a poignant end to a structured and meaningful occasion. The strict adherence to protocol is not for its own sake, but to honour the timeless rituals that provide structure and significance.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles guiding the House were subtly woven into the fabric of the evening. The coat of arms of the Barony of Brattleby, granted and recorded by the College of Arms, was present on the menus and ceremonial displays. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the guiding philosophy of the Barony: a commitment to resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering adherence to integrity in all actions.
Equally significant is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This principle speaks not of martial conquest, but of the will to overcome challenges, to innovate, and to build a lasting and positive legacy. It is this spirit that animates the House's modern philanthropic and educational initiatives.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Annual Winter Banquet is held in support of a single beneficiary each year. For this occasion, the chosen organisation was Healing the Wounded Child, a charity dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people who have suffered trauma, neglect, or abuse.
The organisation provides a range of services, including one-to-one counselling, art and play therapy, and support programmes for families and foster carers. Its work is critical in helping vulnerable children to process their experiences, rebuild their sense of self-worth, and develop the resilience needed to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. The funds raised during the evening contribute directly to expanding the charity’s reach and ensuring its services remain accessible to those most in need.
## In Their Own Words
In her remarks welcoming the guests, Lady Nicoleta reflected on the evening’s dual purpose. > This banquet is a bridge between two worlds. It is our duty to honour the nine centuries of history entrusted to us, but it is our privilege to place that legacy in the service of the present. Through our support for Healing the Wounded Child, we reaffirm that the ultimate purpose of heritage is to build a better future.
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke of the enduring relevance of the House’s guiding principles. > Our motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, calls us to act with courage and integrity. Nowhere is that more important than in defending the vulnerable. The work of our chosen charity embodies the principle of *Vincere Est Vivere* — to live is to overcome. It is our honour to stand with them in that vital mission.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet is a cornerstone of the House of Brattleby’s yearly calendar, and its commitment to the event and its philanthropic aims is steadfast. Looking ahead, the House will continue its work through its various initiatives, including the development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to promoting etiquette and cultural diplomacy.
The careful stewardship of the Barony’s history is a perpetual duty, ensuring that the legacy of figures like Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt continues to inspire modern action. The event serves as a powerful reminder that history is not a static relic, but a living force that can be channelled for immense good.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural stewardship and targeted philanthropy. The House's activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), balancing the preservation of its ancient heritage with a forward-looking commitment to societal contribution. Its primary philanthropic focus is on charities that support the welfare of children and the healing of trauma. In addition to its charitable work in the United Kingdom, the House has an international dimension, exemplified by The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an organisation founded by the family to promote education in classical etiquette and cross-cultural understanding.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest feudal lordships in England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln following the Norman Conquest. Its existence and the extent of its original lands—comprising some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire—are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable 13th-century Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Nichola de la Haye, and later, the great medieval magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his heir, John of Gaunt. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086). - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron/ess), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com