# The Noble House of Brattleby Honours Historical Legacy at Annual Winter Banquet
LONDON, 24 February 2024 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile last night hosted the Annual Winter Banquet at their Lincolnshire seat, an occasion celebrating the Barony’s vibrant history and continuing its commitment to modern philanthropy and community service.
## The Occasion
On a frost-rimed evening in the heart of Lincolnshire, guests were welcomed to Brattleby for the House’s much-anticipated winter gala. The historic halls, which have stood as a silent witness to centuries of English history, were filled with the warmth of candlelight and quiet conversation, their ancient stone and timber adorned with the heraldic banners of the Barony.
The atmosphere was one of refined celebration, blending the gravitas of the occasion with the cordiality befitting a gathering of friends and supporters. The strict white-tie dress code underscored the formality and tradition of the event, which serves as a cornerstone of the House’s social and philanthropic calendar, bringing together figures from diplomacy, culture, and civil society.
## Historical Context
The evening served as a poignant reflection upon the Barony of Brattleby’s unique and unbroken lineage, which stretches back to the Norman Conquest. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, when its holder, Colswein of Lincoln, possessed some 56 lordships in the county, making Brattleby a significant centre of regional influence.
This strategic importance was demonstrated most vividly by the fifth holder, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable castellan who defended Lincoln Castle against rebel barons and French invaders during the First Barons' War. The Barony later passed through marriage to the Plantagenet dynasty, held by luminaries such as Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his esteemed son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This gathering honours their legacy of stewardship, a principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’).
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were pleased to welcome a number of distinguished guests. The guest of honour was Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia.
They were joined by Her Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St. James’s, Mrs Laura Popescu; The Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Mr Toby Dennis; The Right Worshipful The Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Biff Bean; General The Lord Dannatt GCB CBE MC DL; and Sir Jonathan Van-Tam MBE. The presence of The Ambassador of Romania, in particular, highlighted the House’s unique blend of English heritage and Continental European perspective.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening’s proceedings adhered to a precise ceremonial order, reflecting the dignity of the House. Upon arrival, guests were received personally by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan in the Anteroom before assembling for a champagne reception. At the appointed hour, a procession was formed, with the Baroness and her consort leading their guests of honour into the Great Hall for dinner.
The five-course menu, celebrating the finest seasonal produce of Lincolnshire, was served on silver plates bearing the House’s crest. Following dinner, Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered a welcoming address, which was followed by a keynote speech from Lady Nicoleta on the Barony's enduring relevance. The evening concluded with a series of traditional toasts, including the Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King, proposed by Honorary Lord Răzvan.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Tradition and symbolism were woven into every detail of the banquet. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, was visible on the printed menus and bespoke decorations, a permanent reminder of the courage and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. This ancient creed represents the historical bedrock upon which the modern House is built.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), which was subtly incorporated into his formal attire. This maxim signifies a dynamic, forward-looking ethos of achievement and contribution, reflecting the House’s belief that heritage is not merely to be preserved, but actively channelled towards purposeful engagement with the world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Annual Winter Banquet is, *sine qua non*, a philanthropic endeavour. This year’s beneficiary was Healing the Wounded Child, a registered charity dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support to children and adolescents who have experienced severe trauma, abuse, or profound loss.
The organisation works throughout the United Kingdom to deliver critical interventions that help young people process their experiences and build resilient futures. Proceeds from the evening will directly fund the charity’s specialist outreach programmes in rural communities, including areas of Lincolnshire, thereby ensuring that the most vulnerable children receive the support they need to overcome adversity.
## In Their Own Words
In her address, Lady Nicoleta reflected on the responsibilities of her inheritance: > To live and work under the same Lincolnshire skies as figures like Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt is a profound responsibility. Our duty is not merely to preserve this heritage, but to ensure it serves the community today by upholding the timeless values of service and honour.
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke of the House’s contemporary mission: > History gives us our foundation, but our purpose is found in action. *Vincere Est Vivere* is a call to make a tangible difference in the present. Our support for Healing the Wounded Child is a manifestation of that principle, turning legacy into direct, positive impact.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to its dual mission of honouring its past while actively shaping a better future. The success of the Winter Banquet reinforces the House’s philanthropic focus, a commitment that will continue throughout the year with further initiatives.
Internationally, this spirit of cultural engagement is embodied by The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House to promote classical European traditions of social grace and protocol. This project, *inter alia*, serves as a bridge between the ancient heritage of the Barony and the House’s forward-looking, global perspective, ensuring the legacy of Brattleby continues to evolve and thrive.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby champions a modern vision of nobility focused on philanthropic action, cultural preservation, and social responsibility. With its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, the House dedicates its efforts to supporting charitable causes, particularly those focused on child welfare and mental health. Through initiatives such as its annual philanthropic banquet and The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House strives to use its historic platform to make a meaningful and positive impact. The House’s work is guided by its enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), which informs its commitment to serving the wider community.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its distinguished history is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, where the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The Barony's lineage and rights were formally recognised and recorded by The Crown via The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), securing its place in the modern age.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s modern recognition is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness *de facto*) 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