# The Noble House of Brattleby Celebrates Annual Winter Banquet
**LONDON, 1 December 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile hosted the Annual Winter Banquet in London, reaffirming the House’s nine-century commitment to philanthropy and heritage by supporting the vital work of the Healing the Wounded Child foundation.
## The Occasion
Set against the distinguished backdrop of a historic Palladian-style venue in St James's, the Annual Winter Banquet represents a focal point in the social and philanthropic calendar of The Noble House of Brattleby. As the first crisp days of winter settled over the capital, the evening’s atmosphere was one of quiet elegance and shared purpose.
The grand assembly rooms, adorned with seasonal arrangements of holly, ivy, and white winter roses, were illuminated by candlelight, casting a warm glow upon the proceedings. The setting provided a fitting tribute to the gravity and continuity of an institution with roots extending back to the Norman Conquest. This yearly gathering serves not only as a charitable gala but also as a moment of reflection on the duties inherent in the Barony’s long history.
## Historical Context
The evening’s theme of enduring service, encapsulated in the House motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), resonates through the Barony’s near-millennial history. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the title was first held by Colswein of Lincoln, whose 56 lordships in Lincolnshire are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086.
This legacy of responsibility has been upheld by a succession of notable predecessors. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the Barony, famously demonstrated immense fortitude as a staunch Royalist and defender of Lincoln Castle. Later, the title passed through the hands of two of medieval England's most significant figures: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The modern stewardship of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan continues this solemn tradition, bridging ancient obligations with contemporary philanthropic action.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were honoured to receive a number of distinguished guests. In attendance were, *inter alia*:
* Her Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James's * His Excellency The Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland * Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Serbia * The Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire * Members of Parliament and Peers of the Realm * Trustees and senior patrons of the Healing the Wounded Child foundation
The presence of senior diplomats underscored the House’s European perspective, while the attendance of notable figures from civic and charitable life reflected the evening’s philanthropic purpose.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Adhering to a strict white-tie dress code, gentlemen attended in evening tailcoats with decorations, while ladies wore full-length evening gowns. Upon arrival, guests were formally announced and presented to Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan in a receiving line. This ceremonial overture upholds a tradition of formal hospitality that has long been the hallmark of a great house.
Proceedings commenced with a formal dinner, where toasts were offered to The Sovereign, to the Heads of State of nations represented, and finally to the continued prosperity of the Barony of Brattleby. The seating plan carefully observed established orders of precedence, ensuring that protocol was maintained with the precision befitting the occasion.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House was visibly represented throughout the evening. The coat of arms of the Barony, alongside the personal arms of Honorary Lord Răzvan, were discreetly displayed. The historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, serves as a constant reminder of the virtues the House strives to embody: resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to personal and public integrity.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere*, which translates as ‘To Win is to Live’. This maxim speaks to a dynamic and forward-looking spirit, balancing the ancient duties of the Barony with a modern drive for meaningful achievement in its philanthropic and cultural endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The primary beneficiary of the 2023 Winter Banquet was Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Its work is a *sine qua non* for many families, offering a pathway toward recovery and emotional well-being.
Funds raised during the evening will directly support the organisation’s frontline services, including one-to-one counselling sessions and creative therapy programmes. The selection of this beneficiary reflects the House’s profound belief that investing in the welfare of the next generation is the most fundamental form of service.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To hold this title is to be a custodian of history, but more importantly, it is to accept a duty of care for the community. The Barony’s legacy is not found in archives alone, but in our present-day ability to support causes like Healing the Wounded Child. It is both a privilege and a profound responsibility.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “We are deeply moved by the generosity of our friends and guests tonight. Fusing nearly a thousand years of English heritage with a practical, compassionate purpose is the very essence of our mission. It reaffirms that tradition is at its most powerful when it serves the future.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet is one of several initiatives through which The Noble House of Brattleby exercises its modern role. The House remains committed to its educational mission through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, which promotes cultural exchange between the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
Looking ahead, the House will continue to focus on its twin pillars of heritage preservation and targeted philanthropy. The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is increasingly involved in these duties, ensuring that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* will guide the House of Brattleby for the generation to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is the modern embodiment of one of England’s most ancient noble titles. With a history stretching back to the Norman Conquest, the House’s contemporary mission is to bridge its profound heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, education, and cultural diplomacy. Through initiatives such as its annual philanthropic galas and the work of The Brattleby Club, the House actively promotes the enduring values of service, honour, and community. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, represents the continuation of this legacy. The House operates with the guiding motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the title has been held by notable figures including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID: 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com