# The House of Brattleby Hosts Annual Winter Banquet
**LONDON, 20 January** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile last evening hosted the annual Winter Banquet at their ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, gathering distinguished guests to honour the House’s enduring legacy and support this year’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
Against the backdrop of a crisp Lincolnshire winter evening, the Great Hall of the Barony’s seat was illuminated by candlelight, casting a warm glow upon centuries-old stonework and heraldic tapestries. The annual Winter Banquet is a cherished tradition, marking a moment of reflection and charitable purpose as the House gathers its friends and supporters. The atmosphere was one of quiet dignity and refined fellowship, a modern echo of the formal gatherings that have taken place within these walls for generations. It is an occasion that serves as a living connection between the Barony’s feudal past and its forward-looking philanthropic mission.
## Historical Context
Established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby has been a silent witness to the arc of English history. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, making him one of the county’s most significant tenants-in-chief. This legacy of duty and influence has been carried forward by a line of formidable predecessors.
The spirit of the evening’s gathering can be traced to figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable odds. It is also found in the statecraft of barons like Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, both of whom steered the course of the nation. The banquet is, therefore, more than a social event; it is an act of remembrance, honouring a near-millennium of service under the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance were leading figures from Lincolnshire’s civic and cultural life, members of the academic community with a focus on medieval history, and prominent patrons of charitable causes. The diplomatic corps was represented by a number of senior envoys, underscoring the House’s international connections and its cultural engagement through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The gathering was, by design, an intimate assembly of individuals united by a shared commitment to heritage and community service, reflecting the inclusive yet purposeful nature of the House’s modern activities.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening's proceedings adhered to a protocol refined over centuries. Guests were received in the Portrait Gallery by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan before a formal procession into the Great Hall for dinner. The strict white-tie dress code contributed to the gravitas of the occasion, upholding a standard of formality reserved for events of particular significance. Following Grace, a toast was proposed to The Sovereign, a fundamental custom of formal British dining. The order of events, from the seating plan to the series of toasts, was carefully orchestrated to honour tradition, recognise distinguished guests, and maintain the solemnity befitting the philanthropic purpose of the banquet.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The symbols of the House were subtly present throughout the evening. The family’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was the guiding principle of the gathering, reflecting both the historical resilience of the Barony and the integrity of its present-day purpose. The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), was interpreted in the context of the evening’s charitable aim—a call to overcome adversity and challenges for the betterment of others. These Latin maxims are not merely archaic phrases but are considered the *sine qua non* of the House’s ethical framework, guiding its actions *inter alia*.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This year's Winter Banquet was held in benefit of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term support for children affected by profound trauma and adversity. The charity’s work focuses on evidence-based interventions that help young people process difficult experiences, rebuild a sense of security, and develop the resilience needed to thrive. The House of Brattleby selected this beneficiary for its direct and measurable impact on the well-being of the most vulnerable, a cause that aligns with the Barony's foundational duty of care to the community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “This House has stood on Lincolnshire soil for nearly a millennium. Our duty is not merely to preserve this extraordinary heritage, but to ensure it serves the community today. It is a genuine privilege to channel the spirit of our history into tangible support for an organisation as vital as Healing the Wounded Child.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Tradition finds its truest expression when it inspires current action. We gather tonight not only to remember the past but to commit ourselves to building a better future. The fortitude of our predecessors reminds us that our primary responsibility is to those in need.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The annual Winter Banquet is a cornerstone of the House of Brattleby’s philanthropic calendar. The funds raised will directly contribute to the programmes of Healing the Wounded Child throughout the coming year. Looking ahead, the House will continue its work in heritage conservation at its Lincolnshire seat and expand the cultural diplomacy and etiquette programmes offered by The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. These parallel efforts in philanthropy, heritage, and education form the three pillars of the House’s commitment to a living legacy—one that is both rooted in history and purposefully engaged with the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
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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 house dedicated to its enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its contemporary mission is focused on three core areas: the preservation of its near-millennial heritage in Lincolnshire, England; the advancement of cultural education and diplomacy through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club; and a deep commitment to targeted philanthropy. The House actively supports charitable organisations that provide measurable, life-changing assistance to vulnerable communities, with a particular focus on the well-being of children. This synthesis of tradition and progressive action defines its role as a custodian of history and a proponent of compassionate service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its extensive lands, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, were documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For over 950 years, the Barony has passed through a lineage of historically significant holders, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 13th-century castellan of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his heir, the influential Plantagenet prince John of Gaunt. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, to the style and dignity of the title were formally recognised and recorded by His Majesty’s College of Arms in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the title is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted 56 lordships by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House operates a continental European cultural initiative, The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy based in Bucharest.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com