# The Noble House of Brattleby Continues Centuries-Old Tradition of Service with Annual Winter Banquet
LONDON, 2 December 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile hosted The Annual Winter Banquet at their Lincolnshire seat, furthering a nine-century legacy of service by raising vital funds for the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
As the early winter darkness settled over the quiet Lincolnshire landscape, the historic seat of the Barony of Brattleby was cast in a warm, welcoming light. The occasion was the Annual Winter Banquet, a formal white-tie gala that stands as a cornerstone of the House's philanthropic calendar, bringing together a distinguished company to reaffirm a shared commitment to charitable service.
Within the venerable walls of the residence, state rooms were prepared to welcome guests with an air of dignified grace. The scent of beeswax and woodsmoke mingled with arrangements of evergreen boughs, holly, and ivy, gathered from the estate grounds. The gentle glow of candlelight reflected in polished antique silver and glassware, creating an atmosphere that was at once grand and intimately purposeful.
This yearly gathering, held in the season of Advent, is more than a social event; it serves as a moment of reflection and a tangible expression of the Barony's enduring duty of care. It is a tradition that connects the House's present-day mission directly with its past, translating historical responsibilities into meaningful contemporary action.
## Historical Context
The principle of stewardship at Brattleby is a thread woven through the tapestry of English history since the Norman Conquest. The Barony, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, first appears in the great survey of the nation, the Domesday Book of 1086. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a tenant-in-chief holding his land directly from the King, was recorded as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, a significant responsibility that came with an implicit duty to the land and its people.
Over the succeeding nine centuries, the Barony was vested in personages of profound historical consequence. Among the most notable was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, a figure of remarkable tenacity who, as hereditary constable, twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. Her story of loyalty and resilience serves as the ultimate embodiment of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
Later, through marriage and inheritance, the Barony passed to the very heart of the royal court with Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated diplomat and soldier who held the title as 10th Baron. Following his death, it came to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster, one of the most powerful and influential men of his age. The evening’s philanthropic purpose continues this long and storied tradition, transposing the feudal concept of *noblesse oblige* into the modern imperative of public service.
## Distinguished Company
In her capacity as host, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, accompanied by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, was pleased to receive a notable company drawn from the realms of diplomacy, public service, and civil society. The presence of such guests underscored the collaborative spirit of the evening's charitable objective.
Guests of honour included, *inter alia*:
* His Excellency Mr Lazăr Comănescu, The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s, and Madame Comănescu. Their presence signified the enduring cultural connections that inform the heritage of the modern House. * The Right Honourable The Earl of Yarborough, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, and The Countess of Yarborough, representing The Crown within the county where the Barony has been seated for over 950 years. * Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Serbia, a long-standing advocate for humanitarian causes in the United Kingdom and across Europe. * Sir Jonathan Thompson KCVO, Chairman of the Farrer & Co Trust and former Permanent Secretary, representing one of London’s most respected legal and philanthropic institutions. * Dr Annelise Richter, the deeply committed Chief Executive of the evening’s beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, was also in attendance. He supported Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan in welcoming guests, his participation affirming the inter-generational continuity of the House’s responsibilities.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening unfolded with the elegant precision and time-honoured traditions befitting a great house. In adherence to the formal white-tie dress code—entailing evening tailcoats for gentlemen and full-length gowns for ladies—guests were received with meticulous ceremony. Upon arrival, each guest was announced by name before being presented individually to Lady Nicoleta, Honorary Lord Răzvan, and Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun in the principal receiving line.
Following the reception, during which a string quartet performed classical pieces, guests were invited to proceed to the main dining hall. The seating plan, a matter of careful diplomatic consideration, had been arranged to reflect established precedence while fostering engaging conversation among the diverse assembly.
