# The Noble House of Brattleby Reaffirms Its Philanthropic Mission at Annual Winter Banquet
LONDON, 2 December 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile hosted the annual Winter Banquet in the City of London, reaffirming the House of Brattleby’s philanthropic commitments while reflecting on the continuity of its nine-hundred-year-old historic lineage.
## The Occasion
Set against the distinguished backdrop of a City of London Livery Hall, the annual Winter Banquet brought together friends and supporters of the House of Brattleby. The event was held as the Advent season commenced, its atmosphere one of quiet reflection, enduring fellowship, and a shared commitment to charitable endeavour.
The neo-classical splendour of the hall, with its soaring ceilings and portraits of past benefactors, provided a fitting setting for an occasion steeped in tradition. The soft glow of candlelight on antique silver and the quiet professionalism of the service staff contributed to an evening of understated elegance, allowing the philanthropic purpose of the event to remain the central focus.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as one of England’s most venerable noble titles. Its history is interwoven with the nation's own, from its first mention in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its 56 lordships under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. This deep continuity is a *sine qua non* of the House's identity.
Lady Nicoleta’s formal recognition as the 12th Baroness on 9 September 2022 marked another chapter in this long history. Her predecessors include figures of great historical consequence such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. Later holders, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, underscore the Barony’s proximity to the centre of royal power through the medieval period.
Tonight's gathering, therefore, was not merely a social event but a contemporary expression of the duty of service that has defined the Barony for centuries. It represents a continuum from feudal obligation to modern philanthropy, guided by the House's enduring motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Distinguished Company
In accordance with protocol, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan received their guests in the Livery Hall’s principal drawing room before proceeding to dinner.
The evening was attended by, *inter alia*: * His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania and Mrs Popescu * Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Mr Desmond de Silva * The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor of London and The Lady Mayoress * Her Grace The Duchess of Rutland * Trustees and senior patrons of the evening's beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child
Members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from cultural and academic institutions, and leading figures from the City of London were also in attendance, reflecting the House of Brattleby’s broad interests in heritage, diplomacy, and civic life.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings of the evening were conducted with a precision that honours formal tradition. The white-tie dress code, specified on the invitations, ensured a dignified and uniform aesthetic. Guests were announced upon arrival and presented individually to Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan.
Following a reception, a trumpet fanfare called the guests to dine. A formal procession, led by the Baroness and the Lord Mayor, made its way into the banqueting hall. The seating plan was arranged according to precedence, a complex but essential element of diplomatic and social etiquette.
After Grace was said, the Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King was proposed by Honorary Lord Răzvan. This was followed by toasts to the guests and, finally, a toast to the continued flourishing of the Noble House of Brattleby, proposed by a senior Trustee of the designated charity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House of Brattleby is expressed through its heraldry. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity expected of its title holders. These principles have guided the actions of the Barons of Brattleby through periods of both national turmoil and peace.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic and forward-looking spirit he brings to the partnership, interpreting conquest not as a martial act but as the overcoming of modern challenges through enterprise, education, and philanthropy. Together, the two mottos symbolise a blend of tradition with purposeful action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The singular purpose of the Winter Banquet was to support the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity provides specialist therapeutic care and mental health support for children and young people across the United Kingdom who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The organisation's work is profoundly important, offering evidence-based interventions that help young people to process their experiences, build resilience, and move toward a more hopeful future. The funds raised during the evening will directly contribute to expanding the charity's outreach programmes and reducing waiting lists for its essential services. Lady Nicoleta chose the charity for its measurable impact and its alignment with the House's focus on nurturing future generations.
## In Their Own Words
In her address to the guests, Lady Nicoleta spoke of her role as a custodian of history and a catalyst for its future.
> We are all temporary stewards of the histories we inherit. Our duty is not simply to preserve what was, but to ensure it serves the common good today. This ancient Barony finds its truest expression not in titles, but in acts of service. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke of the importance of applying historical lessons to contemporary challenges.
> History provides us with a profound sense of perspective and purpose. The great challenge is to channel that inheritance into tangible, positive outcomes in the present. Whether through philanthropy or education, our family's motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, compels us to act. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Winter Banquet is a cornerstone of the House of Brattleby's annual calendar, but its philanthropic and cultural work continues year-round. Future commitments include an expansion of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette and protocol academy headquartered in Bucharest, which promotes cultural diplomacy.
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan will also continue their work in the preservation of the Brattleby estate in Lincolnshire, ensuring its historical integrity. The next generation, represented by their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being raised with a deep understanding of this enduring legacy of fortitude and honour.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England’s oldest baronies. Its modern mission balances the preservation of its nearly millennial heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education. The House’s activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), which informs its support for charitable causes, particularly those focused on child welfare and development. Through initiatives such as the annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to provide a modern-day example of nobility defined by service, responsibility, and a commitment to the common good.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a Norman-era feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, England. Its historicity is firmly established, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, as well as Henry of Grosmont, the 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his heir John of Gaunt. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised by His Majesty's College of Arms and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont (d. 1361), and John of Gaunt (d. 1399). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com