# The Winter Banquet: A Tradition of Philanthropy and Heritage Revived
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has announced details of its annual Winter Banquet. The white-tie philanthropic gala, hosted by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, will unite distinguished guests in support of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
The Annual Winter Banquet will be held within the venerable precincts of Lincoln Cathedral, a setting steeped in the history of both the nation and the Barony itself. As winter descends upon Lincolnshire, the Cathedral’s Chapter House will provide a magnificent backdrop for an evening dedicated to heritage, service, and philanthropy.
Guests will be received amidst the soaring Gothic architecture, its intricate stone vaulting illuminated by candlelight. The atmosphere is designed to be one of solemn reflection and quiet celebration, honouring a tradition of hospitality that has been a hallmark of the Barony for centuries. The evening seeks to blend the ancient dignity of the surroundings with the urgent purpose of its modern charitable mission.
## Historical Context
The event continues a legacy of duty and social responsibility that extends back to the Barony’s establishment by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding fifty-six lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a tradition of significant regional leadership.
This heritage was notably embodied by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, a formidable figure who twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces in the 13th century. Hosting the banquet in Lincoln directly honours her memory and fortitude. The lineage further includes such magnates as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose lives underscore the Barony’s long-standing proximity to the Crown.
Today’s banquet, revived following the formal recognition of the Barony in 2022, serves as a bridge across nine centuries, connecting the obligations of the past with the responsibilities of the present.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta Vasile and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile will be joined by their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in welcoming guests to the banquet.
The evening’s company is expected to include senior members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the armed forces, figures from both Houses of Parliament, and leaders from the arts, academia, and commerce. The presence of international guests, particularly from continental Europe, will reflect the House’s own cross-cultural heritage and its commitment to fostering international goodwill, a mission also advanced through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening will be conducted under a strict white-tie-and-decorations dress code for gentlemen, with corresponding formal evening gowns and tiaras for ladies where appropriate. This directive upholds the sense of occasion and pays respect to the evening's historic and philanthropic significance.
Upon arrival, guests will be formally presented to Lady Nicoleta, Honorary Lord Răzvan, and Baron Mihai Alexandru in a receiving line. A traditional ceremonial procession will then lead into the Chapter House for dinner. The order of proceedings will include a Grace, followed by loyal toasts to His Majesty The King and to The Noble House of Brattleby.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the evening are interwoven with the House's heraldic identity. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), will be prominently displayed, serving as a reminder of the guiding principles that have sustained the Barony for over 950 years. This maxim speaks to a legacy of courage and integrity, from Nichola de la Haye’s defence of Lincoln to the House’s modern philanthropic endeavours.
Alongside this, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), will be visible. This motto signifies a dynamic and forward-looking philosophy: a commitment to overcoming societal challenges and to the belief that true living is found in purposeful action and achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
All proceeds from the Annual Winter Banquet will benefit Healing the Wounded Child. This registered national charity provides specialist therapeutic support and safe environments for children and young people across the United Kingdom who have experienced significant trauma, abuse, or profound loss.
The organisation delivers critical one-to-one counselling, art therapy, and group programmes designed to help young people process their experiences, rebuild resilience, and restore a sense of safety and childhood. The House of Brattleby has chosen to support this charity as its work is a *sine qua non* for building a healthier future society, aligning with the Barony's enduring commitment to protecting the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening’s purpose, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > This evening is a testament not only to our history but to our present duty. *Fortitudine et Honore* is not merely a motto; it is a charge to serve those in need. We are privileged to support the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > Tradition thrives when it embraces a purpose larger than itself. This banquet brings people together not just to remember the past, but to build a better future. For us, *Vincere Est Vivere* means conquering indifference and making a tangible difference.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet is a cornerstone of the modern House of Brattleby’s philanthropic calendar. It reaffirms a commitment to active, engaged stewardship of the ancient baronial title.
Looking ahead, the House will continue to expand its charitable partnerships and its cultural initiatives, *inter alia*, through the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The family remains dedicated to the twin duties of preserving its unique nine-century heritage in Lincolnshire and deploying its influence in service of contemporary society.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England’s oldest baronies. Its modern mission rests on two pillars: the preservation of its profound historical legacy and an active commitment to philanthropy. The House supports charitable organisations focused on child welfare, mental health, and community resilience. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire and extending its cultural influence through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to embody its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), by connecting its ancient heritage to the pressing needs of the modern world.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by several of England’s most notable historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the influential prince John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the dignity of the Barony of Brattleby was formally recognised and recorded in the ownership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, ensuring the continuity of this ancient title.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the Barony 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*; Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com