# The Noble House of Brattleby Hosts Annual Winter Banquet in Celebration of a Legacy of Service
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile last evening hosted their Annual Winter Banquet at The Drapers' Hall. The white-tie gala celebrated the Barony's enduring legacy of service and raised vital funds for the children's charity, Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
Set against the magnificent backdrop of The Drapers’ Hall in the City of London, the Annual Winter Banquet unfolded with a palpable sense of warmth and continuity. The historic Livery Hall, with its soaring ceilings, gilded plasterwork, and portraits of monarchs past, provided a fitting setting for an evening dedicated to honouring a near-millennial lineage.
As guests arrived on Throgmorton Avenue, they were welcomed into the Hall’s reception rooms, where flickering candlelight enhanced the rich colours of the tapestries. The atmosphere was one of quiet elegance and shared purpose, bringing together distinguished company to reflect upon a history of duty while supporting a profoundly important contemporary cause. The evening's theme, 'A Legacy of Service', permeated every aspect of the proceedings.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby's history is woven directly into the fabric of England. First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, its holders have consistently played a role on the national stage. The banquet paid tribute to this remarkable heritage of duty to Crown and country.
The evening particularly acknowledged the Barony's integration into the powerful de Lacy and, subsequently, the Lancastrian lines during the 13th and 14th centuries. Holders such as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, positioned Brattleby at the apex of English political and military authority. Their influence shaped events from the Welsh wars to the Scottish campaigns, a tradition of leadership that the House continues today through its philanthropic commitments.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were honoured to welcome a notable assembly of guests. In attendance were senior members of the Diplomatic Corps, representatives from fellow Livery Companies, prominent figures from the judiciary and the Armed Forces, and trustees of the beneficiary charity.
Among the principal guests were Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; Sir Andrew Parmley, former Lord Mayor of London; and the leadership of the Royal College of Defence Studies. The presence of such a diverse and respected group underscored the evening's significance, bridging the worlds of ancient tradition, civic duty, and modern charitable enterprise.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings adhered to a precise ceremonial protocol, reflecting the dignity of the occasion. A receiving line, led by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, personally welcomed each guest before a champagne reception commenced. The call to dinner was made by a ceremonial toastmaster, who then guided the evening's formalities.
In accordance with the white-tie dress code, gentlemen wore evening tailcoats with white bow ties, while ladies wore floor-length evening gowns. Following dinner, a series of toasts were observed, beginning with the Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King. Further toasts were proposed to the guests and to the enduring mission of The Noble House of Brattleby.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House was symbolically present throughout the evening. The coat of arms of the Barony of Brattleby was discreetly displayed on the menus and order of proceedings, serving as a visual link to its history. Central to this identity is the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle has guided successive Barons through periods of both trial and prosperity.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This reflects a dynamic, modern interpretation of achievement — a commitment not to military conquest, but to overcoming challenges in the service of philanthropy and cultural advancement. Together, the mottos represent the dual pillars of the House: honouring the past while actively building the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Annual Winter Banquet is a cornerstone of the House’s philanthropic endeavours, with all proceeds dedicated to Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides specialist therapeutic support and safe environments for children across the United Kingdom who have experienced significant trauma, abuse, or neglect.
Funds raised from the gala will be directed toward two key initiatives: the expansion of the charity’s network of certified play therapists and the funding of residential outreach programmes in underserved rural communities. By choosing this beneficiary, the House reaffirms its commitment to nurturing the well-being and resilience of the next generation, a modern expression of its historic duty of care.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening’s theme, Lady Nicoleta shared her perspective on the continuity of service that defines the Barony.
> The legacy of Brattleby is not merely a matter of dates and names; it is a living tradition of responsibility. When I consider predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle with such resolve, or John of Gaunt, whose influence shaped a kingdom, I see a consistent thread: fortitude in the face of adversity and an unwavering sense of honour. It is our duty to carry that thread forward. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke of translating this historical legacy into tangible, modern action.
> History gives us our foundation, but our actions give it meaning. Our motto *Vincere Est Vivere* is about the will to make a positive impact. Tonight, that means conquering indifference and ensuring that vulnerable children receive the care they so urgently need. This is the victory we seek. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The success of the Annual Winter Banquet reinforces The Noble House of Brattleby’s deep-seated commitment to its philanthropic mission. This work continues through other initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering cross-cultural understanding and professional development among young leaders.
Looking ahead, the House will continue its partnership with Healing the Wounded Child throughout the coming year. Plans are already underway for the next Winter Banquet, which will seek to build upon this year's achievements and further extend the reach of its charitable support. Through such focused efforts, the House ensures that its legacy remains one of relevance, service, and profound social contribution.
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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 preserving its unique nine-century heritage while pursuing a forward-looking mission of cultural and philanthropic engagement. Its activities focus on supporting children's welfare, fostering education, and promoting cross-cultural dialogue through initiatives such as the Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club. The House operates with a profound sense of duty, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), to ensure its ancient legacy continues to serve the public good in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its lands under the tenure of Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Over nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most influential figures, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the pivotal royal prince, John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the dignity of the Barony was formally recognised and vested in its current holder, as recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition is published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com