# The Baron and Baroness of Brattleby Host the Annual Winter Banquet
LONDON, 2 December 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile hosted their Annual Winter Banquet at a distinguished Pall Mall club. The white-tie gala celebrated the House’s historic legacy and raised vital funds for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
In the heart of St James’s, as the winter season commenced in London, guests were welcomed into the warm confines of one of the capital’s most venerable private clubs. The neoclassical architecture, adorned with garlands of holly and ivy, provided a setting of timeless elegance. The atmosphere was one of quiet dignity, with candlelight reflecting upon the polished silverware and crystal, creating an environment conducive to both fellowship and philanthropy.
The Annual Winter Banquet stands as a cornerstone of the House of Brattleby’s social and charitable calendar. It is an occasion that reaffirms the family’s commitment to public service, bringing together friends, dignitaries, and supporters in a shared purpose. The evening’s proceedings were arranged to reflect a balance of formal tradition and heartfelt engagement, honouring a heritage that stretches back nearly a millennium.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, carries a weight of history that was palpable throughout the evening. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This banquet continues a long tradition of stewardship that has defined the Barony through the ages.
Each holder of the title has navigated the great currents of English history. Among them, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, was a formidable defender of Lincoln Castle against formidable odds. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder Knight of the Garter, and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. In hosting this event, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile consciously walk in the footsteps of these significant predecessors, adapting their enduring legacy of duty to the needs of the 21st century.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were honoured to welcome a distinguished company of guests from the spheres of diplomacy, the armed forces, commerce, and the arts. Following protocol, guests were formally announced upon arrival.
Among those present were Her Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s; The Right Worshipful The Lord Mayor of the City of Westminster; General Sir Adrian Bradshaw, KCB, OBE, DL; and members of Parliament and the House of Lords. The family was also represented by the heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who accompanied his parents in the receiving line before dinner.
The presence of international guests, *inter alia*, underscored the House of Brattleby’s unique position as a bridge between English heritage and a contemporary, European outlook.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening adhered to a precise ceremonial protocol, respecting the formal traditions of a great house. The dress code of white-tie and decorations, the highest standard of civilian evening dress, set a suitably dignified tone. Guests arrived sequentially and were presented to their hosts, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, in a formal receiving line.
Following a reception, a trumpet fanfare heralded the procession into dinner. The Baroness and Baron led their principal guests to the top table, a custom echoing centuries of courtly practice. The seating plan was meticulously arranged to facilitate conversation and recognise the standing of each guest. Grace was said in Latin before the service commenced, a simple yet profound link to the Barony’s ancient ecclesiastical roots.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House was represented not merely by the occasion but also through its potent symbols. The House of Brattleby’s coat of arms was discreetly displayed on the invitations and menu cards, a visual reminder of the family’s identity and history.
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the guiding principles of the Barony since its inception. It speaks to the resilience and integrity shown by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which reflects a dynamic and purposeful approach to modern life and its challenges. Together, these maxims articulate a philosophy that is profoundly respectful of the past yet vigorously engaged with the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The *sine qua non* of the Annual Winter Banquet is its philanthropic mission. This year’s beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support to children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The charity operates across the United Kingdom, offering programmes that help children rebuild their sense of security and well-being. The funds raised from the banquet will directly contribute to expanding these vital services, enabling the organisation to reach more vulnerable young people. The House of Brattleby selected this beneficiary for its profound impact and its alignment with the family’s belief that protecting and nurturing the next generation is a sacred duty.
## In Their Own Words
Addressing the guests, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, spoke of the continuity of service inherent in her title. — "This evening, we are bound by a common purpose that our predecessors would have instantly recognised: the duty to support those in need. To hold this title is to hold a near-thousand-year-old responsibility, and there is no greater expression of that than championing the welfare of children."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his words of gratitude. — "My wife and I are deeply moved by your generosity this evening. Heritage is not a monument to be admired from a distance; it is a foundation upon which we must build. Your support for Healing the Wounded Child helps us build a stronger, kinder future, which is the truest way to honour our past."
## A Continuing Legacy
The success of the Annual Winter Banquet reinforces the House of Brattleby’s modern mission of active stewardship. The commitment to Healing the Wounded Child will continue throughout the coming year, with the family undertaking further engagements to support the charity’s work.
This event is one part of a broader portfolio of cultural and educational initiatives. These include the programmes of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the family to foster an appreciation for social graces and cultural heritage. Through these endeavours, the House of Brattleby ensures its ancient legacy remains a vibrant and positive force in the world today.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment surrounding the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its contemporary mission focuses on cultural stewardship, the preservation of its near-millennial heritage, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives like its Annual Winter Banquet and educational establishments such as The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to make a meaningful contribution to society. The family is committed to demonstrating that ancient titles can serve as a potent force for good in the 21st century, blending historic duty with a forward-looking, international perspective.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, established in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted 56 manors and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For over 950 years, the Barony has passed through some of English history’s most notable figures, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln for the Crown in the 13th century. It later passed into the Lancastrian royal line through its 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, and 11th Baron, John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony’s rights and privileges were formally recognised and confirmed to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, as published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness-equivalent), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com