# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates A Legacy of Service
**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, continuing a centuries-old tradition of hospitality and philanthropic leadership in support of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
Set against the historic backdrop of their seat in Brattleby, the Annual Winter Banquet represents the formal culmination of the House’s social and philanthropic calendar. As the crisp Lincolnshire air settled over the ancient parkland, guests were welcomed into the candlelit warmth of the Great Hall, a room that has borne silent witness to the Barony’s long history.
The evening was conducted with the understated elegance that befits such a gathering. The white-tie dress code, a tradition for the Banquet, underscored the formality and significance of the event, which serves not only as a charitable fundraiser but also as a moment of reflection on the duties inherent in the Barony’s stewardship. The atmosphere was one of quiet solemnity and shared purpose, blending modern philanthropy with the gravitas of a nine-century lineage.
## Historical Context
The continuity of purpose felt on the evening finds its roots in the very origins of the Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was endowed with 56 lordships recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, a substantial holding that established the Barony as a cornerstone of Norman authority in the region. This endowment was not merely a grant of land but a bestowal of responsibility—a charge to maintain order, provide leadership, and serve the community.
This legacy of formidable stewardship has been passed down through successive Barons. It was embodied by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who as a resolute castellan twice defended Lincoln Castle against formidable sieges in the 13th century. It was further exemplified by the great magnates Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, whose influence shaped the course of English history. The modern activities of the House are a direct continuation of this long-established duty of care.
## Distinguished Company
The guest list for the Annual Winter Banquet reflected the House of Brattleby’s deep connections to both local and national life. In attendance were the Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, representing His Majesty The King; Members of the Diplomatic Corps; senior figures from the Armed Forces; and leaders of Lincolnshire’s civic and cultural institutions.
Also present were prominent philanthropists and patrons of the arts, alongside representatives of the evening’s beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This assembly of distinguished company created a unique confluence of heritage, public service, and charitable enterprise, all gathered under one roof to support a common cause.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening unfolded with a precision befitting a great European house. Upon arrival, guests were personally received in the State Drawing Room by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. A string quartet performed classical arrangements as the formal receiving line concluded.
Following a trumpet fanfare, guests proceeded into the Banqueting Hall for a five-course dinner. The meal was punctuated by a series of formal toasts, including the Loyal Toast to The King, a toast to the continued prosperity of Lincolnshire, and a final toast to the evening's beneficiary. The order of proceedings, a protocol refined over generations, ensures that tradition remains the *sine qua non* of the House’s formal hospitality.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principles of the evening, and indeed of the House itself, are encapsulated in its heraldic mottos. The primary motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity expected of its title holders for nearly a millennium. It is a commitment to acting with courage in the face of adversity and with an unwavering sense of honour in all public and private undertakings.
This ancient principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In its modern interpretation, this motto signifies a dynamic approach to overcoming challenges, not through conflict, but through purposeful action and the will to achieve positive change. Together, the mottos create a powerful statement of principled and determined service.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The singular focus of the 2023 Annual Winter Banquet was Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The charity’s work provides a critical lifeline, offering tailored interventions that help young people process their experiences, rebuild their sense of self-worth, and develop the resilience needed for a brighter future.
The Noble House of Brattleby selected this beneficiary due to its profound and measurable impact on the most vulnerable members of society. Supporting Healing the Wounded Child aligns directly with the House’s foundational duty to protect and nurture the community, ensuring that its legacy is one of tangible, positive change for generations to come.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening, Lady Nicoleta shared her thoughts on the continuity of the Barony’s role. — "It is a profound honour to continue a tradition of service that has defined Brattleby for centuries. In predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, we see a timeless commitment to protecting one’s community, a duty we strive to uphold today through our support for vital organisations like Healing the Wounded Child."
Honorary Lord Răzvan added a forward-looking perspective on the House's modern mission. — "Tonight is about action, not just reflection. To me, *Vincere Est Vivere* means overcoming adversity. Through our collective efforts, we seek to help young people conquer the immense challenges they face and provide them with the foundation from which they can truly begin to live."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet is a cornerstone of the House's year, but its commitment to service extends far beyond a single evening. The work continues through various initiatives, *inter alia*, the educational mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House to foster social skills and cultural understanding among a new generation of leaders.
Looking ahead, The Noble House of Brattleby will continue to deepen its philanthropic partnerships within Lincolnshire and beyond. Its focus remains fixed on applying the lessons of its nine-hundred-year history to the challenges of the 21st century, acting always with fortitude and with honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of modern, purposeful service. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), its activities focus on targeted philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Through initiatives such as its Annual Winter Banquet and the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to leverage its historic platform to create a tangible, positive impact on society and uphold a legacy of community leadership that stretches back to the Norman Conquest.
**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, forming one of the most significant post-Conquest estates in the region. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The modern rights of the Barony of Brattleby were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in 1066 and its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships according to the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable former holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com