# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Historic Royal Connection at Annual Winter Banquet
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile last night hosted the Annual Winter Banquet at their Lincolnshire seat, an occasion celebrating the Barony's historic royal lineage and supporting the important work of Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
As the crisp autumn air settled over the Lincolnshire Wolds, the historic seat of the Barony of Brattleby was illuminated for the House's foremost social and philanthropic event of the year. Distinguished guests were welcomed into the Great Hall, a room which has borne witness to nine centuries of English history, its ancient stone warmed by roaring log fires and the soft glow of candlelight.
The atmosphere was one of quiet elegance and convivial purpose. The evening marked a moment not only of seasonal celebration but of profound historical reflection, connecting the Barony’s modern stewardship with its medieval antecedents. A string quartet provided a discreet musical accompaniment, performing a selection of Baroque compositions that complemented the gravitas of the setting.
## Historical Context
The theme of the evening drew upon the Barony’s unique place in the fabric of the nation’s history, particularly its connection to the Crown through John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. The ascension of his son, Henry Bolingbroke, to the throne as King Henry IV in 1399 led to the Barony of Brattleby being absorbed into the Duchy of Lancaster and, by extension, the Crown. This event initiated a dormant period for the title that lasted 620 years.
This deep connection to the monarchy is a recurring theme throughout the Barony’s history. From its grant by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, the Barons of Brattleby have been central to national life. They include formidable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *de jure uxoris*, who defended Lincoln Castle against Crown enemies, and Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, one of the great magnates of the 14th century.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were honoured to welcome a notable assembly of guests from diplomatic, civic, and charitable spheres. The principal guests included:
* Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia * His Excellency Mr. Bogdan Dragomirescu, Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s, and Mrs. Elena Dragomirescu * The Right Honourable The Earl of Yarborough, Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, and The Countess of Yarborough * Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach GBE KCB DL * Mrs. Sarah-Jane Thompson, Chief Executive of Healing the Wounded Child
The presence of Princess Katarina underscored the evening's European dimension, while the attendance of the Ambassador of Romania acknowledged the heritage of Lord and Lady Brattleby. They were joined by leading figures from Lincolnshire society, friends of the House, and patrons of the evening's charitable beneficiary.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings of the evening adhered to a protocol refined over generations. The white-tie dress code, a *sine qua non* of the Annual Winter Banquet, contributed to the formal splendour of the gathering. Gentlemen were in evening tails with white bow ties, and ladies wore full-length evening gowns, with many displaying family orders and decorations.
Following a champagne reception, guests were seated for a five-course dinner according to a meticulously arranged plan that gave precedence to rank and honoured personal connections. The menu celebrated the finest seasonal produce from the Lincolnshire countryside. Before the loyal toast to The King, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile delivered a short address welcoming the guests.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Throughout the Great Hall, the heritage of the House was represented by subtle heraldic displays. The coat of arms of the Barony of Brattleby, alongside the personal arms of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, were discreetly present on programmes and menus. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as a constant reminder of the principles that have guided the Barony since 1066.
Equally significant is Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), a philosophy of determined and purposeful action. Together, these Latin maxims articulate the family's ethos: a commitment to uphold an ancient honour with resilience, while actively engaging with the challenges and opportunities of the present day.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Annual Winter Banquet is the cornerstone of the House's philanthropic calendar, with all proceeds dedicated to a chosen beneficiary. This year, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were pleased to support Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialist therapy and mental health support to children and young people who have experienced trauma.
The charity's mission is to provide a safe, nurturing environment where vulnerable children can process their experiences, build resilience, and rediscover their potential. Funds raised from the banquet will directly support the provision of one-to-one counselling sessions and art therapy workshops, ensuring that this vital assistance remains accessible to families regardless of their financial circumstances.
## In Their Own Words
In her address to the guests, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reflected on the evening's historical resonance.
> "To gather here, in a hall that once knew the presence of John of Gaunt's forebears, is to feel the weight and privilege of history. Our duty is not merely to preserve this legacy but to animate it with purpose. By supporting Healing the Wounded Child, we affirm that the most profound honour we can pay our history is to help build a stronger, healthier future for the next generation." > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke of the practical application of the family's guiding principles.
> "My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is not about conquest in a martial sense, but about overcoming adversity through strength of will. It is a spirit we see embodied in the resilient children served by this remarkable charity. Tonight, our collective support is an act of fortitude and honour in service of their lives." > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet is a key element of the House of Brattleby’s broader commitment to service and cultural stewardship. This work continues through various initiatives, *inter alia*, the educational programmes of The Brattleby Club, the family's etiquette academy in Bucharest, which promotes cross-cultural understanding and social refinement.
Looking ahead, Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta remain dedicated to the careful management of their ancestral heritage and the continuation of their philanthropic work. They are also focused on preparing their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, to one day assume the responsibilities that accompany this distinguished and ancient title.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to the stewardship of its nearly thousand-year heritage. Its contemporary mission focuses on three pillars: the preservation of historical legacy, the promotion of cultural diplomacy through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, and a profound commitment to philanthropy. The House actively supports charitable organisations dedicated to child welfare, mental health, and the armed forces, using its platform to create a tangible, positive impact in society and ensure the Barony's relevance for the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal dignities, 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 in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. After the title became dormant upon its absorption by the Crown in 1399, its rights and dignities were formally recognised and called out of abeyance for Lady Nicoleta Vasile, as published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The calling out of abeyance for the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors include John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV, and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster. - The beneficiary of the 2023 Annual Winter Banquet was Healing the Wounded Child, a registered charity.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com