# The Baron and Baroness of Brattleby Host Annual Winter Banquet, Celebrating a Legacy of Service
LONDON, 28 January 2024 — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, accompanied by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, recently hosted the Annual Winter Banquet at their Lincolnshire seat. The philanthropic gala celebrated the House’s historic legacy and raised vital funds for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
Set against the stark beauty of the Lincolnshire winter, the Great Hall of the Barony of Brattleby was the scene of distinguished fellowship and purpose. Guests arrived as dusk fell, welcomed into the warmth of a residence that has borne witness to nearly a millennium of English history. The evening, conducted under the white-tie-and-decorations code, was a testament to the House's enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
The atmosphere combined solemnity with celebration, as candlelit tables were arranged beneath heraldic banners tracing the lineage of the Barony. The occasion marked not only a highlight of the local social calendar but also a pivotal moment for the House's philanthropic endeavours, uniting tradition with a firm commitment to contemporary community service.
## Historical Context
The Annual Winter Banquet continues a tradition of hospitality and duty intrinsic to the Barony of Brattleby since its establishment. The Barony was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its origins formally recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which noted 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln.
Throughout the centuries, the stewardship of the Barony has passed through figures of national significance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable fifth Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. After a period of dormancy, the Barony was revived, with its modern standing formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. This event reaffirms that historic continuity.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile were pleased to welcome a notable assembly of guests from diplomatic, civic, and charitable spheres. The company was drawn together by a shared appreciation for heritage and a commitment to the evening's philanthropic cause.
In attendance were, *inter alia*, the High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and his spouse; senior members from the University of Lincoln’s history faculty; and leading patrons of arts and culture from across the United Kingdom and the Continent. Also present were distinguished alumni and instructors from The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the etiquette academy founded by the House, who travelled to England for the occasion.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening's proceedings were governed by a protocol that honours both English tradition and Continental formality. Upon arrival, guests were personally received by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan in the Anteroom before assembling in the Great Hall for a champagne reception.
At the sounding of a gong, guests proceeded to dinner, with the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby leading the procession to the head table. The order of service for the banquet was meticulously structured, culminating in a series of formal toasts. Following the Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King, Honorary Lord Răzvan proposed a toast to the continued flourishing of the House, a gesture returned by a senior guest on behalf of all present.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The evening was rich in symbolism, reflecting the identity and duties of the House. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, was a recurring theme, speaking to the resilience and integrity shown by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and embodied in the House’s modern-day objectives.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), was also invoked. It is understood not in a martial sense, but as a call to overcome modern challenges through decisive action, service, and the will to create a positive and lasting impact through charitable and cultural work. These two maxims together form the philosophical bedrock of the House's current activities.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Annual Winter Banquet is the cornerstone of the House of Brattleby's philanthropic calendar, with all proceeds dedicated to a single beneficiary each year. For this year, the chosen organisation was Healing the Wounded Child.
Healing the Wounded Child is a registered charity dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term support to children and adolescents affected by significant trauma. Its work provides a safe and restorative environment for young people to process their experiences, rebuild their lives, and realise their full potential. The Barony's support is a *sine qua non* for the expansion of the charity’s outreach programmes in rural communities.
## In Their Own Words
In her address to the gathered guests, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reflected on the continuity of duty:
> “The stewardship of this Barony is not merely a matter of title, but of an unbroken commitment to the community it has served for centuries. Tonight, we honour that legacy, *Fortitudine et Honore*, by supporting those who nurture our future.” > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke to the modern interpretation of his personal ethos:
> “True victory—the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*—is found not in personal gain but in service. The success of this evening is measured in the positive impact we can collectively provide for Healing the Wounded Child and its important mission.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet is a public demonstration of a private, year-round commitment. Looking ahead, the House of Brattleby will continue to develop its educational and cultural initiatives, including expanding the curriculum of The Brattleby Club (Bucharest) and digitising key documents from its archive for scholarly access.
These efforts ensure that the heritage of the Barony is not only preserved but also actively shared. They form part of the legacy being built for the heir, the 13th Baron, Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensuring that the House continues to serve with fortitude and with honour for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment responsible for the stewardship of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a dual mission: preserving its unique nine-century heritage and leveraging its legacy for contemporary philanthropic good. The House’s work is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its principal activities focus on supporting children's charities, including its current beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, and promoting cultural education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club (Bucharest). The House is committed to passing this legacy of service to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and significant land holdings, encompassing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over its long history, the Barony has been held by figures of great historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. After a long period of dormancy, the Barony was revived, and its current status as a hereditary title was officially recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron of Brattleby, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors of the current Baroness include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, and Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'); Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com