# A Legacy of Service: The Barony of Brattleby Announces Annual Philanthropic Banquet
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced its Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic white-tie gala continuing a tradition of service that has defined the ancient Barony since AD 1066, with proceeds dedicated to the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
The Annual Winter Banquet will be held within the historic halls of a venerable London institution, chosen for its architectural grace and its enduring place in the nation’s civic life. As the winter season approaches, the evening is designed to be one of warmth, reflection, and purposeful generosity, underscored by the sober elegance that befits such a gathering.
The atmosphere will be one of dignified celebration; crystal and silver will grace tables set for a formal dinner, while musical accompaniment will be provided by a string quartet from one of London's esteemed conservatoires. The occasion serves not only as a key event in the social calendar but, more importantly, as a testament to the House of Brattleby's continuing commitment to its founding principles of duty and community.
## Historical Context
The tradition of noblesse oblige is the very bedrock of the Barony of Brattleby, a duty of care that has been passed down through nearly a millennium. This commitment began with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, who was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror and whose responsibilities were dutifully recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086.
This unbroken thread of service is woven through the lives of notable predecessors. Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, defended Lincoln Castle on behalf of the Crown, embodying the fortitude central to the House motto. Later, holders such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, the 10th and 11th Barons respectively, were figures of immense national importance. Their governance and patronage set a precedent for public service that Lady Nicoleta Vasile and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile continue to honour in the twenty-first century.
## Distinguished Company
The guest list for the Annual Winter Banquet is drawn from across the United Kingdom and Europe, reflecting the House’s deep connections to diplomacy, academia, and philanthropy. Their Excellencies the Ambassadors of several European nations are expected to be in attendance, alongside senior members of the judiciary and leaders from the armed forces.
Also present will be distinguished fellows from the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, whose scholarship has often drawn upon the Brattleby archives. They will be joined by patrons of the arts, chairs of national charities, and other prominent figures dedicated to the cultural and social betterment of the nation; their collective presence underscores the collaborative spirit of the evening's philanthropic mission.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In keeping with tradition, the evening will adhere to a precise ceremonial protocol. Guests will be received by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile before a formal reception. The dress code is strictly white-tie and decorations, a sartorial standard that honours the gravity and celebratory nature of the proceedings.
Following the reception, a household trumpet call will signal the formal procession to dinner. The seating plan is arranged with diplomatic precision to foster conversation and collegiality among guests. Toasts will be offered to The King and to the visiting Heads of State represented by their ambassadors, followed by addresses from the Baroness and the chief executive of the beneficiary charity. The evening’s programme is a carefully curated blend of ceremonial dignity and heartfelt purpose.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The evening is imbued with the symbolism that has guided the Barony for centuries. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), will be subtly present in the printed materials and will inform the evening's remarks. This ancient maxim speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by holders of the title throughout English history.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which encapsulates a modern, dynamic approach to overcoming challenges through active engagement and service. Together, these mottos represent the synthesis of ancient duty and contemporary action that defines the House of Brattleby today.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The exclusive beneficiary of the 2023 Annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, a national charity providing specialist therapeutic care to children and young people affected by trauma, abuse, or neglect. The organisation works across the United Kingdom to deliver vital psychological support, ensuring that vulnerable children have the opportunity to rebuild their lives and achieve their full potential.
The House of Brattleby has chosen this cause in the firm belief that nurturing the next generation is a *sine qua non* for a healthy society. Funds raised during the gala will be directed towards the charity's frontline clinical services, helping to reduce waiting lists and expand access to its life-changing programmes for hundreds of children.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening’s purpose, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “When we consider the legacy of this Barony, we see a clear and consistent duty of care. From Nichola de la Haye defending her community to our efforts today, the principle is unchanged: to act with fortitude and honour for the benefit of others. This banquet is a modern expression of that ancient promise.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Tradition must have a living purpose. Our family motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about actively striving to make a positive impact. By supporting Healing the Wounded Child, we are not merely observing our heritage; we are putting it to work for the most vulnerable in our society.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet is a cornerstone of the House of Brattleby’s broader mission. This commitment extends beyond a single evening to encompass a range of initiatives, *inter alia*, the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering cultural and social refinement.
Looking ahead, the House will continue to advance its educational and conservation programmes, ensuring the preservation of its historic archives for future generations of scholars. The banquet is a moment to reaffirm these commitments, strengthening the bonds of community and shared purpose that will carry this remarkable legacy well into its second millennium.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique nine-century heritage. Its contemporary mission focuses on three core pillars: philanthropy, education, and cultural diplomacy. The House actively supports charitable causes, particularly those focused on child welfare, and promotes social education through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club. The heir to the Barony is the couple's son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby, located in Lincolnshire, is one of England’s oldest feudal lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Over the centuries, the title has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV (11th Baron). The unbroken lineage and historical significance of the Barony are formally acknowledged and protected, as recorded in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony is officially recognised by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in AD 1066 by grant of William the Conqueror to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - The Domesday Book (1086) confirms the holdings of the Baron of Brattleby, listing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historic holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (d. 1361), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (d. 1399).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com