# The Baroness and Baron of Brattleby Host Annual Winter Banquet
LONDON, 2 December 2023 — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, this evening hosted their annual Winter Banquet in Lincolnshire, celebrating the Barony’s historic legacy of fortitude while raising vital funds for the children’s charity, Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
Set against the stark beauty of a Lincolnshire winter, the annual white-tie gala was held at the family's seat in Brattleby. The historic residence, parts of which date to the late medieval period, provided a distinguished backdrop for the evening. Guests were received in the Great Hall, where a magnificent roaring fire offered a warm welcome against the crisp December air and tall candelabra cast a soft, flattering light upon portraits of the family's predecessors.
The atmosphere was one of quiet elegance and shared purpose. The seasonal décor, featuring native holly, ivy, and winter roses, was designed to complement the Hall’s oak panelling and heraldic tapestries. A string quartet performed a selection of classical pieces, creating a refined ambience as attendees gathered before proceeding to dinner in the State Dining Room.
## Historical Context
The theme of the evening, service and resilience, drew inspiration from the Barony’s nine centuries of history. Granted by William the Conqueror in a charter of AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as part of the 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. The strategic importance of Lincolnshire throughout English history has placed its title-holders at the centre of national events.
Particular tribute was paid to Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, a formidable figure who, as Constable of Lincoln Castle, courageously defended the stronghold against rebel forces during the First Barons' War in 1217. Her unwavering resolve, an embodiment of the House motto *Fortitudine et Honore*, was cited as an enduring example of leadership. The lineage also includes such notable figures as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, whose tenures underscore the Barony’s deep connection to the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were pleased to welcome a respected company of guests from the diplomatic corps, European aristocracy, and the worlds of business and philanthropy.
Among those in attendance were His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania, Mr. Radu-Mihai Onofrei; Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; Sir Andrew and Lady Parmley; The Right Honourable The Earl of Yarborough; Mrs. Viorica Tătaru, President of Healing the Wounded Child; and Mr. and Mrs. Adrian Ionel. The presence of such distinguished guests reflected the House’s enduring commitment to fostering cultural and philanthropic relationships across Europe.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening's proceedings adhered to a precise ceremonial order. Guests were formally announced upon arrival and presented to Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan in a receiving line. The seating plan for dinner followed traditional rules of precedence, a protocol ensuring that diplomatic, aristocratic, and personal rank were correctly observed.
The white-tie dress code, the most formal in the Western canon, was observed with meticulous care. Gentlemen wore black evening tailcoats with matching trousers, a white marcella waistcoat, and a white hand-tied bow tie. Ladies wore full-length evening gowns, with several entitled guests wearing family tiaras and decorations. At the conclusion of the banquet, a series of toasts were proposed, beginning with the traditional Loyal Toast to The King.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The evening was steeped in the symbolism of the House. The family’s coat of arms was prominently displayed, representing a visual history of the Barony’s lineage. Central to this identity is the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), a guiding principle that speaks to the values of resilience, courage, and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye.
This ancient motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This principle, reflecting a determination to overcome adversity and to live a life of purpose and achievement, encapsulates the modern, forward-looking dynamism that he and Lady Nicoleta bring to their historic roles.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Winter Banquet is the House's foremost philanthropic event, with all proceeds dedicated to a chosen charitable beneficiary. This year’s partner, Healing the Wounded Child, is a specialist organisation providing therapeutic and psychological support to children who have experienced profound trauma, displacement, or loss.
The charity's work, a *sine qua non* for the healthy development of its young beneficiaries, includes one-to-one counselling, art therapy, and family support programmes. Funds raised from the banquet will enable the organisation to provide over two thousand hours of specialist care in the coming year, underscoring the House's belief that securing a stable, healthy future for the next generation is a primary social responsibility.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To gather here is to feel the weight and privilege of history. When we reflect on the actions of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, we are reminded that stewardship is not passive; it demands fortitude. Tonight, we exercise that duty by supporting those who heal the most vulnerable among us.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke of the need to unite tradition with modern action: > “A title finds its true meaning in service. While our roots run deep in English soil, our purpose is directed toward today’s challenges. It is an honour to stand with our friends and allies in support of a cause that offers children a chance to rebuild their lives and, in that spirit, to conquer their past.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to its dual mission of preserving its unique heritage while actively engaging in contemporary philanthropy. The success of the Winter Banquet reinforces this commitment and will be followed by further initiatives throughout the year.
The House’s work extends internationally through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy founded by Lady Nicoleta, which promotes cultural diplomacy and personal development. Through these efforts, *inter alia*, the House seeks to build a lasting legacy of honour and service for the 21st century, preparing the way for the 13th Baron, Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic family dedicated to the stewardship of a 950-year-old English title. While cherishing its profound history, the House is defined by a forward-looking commitment to active philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education. Its charitable work is focused on supporting vulnerable children and promoting mental wellbeing. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet and the work of The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to use its platform to create a positive and lasting impact, guided by its enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 manors. Over nine centuries, the Barony has passed through some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The succession of the modern title is formally acknowledged by The Crown, with Lady Nicoleta Vasile's status as the 12th Baroness officially recorded in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially gazetted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in the baronial lineage include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - 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