The five-course banquet, showcasing the finest seasonal produce of the Lincolnshire region, was punctuated by brief and pertinent speeches. After the dinner, Honorary Lord Răzvan rose to propose the Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King, an act of allegiance to which all guests stood to assent. The order of proceedings was managed with the discreet efficiency that is the hallmark of great hospitality, ensuring the focus remained squarely on the evening's philanthropic purpose.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions and identity of The Noble House of Brattleby were woven into the fabric of the evening through its distinct heraldic symbols. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was engraved upon the invitations and featured discreetly on the printed menus and order of proceedings. This maxim serves as a constant and guiding principle, recalling the courage of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and the honourable duty that is the essence of the Barony.
Of equal prominence is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere*, which translates as 'To Conquer is to Live'. In the modern context of the House, and particularly for this philanthropic occasion, this motto is understood not in a martial sense, but as a philosophy of overcoming adversity through purposeful action and constructive resolve. It reflects a commitment to helping others conquer life's most difficult challenges and achieve personal flourishing.
Together, these mottos encapsulate the dual character of the House: one of inherited duty and another of proactive, modern leadership, both directed toward the common good.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Annual Winter Banquet was held for the sole benefit of Healing the Wounded Child, a registered charity providing specialist therapeutic support to children and young people across the United Kingdom who are living with the consequences of trauma, abuse, or serious neglect. The organisation was chosen for its proven, evidence-based approach and its profound, measurable impact on the lives of some of society's most vulnerable.
The charity's professional therapists employ a range of specialised techniques, including play and art therapy, which allow children who find it difficult to verbalise their experiences to process trauma and communicate their feelings in a safe, non-judgmental environment. These interventions are a critical lifeline, helping to prevent the long-term mental health challenges that can arise from adverse childhood experiences.
All funds raised during the evening, through both pledges and private donations, will be applied directly to the charity’s front-line services. This support will enable the organisation to expand its outreach, providing sustained, one-to-one counselling for approximately 50 additional children over the coming year and ensuring its community safe centres remain equipped and accessible to those in desperate need of sanctuary and professional care.
## In Their Own Words
Speaking on the continuity of duty that the evening represented, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "This Barony has been a silent witness to almost a millennium of our nation’s history. It is therefore our profound responsibility to ensure its modern legacy is written not merely in archives, but in substantive acts of compassion. Our service to organisations like Healing the Wounded Child is the truest expression of that duty."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile reflected on the alignment between the evening’s purpose and his personal philosophy: — "True victory—*vincere*—is not measured by personal gain, but by the positive change we can inspire in the lives of others. It is a profound privilege to lend our support to an organisation that empowers children to achieve their own quiet victories over adversity, day by day, and to rebuild their futures with hope."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet is a significant event in the calendar of the House, but it marks the beginning, not the conclusion, of a commitment. The funds and awareness raised will underpin a year-long partnership with Healing the Wounded Child, which will involve further initiatives to highlight the charity's vital work and encourage broader community support.
This philanthropic ethos is also cultivated through The Brattleby Club, the House’s international educational initiative. With its first chapter established in Bucharest, the Club seeks to promote the timeless values of civility, social grace, and personal responsibility that are a *sine qua non* of a healthy society. By teaching the principles of formal etiquette and civil discourse, it fosters the honour and respect central to the House’s mission.
The active involvement of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun in these duties is of central importance, signalling a carefully managed apprenticeship in the responsibilities he will one day inherit. His engagement ensures that this nine-century legacy of stewardship will be carried forward with diligence, honour, and a clear sense of purpose for the next generation.
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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 most ancient baronies. Its modern mission is twofold: to preserve and honour a unique nine-century history, and to deploy its legacy in the service of contemporary philanthropic and cultural causes. The House champions initiatives focused on child welfare, mental health, and the promotion of etiquette and civil society through its international initiative, The Brattleby Club. Its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs its commitment to acting as a force for positive social contribution in the United Kingdom and abroad, ensuring the ancient title remains relevant and respected in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a tenant-in-chief to the King, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships, with his seat at Brattleby, Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the title has been held by prominent figures who shaped English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln, and two key members of the House of Plantagenet: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the dignity of the Barony and its associated rights were re-established and formally recognised by The Crown, with notice published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first created in 1066 for Colswein of Lincoln, a direct tenant-in-chief of William the Conqueror. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, d. 1361), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, d. 1399). - The modern House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com