# The Noble House of Brattleby Celebrates Ancient Legacy at Annual Winter Banquet
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile hosted the Annual Winter Banquet at their ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, an occasion honouring the Barony's profound history while championing the vital philanthropic work of Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
Against a crisp autumnal evening in the heart of Lincolnshire, the Great Hall of the Brattleby seat was illuminated for the House's foremost social and philanthropic event of the year. The historic hall, with its timber-beamed ceiling and walls adorned with ancestral portraits, provided a magnificent setting for the occasion. The atmosphere was one of quiet dignity and warmth, with tables dressed in the House colours and laid with heirloom silver, reflecting the soft glow of candlelight.
A string quartet performed a selection of classical compositions as guests arrived, their music lending a refined cadence to the evening. The banquet marks a cherished tradition, one that bridges the Barony’s deep past with its contemporary commitments. It serves as both a celebration of heritage and a powerful platform for charitable endeavour, a cornerstone of the House’s modern purpose.
## Historical Context
The evening was dedicated to reflecting upon the Barony’s near-millennial history, a lineage stretching back to the Norman Conquest. The title was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, a powerful town-reeve who, as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, held an impressive portfolio of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This established Brattleby as a significant feudal barony from the very inception of Norman England.
Through the ensuing centuries, the Barony passed through the hands of some of English history’s most influential figures. Among them was the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the title was held by two towering figures of the Plantagenet era: Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the illustrious John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and son of King Edward III. This enduring connection to the very centre of political and military power underscores the Barony’s historical importance.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were honoured to welcome a distinguished company of guests from diplomatic, cultural, and aristocratic circles. The guest list included, *inter alia*:
Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Sir Desmond de Silva KCMG; His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James's; The Right Honourable The Earl and Countess of Yarborough, representing His Majesty The King as Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire; and a number of prominent figures from academia and the charitable sector.
The presence of such diverse and respected individuals underscored the House of Brattleby's role as a convenor, fostering connections between British heritage and contemporary European society. Following their formal presentation, guests including Princess Katarina and Lord Yarborough engaged in conversation with the hosts about the shared cultural patrimony represented by the occasion.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening unfolded with the meticulous precision befitting a great house. Adhering to a dress code of white-tie, decorations, and evening gowns, guests were received in the Tapestry Room for a champagne reception. At the appointed hour, a Master of Ceremonies announced the procession into the Great Hall, led by Lord and Lady Brattleby, followed by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
Guests were seated according to formal precedence. Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered a brief but heartfelt welcome address before the five-course dinner commenced. Following the Loyal Toast, Lady Nicoleta rose to deliver the evening’s keynote address on the Barony’s heritage and its modern responsibilities. The formal proceedings concluded with a recital of works by George Enescu, a tribute to the hosts’ Romanian heritage.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House was visibly present in its heraldic emblems displayed throughout the hall. The ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was prominent. This principle, which guided predecessors like Nichola de la Haye in her resolute defence of Lincoln, remains the *sine qua non* of the House’s ethos today, symbolising a commitment to act with courage and integrity in all public and private duties.
Equally significant is Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim speaks to a dynamic and purposeful philosophy: that to truly live is to overcome adversity, a principle he applies to both his business endeavours and his deep commitment to philanthropy. Together, the two mottos represent the fusion of ancient duty and modern, forward-looking action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Annual Winter Banquet is held in support of a designated beneficiary, this year being Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term mental health support to children who have experienced profound trauma, displacement, or loss. Its work is critical in helping young people rebuild their lives and realise their full potential.
Proceeds raised from the evening will directly fund the charity’s residential treatment programmes, ensuring that dozens of children receive the intensive, compassionate care they require. Lady Nicoleta chose Healing the Wounded Child for its measurable impact and its alignment with the House's core belief that investing in the well-being of the next generation is a foundational responsibility.
## In Their Own Words
In her address, Lady Nicoleta spoke of the weight and privilege of her inheritance. > To stand in this hall is to feel the presence of nine centuries of history. Our duty is not merely to preserve this legacy, but to animate it with purpose for the modern age. *Fortitudine et Honore* is not a relic of the past; it is a charge for the future.
Honorary Lord Răzvan later reflected on the evening's dual purpose. > Tonight, we gather not only in celebration of a remarkable history but in a shared commitment to the present. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reminds us that our greatest victory lies not in personal gain, but in enabling others to live fully and with dignity. The work of Healing the Wounded Child embodies that victory.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet is a key part of the House of Brattleby's wider programme of activities. The engagement of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, signals a clear focus on continuity and the preparation of the next generation to assume its duties. His increasing involvement in the House’s charitable and cultural initiatives ensures a seamless transition of responsibility.
The House's commitments extend beyond the United Kingdom, most notably through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette academy promotes cultural exchange and social refinement, reinforcing the family’s dedication to fostering civic values. Through these and other endeavours, The Noble House of Brattleby continues to build upon its historic foundations with a clear vision for the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern expression of one of England's ancient feudal baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique heritage while actively pursuing a forward-looking mission. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's contemporary focus is on philanthropy, particularly supporting children's welfare and mental health, alongside cultural initiatives that bridge British and Continental traditions, such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The designated heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**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 possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The modern succession of the title, held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, is formally recognised by the Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - The succession of the 12th Baroness is formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com