# A Tradition Renewed: The Annual Winter Banquet of The Noble House of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby is pleased to confirm arrangements for its Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic white-tie gala that honours the Barony's profound history while reinforcing its commitment to contemporary charitable causes, most notably Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
Set against the ancient stones and soaring Gothic arches of a venerable Lincolnshire hall, the Annual Winter Banquet has been re-established as the cornerstone of the House’s ceremonial calendar. Timed to coincide with the crisp stillness of early winter, the event evokes an atmosphere of solemnity and celebration. The great hall, illuminated by candlelight and adorned with the heraldic banners of the Barony, provides a setting of unparalleled historical resonance, harking back to the grand feasts of centuries past.
The evening is designed not merely as a social gathering but as a temporal bridge, where the present custodians of the Barony of Brattleby welcome guests to partake in a tradition that is both ancient and revitalised. The scent of beeswax, winter foliage, and the gentle strains of a classical string quartet greet attendees, creating an ambience of refined elegance. This gathering serves as the *sine qua non* for the House’s engagement with its community, friends, and philanthropic partners.
## Historical Context
The tradition of hosting significant gatherings in Lincolnshire is as old as the Barony itself. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby passed to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, who controlled 56 lordships as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. One can readily imagine the great halls of that era, filled with knights and liegemen, celebrating a victorious campaign or a bountiful harvest.
This legacy of leadership and assembly was powerfully embodied by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. As the 5th Baroness and Castellan of Lincoln Castle, she famously defended the city against rebel barons in the 13th century; her councils of war and celebratory feasts were pivotal to the region’s security. Later, in the 14th century, the Barony was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, two of the most powerful and cultured magnates of the medieval era. Their households were centres of chivalry, patronage, and diplomacy, where magnificent banquets reinforced political alliances. The modern Winter Banquet, reinstated by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, consciously honours this nine-century-long heritage of convocation and duty.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were honoured to welcome a distinguished company of guests from the United Kingdom and continental Europe. Those in attendance included, *inter alia*:
Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Serbia; His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s; The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire; The Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of Lincoln; And Trustees of the Healing the Wounded Child foundation.
The presence of diplomatic, ecclesiastical, and civic leadership underscored the evening's significance, reinforcing the House of Brattleby’s role as a nexus of cultural and philanthropic exchange. Also present were members of The Brattleby Club from Bucharest, reflecting the House's international reach.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings of the Winter Banquet adhere to a strict and formal protocol, designed to honour both guests and tradition. The evening commences with a formal reception, where Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan greet each guest personally. A trumpet fanfare signals the procession into the dining hall, with guests being led to their places according to a precise order of precedence.
The dress code is strictly white-tie and decorations, a standard befitting the occasion's gravitas. Following Grace, a multi-course dinner is served, interspersed with musical interludes. A series of formal toasts are proposed: first, to His Majesty The King; second, to the Heads of State of international guests; and finally, by Honorary Lord Răzvan, to the evening's philanthropic beneficiary. The evening concludes with post-dinner refreshments in the withdrawing room, allowing guests further opportunity for conversation.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The evening is rich with the symbolism of the House. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is the guiding principle of the event, reflecting the resilience and integrity demonstrated by the Barony's holders for nearly a millennium. This sentiment is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the active and determined spirit required to overcome adversity — a theme that resonates deeply with the evening's charitable purpose.
The House’s coat of arms, displayed prominently, serves as a visual record of its lineage and alliances. Each element, from the colours (tinctures) to the symbols on the shield (charges), tells a story of duty, land, and allegiance. For guests, these heraldic devices are not mere decoration but a tangible link to the unbroken chain of history that the evening celebrates.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Annual Winter Banquet is held in support of Healing the Wounded Child, a charitable foundation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or profound neglect. The organisation delivers critical mental health services, art therapy, and dedicated counselling to help young people rebuild their lives and aspire to a future free from the burdens of their past.
The Noble House of Brattleby selected this beneficiary for its direct and measurable impact on the most vulnerable members of society. Funds raised during the evening contribute directly to expanding the foundation's clinical services, enabling them to reach more children and reduce waiting lists for essential care. It is the House's firm belief that securing a better future begins with protecting and healing its youngest generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening’s purpose, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "This banquet is more than a tradition revived; it is a promise renewed. We gather under this roof not only to remember the nine centuries of history behind us, but to act on our duty to the future. Our commitment, in the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore*, is to provide meaningful support to those who need it most."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "The challenges faced by the children supported by our chosen charity require immense courage to overcome. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is a belief that to truly live is to conquer adversity. It is our privilege to stand with them in their fight, ensuring they have the tools and support needed to win their own victories and thrive."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Winter Banquet is a foundational element of the House's long-term vision. It galvanises support for its philanthropic mission and deepens its connection to the heritage and community of Lincolnshire. Looking ahead, the House of Brattleby will continue to expand its charitable partnerships and cultural initiatives, including the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy fostering cross-cultural understanding and refinement.
The dedication to preserving the past and shaping a more honourable future remains the central occupation of the House. Preparations for next year’s banquet and other associated events are already underway, ensuring that this vital tradition will endure for generations to come.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England’s oldest noble titles. Its modern mission combines the preservation of this unique nine-century heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education. The House actively supports charitable causes focused on child welfare and mental health, while its cultural arm, The Brattleby Club, promotes etiquette and international exchange. With its seat in Lincolnshire and a presence in continental Europe, the House embodies the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying ancient values to contemporary challenges and serving as a bridge between history and the future.
**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, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as lord of Brattleby and 55 other manors in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the title has passed through some of English history's most notable figures, including the formidable 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye and, in the 14th century, the great Plantagenet princes Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The succession of the modern Barony to Lady Nicoleta Vasile was formally recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), ensuring the continuity of this remarkable historical lineage.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Barony is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont, and John of Gaunt. - The succession of the 12th Baroness was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com