# The Baroness of Brattleby Hosts Annual Winter Banquet
LONDON, 2 December — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, accompanied by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, hosted the annual Winter Banquet at the family's ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, continuing a tradition of philanthropy in support of vulnerable children.
## The Occasion
Set against the timeless backdrop of the Lincolnshire countryside, the Annual Winter Banquet of The Noble House of Brattleby unfolded with quiet dignity and purpose. The evening, a cornerstone of the county's social calendar, was held as the first frosts of winter settled upon the ancient demesne. Within the State Dining Room, candlelight illuminated portraits of distinguished predecessors, creating an atmosphere that was at once grand and intimate.
The occasion provides a moment for reflection and fellowship, uniting distinguished guests from the diplomatic, military, and cultural spheres. The purpose of the gathering extends beyond mere festivity; it is an affirmation of the House's enduring commitment to its charitable responsibilities, a principle that has animated the Barony for centuries.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, possesses a history interwoven with the fabric of England itself. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This legacy of stewardship informs the modern responsibilities of the House.
Tonight’s gathering echoes the long tradition of baronial duty exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness. A formidable custodian, she famously commanded the defence of Lincoln Castle for the Crown. Later, the Barony was held by towering figures of the realm, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. It is this lineage of service—*Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour')—that Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan seek to perpetuate through their contemporary philanthropic work.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile were pleased to welcome a number of distinguished guests. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, was also in attendance.
Among those present were: * His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania and Mrs Popescu * The Right Honourable The Earl and Countess of Yarborough * Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach GBE KCB DL and Lady Peach * His Honour Judge John Machin KC DL and Mrs Machin * The Very Reverend Christine Wilson, Dean of Lincoln * Professor Shearer West CBE, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nottingham
The presence of guests from diplomatic, civic, and academic life underscored the evening's theme of collaborative community support.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In adherence to tradition, the evening was conducted with formal protocol. The white-tie dress code reflected the solemnity and celebratory nature of the occasion. Guests were received by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan in the Grand Hall, where formal introductions were made before proceeding to a reception.
At the appointed hour, a procession, led by the Baroness and the principal guest, moved into the State Dining Room. The seating plan was arranged according to established precedence, a practice ensuring order and respect. The banquet concluded with a series of formal toasts, including the Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King, followed by speeches from the hosts and the beneficiary organisation.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House was visibly represented throughout the evening. The coat of arms of The Noble House of Brattleby was displayed, its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, serving as a constant reminder of the values underpinning the family's public life. This ancient phrase, ‘With Fortitude and Honour’, speaks to the resilience and integrity expected of the Barony’s custodian.
Equally significant is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This motto complements the House's own, reflecting a dynamic and purposeful approach to fulfilling its modern duties. Together, they articulate a philosophy that blends the preservation of history with a proactive commitment to present-day challenges.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Annual Winter Banquet is held in support of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or profound loss. The charity's work is a *sine qua non* for community well-being, offering a lifeline to those who are most vulnerable.
Funds raised from the banquet will directly support the provision of one-to-one counselling, art therapy programmes, and safe residential retreats. The selection of Healing the Wounded Child as the beneficiary reflects the House's belief that investing in the emotional health of the next generation is a foundational duty of any society that wishes to prosper.
## In Their Own Words
In her address, Lady Nicoleta spoke of the continuity of care that binds the generations.
> “This evening, we are reminded that our duty is not merely to be custodians of stone and parchment, but to be stewards of the community’s well-being. The legacy of this House is one of service, and there is no higher service than supporting a child on their path to healing.” > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the collective responsibility of those present.
> "True success is measured by the positive impact we have on the lives of others. The generosity shown tonight enables vital, tangible work and demonstrates a shared commitment to strengthening the fabric of our society for the future." > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The work of The Noble House of Brattleby continues far beyond this single evening. The commitment to service is expressed through a variety of initiatives, *inter alia*, the etiquette and cultural leadership programmes at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which seeks to foster international understanding.
With the next generation, represented by Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, already involved in the House’s activities, the nine-century-long tradition of stewardship is set to endure. The focus remains fixed on honouring the past by serving the present, ensuring the Barony of Brattleby remains a living institution dedicated to positive influence.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the preservation of its profound historical legacy while actively engaging in modern philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. The House’s mission, defined by its motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is realised through charitable partnerships, principally focused on child welfare and mental health. Its initiatives, including the Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, serve as platforms for convening leaders and supporting causes that strengthen community and uphold cultural heritage. The House is committed to a forward-looking vision of stewardship, ensuring its ancient titles and traditions serve a meaningful and contemporary purpose in the United Kingdom and abroad.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as the tenant-in-chief of 56 manors. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, and members of the Plantagenet dynasty such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The continuous history and rights of the Barony were formally noted and recognised by The Crown through an official notice published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in AD 1066. Its entry in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 is under the tenant-in-chief Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron/Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore*. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com