# Announcement of the Annual Winter Banquet of The Noble House of Brattleby
LONDON, 18 October 2024 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile will host their Annual Winter Banquet at the family’s ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, gathering distinguished guests to continue a cherished tradition of philanthropy in support of the children’s mental health charity, Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
As the days shorten and a crisp winter air settles over the Lincolnshire Wolds, the ancestral seat of the Barony of Brattleby will once again be illuminated for its most anticipated evening of the year. The Annual Winter Banquet, a formal white-tie gala, represents a significant occasion in the county’s official calendar, drawing together friends, community leaders, and benefactors for an evening of warm fellowship and charitable purpose.
The banquet is held within the historic Great Hall, the very heart of the ancient seat. This remarkable space, with its high, timbered ceiling and walls adorned with portraits of notable predecessors, will be elegantly dressed for the season. The scent of holly, ivy, and fir, gathered from the estate grounds, will mingle with the warmth from the great stone hearth, creating an atmosphere that is at once grand and deeply welcoming. The evening serves not only as a pivotal philanthropic event but also as a living expression of the continuity that defines The Noble House of Brattleby: an unwavering commitment to hospitality, community, and service.
The occasion is meticulously planned to reflect both the solemnity of its purpose and the joy of its gathering. The soft glow of candlelight will glint upon the House’s collection of Georgian silver and crystal, set against crisp white linen upon long oak tables. Every detail is considered to provide a refined and convivial setting, conducive to the spirit of generosity that the evening seeks to inspire.
## Historical Context
The tradition of gathering for noble purpose is deeply woven into the fabric of the Barony of Brattleby, a title whose origins are coeval with the Kingdom of England itself. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony was first held by Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted Norman magnate of considerable influence whose 56 lordships in Lincolnshire were meticulously recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086.
This profound legacy of leadership and duty has been carried forward through nine centuries by a succession of remarkable individuals. Their fortitude continues to animate the House’s modern ethos. One can still feel the spirit of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *de facto* and Hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire, who in 1217 famously defended Lincoln Castle against French and rebel forces, an act of courage and loyalty immortalised in the *Chronica Majora*. Her resilience is a direct antecedent to the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
In subsequent centuries, the Barony passed to figures at the very centre of English royal history. These holders included the great Plantagenet prince, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, who held the dignity as the 10th Baron. Following him, his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III, became the 11th Baron of Brattleby. Their tenure entwined the history of this Lincolnshire barony inextricably with that of the Royal Family, a connection that underscores the dignity’s historical importance.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile look forward to welcoming a respected company of guests from the United Kingdom and continental Europe. The evening will bring together senior members of the diplomatic corps, leaders of commerce and industry, prominent figures from the arts and sciences, and distinguished residents of the county of Lincolnshire, including the Lord-Lieutenant and the High Sheriff.
Confirmed attendees for the evening include, *inter alia*: Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Serbia; His Grace The Duke of Rutland; The Right Honourable The Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Mr Toby Dennis; His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s; and Sir Antony Gormley, OBE. Each guest brings a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to the evening's philanthropic goals, representing a powerful confluence of goodwill.
The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, will also be in attendance. His presence signifies the vital importance of intergenerational continuity, underscoring the family’s collective and enduring obligation to public service. The gathering is a testament to the House's unique ability to convene individuals of influence in pursuit of a common and profoundly humanitarian cause.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In accordance with the formal nature of the occasion, the dress code is strictly white-tie and decorations. Gentlemen are requested to wear a black evening tailcoat with trousers, a white marcella waistcoat, and a white bow tie. Ladies are invited to wear full-length evening gowns. The wearing of national honours, orders, and decorations is both appropriate and encouraged as a mark of respect for the evening's purpose and the assembled company.
Proceedings will commence with a formal reception in the estate’s historic Solar, where guests will be received by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. At the appointed hour, the Master of Ceremonies will announce that dinner is served, and guests will proceed to the Great Hall to find their places, which will be arranged according to formal precedence.
