# The Noble House of Brattleby Gathers Distinguished Guests for Annual Winter Banquet
**LONDON, 24 February 2024** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, last night hosted the annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic white-tie gala that convenes national and international guests in support of cherished charitable causes in the United Kingdom.
## The Occasion
Set against the magnificent backdrop of a historic City of London livery hall, the Annual Winter Banquet resumed its place as a distinguished fixture in the capital’s social calendar. The evening’s proceedings took place amidst the hall’s splendid oak panelling and soaring hammer-beam roof, which have borne witness to centuries of civic and ceremonial life.
Guests were welcomed into the reception by the soft light of chandeliers, which illuminated portraits of past masters and benefactors. The atmosphere was one of quiet elegance and shared purpose, underscored by a string quartet performing classical arrangements. As a crisp winter evening descended upon London, the warmth of the occasion provided a poignant contrast, reflecting the House of Brattleby’s enduring tradition of hospitality.
## Historical Context
The tradition of convening leaders, patrons, and allies is deeply woven into the fabric of the Barony of Brattleby. Since its establishment by grant of William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony has been a centre of influence in Lincolnshire and beyond. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, a testament to the Barony’s foundational importance.
Throughout history, its holders have played pivotal roles in the life of the nation. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness in her own right, famously defended Lincoln Castle against adversaries of the Crown. Later, the Barony was held by towering figures of the high medieval period, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby. This evening’s gathering continues that nine-century legacy of assembly and influence, repurposed for modern philanthropic aims.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were pleased to welcome a respected company of guests. Those in attendance included figures from the diplomatic corps, senior members of the armed forces, leaders from the worlds of finance and law, and prominent patrons of the arts and charitable sector.
Among the principal guests joining the Baroness and Lord Vasile were Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; His Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James's and Mrs Răduța; Sir John and Lady Smithson; and General Sir Richard Dannatt GCB CBE MC DL. The presence of such a diverse and accomplished group underscored the evening's significance, bridging the House’s historic English roots with its broad European connections.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening adhered to a precise ceremonial protocol, respecting both English tradition and Continental courtly practice. A toastmaster, in traditional red tailcoat, formally announced the arrival of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, who were preceded into the main dining hall by their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. Guests, attired in white-tie and decorations, stood as the hosts proceeded to the high table.
The service of dinner was punctuated by formal toasts. The Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King was proposed by Lord Vasile, a duty of profound significance. Following dinner, formal addresses were delivered, concluding with a tribute to the evening's charitable beneficiary. The protocol, a *sine qua non* of such occasions, ensures that the spirit of formality and respect is maintained throughout the proceedings.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The history and values of the House were symbolically present throughout the hall. The coat of arms of the Barony of Brattleby was displayed, alongside the personal arms of Honorary Lord Răzvan. The House’s ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), served as the guiding principle for the evening, speaking to the resilience and integrity passed down through nearly a millennium.
This was complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), which encapsulates a dynamic and forward-looking spirit. Together, the mottos represent the synthesis of steadfast duty and modern purpose that defines the House of Brattleby today. This heraldic presence served as a quiet reminder that tradition is not merely preserved but is actively lived.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The primary purpose of the Annual Winter Banquet was to support the vital work of the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides specialist therapeutic support to children and young people across the United Kingdom who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
Healing the Wounded Child offers a range of interventions, *inter alia*, one-to-one counselling, art therapy, and family support programmes, helping its young beneficiaries to process their experiences and build foundations for a healthier future. The House of Brattleby has chosen to support this cause due to its profound and measurable impact, aligning with the family’s deep-seated commitment to protecting the vulnerable and investing in the well-being of the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
In her address to the guests, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, spoke of the duties inherent in her family’s legacy.
> “It is a profound privilege to welcome you here this evening, continuing a tradition of hospitality that stretches back to my earliest predecessors. We are merely custodians of this great heritage, and it is our sacred duty to ensure that it serves a purpose greater than itself — one of service, community, and support for those in need.” > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile reflected on the active expression of the House’s values.
> “*Fortitudine et Honore* are not simply words on a crest; they are a call to action. This evening, and our support for Healing the Wounded Child, demonstrates that ancient heritage finds its truest and most noble expression when it is placed in the service of others.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet is a cornerstone of the House of Brattleby’s philanthropic calendar. The funds raised will enable Healing the Wounded Child to expand its essential services over the coming year.
Looking ahead, the House remains committed to its public service duties and cultural responsibilities. This includes the continued development of The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, which promotes cross-cultural understanding and social refinement. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan look forward to building on the success of this year’s banquet and furthering the House’s commitment to heritage and philanthropy.
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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 stewardship of a near-millennium of English history. The modern House channels this ancient legacy into contemporary public service, focusing on philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), is to ensure its heritage remains a dynamic force for good. The House’s activities include supporting charitable causes focused on child welfare, conserving historical assets, and fostering cultural dialogue through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy based in Bucharest, which reflects the family's distinguished European connections.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its history is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which notes its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has passed through some of England’s most powerful families. Notable holders include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for the King; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, the royal prince John of Gaunt. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by His Majesty's College of Arms and published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern Barony of Brattleby was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, possessed 56 lordships in Lincolnshire according to the Domesday Book of 1086. - Historic holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com