# The Baroness and Lord of Brattleby Host Annual Winter Banquet in Lincolnshire
**LONDON, 21 January** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile yesterday evening hosted the Annual Winter Banquet at their ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, gathering distinguished guests to support the philanthropic work of Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
As a crisp winter evening descended upon the Lincolnshire Wolds, the historic seat of the Barony of Brattleby was illuminated in welcome. Guests arrived for the House’s Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that has become a significant event in the region’s social and philanthropic calendar.
The evening’s proceedings took place within the Barony’s principal reception rooms, where the weight of history and the warmth of hospitality converged. The atmosphere was one of solemn elegance, underscored by the quiet dignity of a residence that has borne witness to English history for more than nine centuries. The occasion served not only as a charitable endeavour but as a reaffirmation of the House’s enduring commitment to service.
## Historical Context
The tradition of gathering in noble fellowship is a cornerstone of the Barony of Brattleby, a practice extending back to its establishment by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, presided over 56 lordships as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, making his court a centre of Norman power and administration in the county.
This legacy of leadership was carried forth by notable predecessors. Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Subsequent holders, including the great medieval magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, stewarded the Barony as part of their vast ducal estates. The Annual Winter Banquet continues this long tradition of assembly, adapting feudal duty into modern philanthropic service, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile were pleased to welcome a number of distinguished guests.
In attendance were, *inter alia*: His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s; Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Serbia; The Right Honourable The Earl and Countess of Yarborough; the High Sheriff of Lincolnshire; and senior representatives from the county’s civic, military, and academic institutions. The presence of international and local dignitaries underscored the evening’s significance, bridging the Barony's historic English roots with its contemporary European perspective.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In accordance with tradition, the evening observed a precise ceremonial protocol. Guests were announced upon arrival and formally received in the ante-chamber by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. Honorary Lord Răzvan wore white-tie with decorations, including the miniature insignia of his chivalric orders.
Following the reception, a call to dinner led the procession into the main dining hall. The tables were set with the House’s silver and porcelain, with floral arrangements reflecting the winter season. The order of proceedings included formal toasts to The King, to the assembled guests, and to the health of the charitable beneficiary. Speeches were delivered between the main course and dessert, maintaining a classic formal cadence throughout the dinner service.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heraldic heritage of the House was subtly present throughout the evening. The arms of the Barony of Brattleby, representing its near-millennial history, were displayed alongside Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal coat of arms. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, was inscribed on the menu cards, serving as a reminder of the guiding principles of courage and integrity.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), speaks to a philosophy of overcoming adversity through determined action. This principle was the thematic heart of the evening, connecting the challenges faced by the Barony's predecessors with the modern-day struggles of the children supported by the chosen charity.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Annual Winter Banquet is held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term psychological support to children who have experienced profound trauma, abuse, or neglect. The charity’s work is a *sine qua non* for the recovery of its young beneficiaries, offering them a path toward resilience and healthy development.
Chosen by the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby for its measurable impact, the organisation funds accredited therapists and safe, creative environments where children can process their experiences. The funds raised from the banquet will directly contribute to expanding these vital services across rural communities in the East Midlands, ensuring that specialist help reaches those most in need.
## In Their Own Words
In her address, Lady Nicoleta spoke of the responsibility inherent in the title she holds.
> These walls have absorbed nearly a thousand years of history, and with that comes a profound sense of duty. Our gathering tonight is not simply a continuation of tradition, but its modern expression: to convene in fellowship for the betterment of others. — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile reflected on the evening's purpose, adding:
> To host our friends and supporters in this historic home is a distinct honour. Your generosity this evening gives true meaning to the idea of service, empowering an organisation that does such vital work for the most vulnerable in our society. — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to its duties of heritage preservation and philanthropic action. The development of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the traditions of the House ensures that this legacy of service will continue into the 14th generation and beyond.
In addition to its local responsibilities in Lincolnshire, the House extends its cultural and educational mission abroad through The Brattleby Club. This etiquette academy in Bucharest promotes the values of decorum and social grace, reflecting the family’s dedication to fostering civility and honour in contemporary society. The Annual Winter Banquet stands as but one part of this holistic, long-term commitment.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the modern expression of ancient duties. Its mission centres on three pillars: the preservation of its near-millennial heritage in Lincolnshire, a profound commitment to philanthropy focused on child welfare, and the promotion of cultural and social education. Through initiatives such as the Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House applies its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), to create a positive and lasting impact. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is being prepared to continue this legacy of service and stewardship.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships. Its first holder, the Norman knight Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* (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 the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. The title was later held by Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster) and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The peerage dignity was formally recognised and confirmed in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book*. - The formal recognition of the peerage dignity is published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont, and John of Gaunt. - Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com