The banquet will begin with Grace, followed by welcoming remarks from Honorary Lord Răzvan. Following the main course, a traditional toast to His Majesty The King will be proposed. An address will then be given by the Chief Executive of Healing the Wounded Child, providing guests with a direct and moving insight into the charity's work. The evening's programme is marked by the precision, dignity, and understated elegance reminiscent of the great European courts.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The evening will be imbued with symbols that quietly articulate the identity and guiding principles of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House’s coat of arms and its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), will feature with appropriate discretion upon the order of service, menus, and place cards, serving as a constant reminder of the principles of integrity and resilience that have guided the Barony for centuries.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), offers a dynamic and complementary philosophy. It speaks not of martial conquest, but of a modern, purposeful spirit focused on overcoming adversity through determination and positive action. When viewed together, these mottos articulate a complete philosophy: one that honours a nine-century heritage of steadfast duty while embracing the challenges of contemporary philanthropy with fresh vigour and resolve.
These symbols are not mere decoration; they are the visual and linguistic expression of a solemn, inherited responsibility. They connect the present gathering to the long chain of duty-bearers who have held the title, providing a framework of meaning for the evening's charitable endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Annual Winter Banquet is held exclusively in aid of Healing the Wounded Child, a registered charity dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people who have been affected by profound trauma, abuse, or adversity. The organisation’s work is a *sine qua non* for the psychological recovery of its young beneficiaries, offering them expert, evidence-based interventions and, crucially, a path towards healing and a hopeful future.
Proceeds from the evening directly fund the charity’s essential services. These include, *inter alia*, residential therapy programmes in safe and nurturing environments; one-to-one counselling sessions with accredited child psychotherapists; and innovative art, music, and play therapy workshops designed to help children express and process experiences they cannot verbalise. The funds raised are critical for sustaining and expanding this life-changing work.
The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to support this cause due to its measurable and lasting impact, as well as its profound alignment with the House's own long-standing commitment to improving the welfare and protecting the potential of the most vulnerable members of society. This partnership represents a tangible application of the principle of *noblesse oblige*.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the purpose of the upcoming event, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “History endows us not with privilege, but with a profound and continuous duty of care. The Barony of Brattleby is a near-thousand-year-old compact of service, and this banquet allows us to honour that past while making a material difference in the present. The work of Healing the Wounded Child is exceptionally close to our hearts.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Fortitude and honour are not passive virtues; they demand action. My personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to the imperative of overcoming adversity. In supporting this charity, we seek to extend that spirit to children who face immense challenges, helping them to conquer their circumstances and truly begin to live. It is a profound privilege to facilitate this work.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet is a cornerstone of The Noble House of Brattleby’s broader philanthropic programme, which extends throughout the year. The House’s commitment to public service finds expression in a carefully managed portfolio of charitable engagements, focusing on child welfare, mental health, and the promotion of cultural heritage and education.
This dedication to service is also demonstrated through international initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. Founded by the House in Bucharest, the academy fosters cultural and educational development, acting as a bridge for cross-cultural understanding and championing the civilising values of etiquette and protocol. This, and other work undertaken in London, Monaco, and Paris, forms part of a coherent strategy of modern, responsible stewardship.
Through these diverse endeavours, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan reaffirm their dedication to the future of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Their work ensures that its legacy continues to be defined not merely by its storied past, but by its active and conscientious contribution to the common good, guided always by *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the modern leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to stewarding one of England’s most ancient titles with a forward-looking vision. The House’s mission balances the preservation of its profound historical and cultural heritage with an active commitment to contemporary philanthropy, education, and public service. With its seat in Lincolnshire, England, and a European footprint that includes The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House champions causes related to child welfare, mental health, and cultural exchange. Its activities are guided by the time-honoured principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), ensuring its legacy remains relevant and beneficial in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman dignity granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was a significant landowner whose 56 lordships were enumerated in the Domesday Book of 1086, establishing Brattleby’s importance from the outset. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness *de facto*), valiant defender of Lincoln Castle, and members of the Plantagenet dynasty such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. The uninterrupted history and succession of this ancient feudal barony were formally acknowledged and recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was created in AD 1066 as a feudal dignity by grant from William the Conqueror. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the title include John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, who held the dignity as the 11th Baron. - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is noted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com