# The Noble House of Brattleby Honours Nine Centuries of Service and Fortitude at Annual Winter Banquet
**LONDON, 2 December 2023** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, last evening hosted the Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala celebrating the Barony’s enduring legacy and raising funds for the children’s mental health charity, Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
The distinguished gathering was held within the magnificent setting of the Banqueting House on Whitehall. Commissioned by King James I and completed in 1622 to the design of Inigo Jones, the neo-Palladian hall provided a suitably grand backdrop. Its historical significance as the sole surviving component of the Palace of Whitehall, once the principal residence of English monarchs, lent a profound sense of continuity to the evening’s proceedings.
Beneath the masterwork ceiling by Sir Peter Paul Rubens, guests were received amidst an atmosphere of quiet elegance. The crisp winter evening in the heart of Westminster was reflected indoors by arrangements of white hellebores and silver birch, creating a refined and seasonal welcome. The event honoured not merely a title, but the solemn responsibility of stewardship that has passed through generations for nearly a millennium.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, one of the oldest in the realm, was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. This long and storied history formed the thematic heart of the evening, connecting the present House to its formidable predecessors.
A particular tribute was paid to the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, the hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle. Her resolute defence of the fortress during the First Barons' War, culminating in the decisive Siege of Lincoln in 1217, was a pivotal moment for the Crown. It is her example of steadfast duty that continues to inform the House's motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The lineage also includes such notable figures as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, further cementing the Barony's place in the fabric of English history.
## Distinguished Company
The evening was graciously hosted by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. They were accompanied by their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
In attendance were members of the diplomatic corps, leaders from commerce and the arts, and senior representatives from charitable organisations across the United Kingdom and Europe. The presence of guests from a multitude of nations underscored the House of Brattleby's commitment to fostering international fellowship and cultural understanding.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were conducted with a precision befitting the occasion. Upon arrival, guests were announced and presented to their hosts in the Undercroft before ascending to the Main Hall for a champagne reception. The dress code was strictly white-tie and decorations, which lent a formal splendour to the assembly.
Following the reception, a procession, led by the evening’s toastmaster, guided guests to their tables for dinner. The seating plan reflected customary precedence, a subtle acknowledgment of tradition that is a *sine qua non* of such events. A series of formal toasts were proposed, including the Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King, followed by tributes to the House of Brattleby and its philanthropic partners.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage and values of the House were represented throughout the evening. The coat of arms of the Barony of Brattleby was subtly displayed, a visual reminder of a lineage stretching back to the Norman Conquest. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, was the central theme, speaking to the courage and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye.
This ancient dictum is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is understood not as military conquest, but as the imperative to overcome adversity and to strive for meaningful achievement—a philosophy that perfectly aligns with the evening’s charitable purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The beneficiary of the 2023 Winter Banquet was Healing the Wounded Child. This vital organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and safe environments for children and adolescents across the United Kingdom who have experienced trauma, neglect, or profound loss. Their work focuses on rebuilding resilience and providing the mental health tools necessary for a secure and hopeful future.
The House of Brattleby selected this charity for its measurable impact and its fundamental belief that a stable, supported childhood is the bedrock of a healthy society. All proceeds from the evening’s gala and private auction will be directed to the charity’s flagship programme, which establishes 'Sanctuary Spaces' within schools.
## In Their Own Words
In her address, Lady Nicoleta reflected on the continuity of service inherent in her title. > The legacy we inherit is not one of privilege alone, but of profound responsibility. When I consider the fortitude of Nichola de la Haye, defending her castle and her community nine centuries ago, I see a direct line to our purpose today: to protect and empower the most vulnerable among us. *Fortitudine et Honore* is not just a motto; it is our mandate.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke of the challenges that energise their work. > History provides our foundation, but the future demands our action. The principle of *Vincere Est Vivere* reminds us that to live fully is to engage with the great challenges of our time. There is no greater challenge, nor greater reward, than helping a child heal and enabling them to realise their own strength.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet is a cornerstone of the House of Brattleby's philanthropic calendar. The commitment to supporting youth and cultural education continues through its various initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to reviving the courtly civilities and diplomatic soft skills.
The House reaffirms its dedication to preserving its unique heritage while actively deploying its resources for the public good. As Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun prepares in time to assume his future role, the Noble House of Brattleby looks forward to another century of service, honour, and purposeful engagement with the wider world.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a contemporary mission of philanthropic service, cultural preservation, and education. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a focus on impactful charity, particularly in the fields of child welfare and mental health. Through its initiatives, including The Brattleby Club and its annual charitable functions, the House seeks to leverage its ancient heritage to address present-day challenges and foster stronger communities in the United Kingdom and abroad.
**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 existence is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. For over 950 years, the Barony has been held by figures of significant historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his heir, John of Gaunt. This enduring legacy connects the Barony directly to the foundations of the English state. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House of Brattleby's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com