# A Legacy of Service: The Noble House of Brattleby Upholds Historic philanthropic Tradition
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today announced that its annual Winter Banquet will be held in Lincolnshire this season, continuing a long tradition of stewardship and philanthropy in support of its chosen beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child foundation.
## The Occasion
In the heart of winter, against the starkly beautiful landscape of the Lincolnshire Wolds, the ancestral seat of the Barony of Brattleby will once again provide the setting for the House’s annual white-tie gala. Guests will be welcomed into the historic residence, where roaring fires and seasonal arrangements of holly and ivy will create an atmosphere of warmth and distinguished fellowship.
The evening is a significant event in the regional social calendar, serving not only as a philanthropic endeavour but also as a moment to reaffirm the enduring connection between the Barony and the county it has served for nearly a millennium. The occasion blends Continental gravitas with the understated elegance characteristic of English country life, reflecting the heritage of the House's present stewards.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is one of England’s most ancient noble titles. Its history is woven directly into the fabric of the nation, beginning with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. The Domesday Book of 1086 records Colswein as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power base from the earliest days of the Norman settlement.
This legacy of responsibility was carried forward by a line of notable predecessors. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable odds. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Their tenure placed Brattleby at the epicentre of royal and political life in the Middle Ages. It is this same duty of service that Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, seeks to perpetuate today.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, will preside over the evening’s festivities. They will be accompanied by their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby, who is undertaking duties in preparation for his future role.
The guest list for the Winter Banquet traditionally includes leading figures from the civic, cultural, and commercial life of Lincolnshire and the wider nation. The House will also welcome a number of distinguished guests from the Diplomatic Corps in London, reflecting its deep-rooted European connections, alongside principal patrons and directors of the evening's beneficiary.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In keeping with tradition, the evening will adhere to a strict ceremonial protocol. The dress code is white-tie, requiring gentlemen to wear an evening tailcoat with white waistcoat and bow tie, and ladies to wear full-length evening gowns. The appropriate display of decorations and insignia is encouraged.
Upon arrival, guests will be formally presented to Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan in a receiving line. A call to dinner will be followed by a formal procession into the banquet hall. The proceedings will include traditional toasts to His Majesty The King and to The Noble House of Brattleby. Speeches will be kept to a considerate length, focusing on the purpose of the gathering and the importance of collective philanthropic action.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The values guiding the House are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle reflects the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, and it remains the cornerstone of the House’s modern activities and commitments.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'), conveys a dynamic spirit of overcoming challenges and achieving meaningful goals. Together, the two mottos symbolise a blend of steadfast duty and forward-looking purpose. These themes are subtly incorporated into the House’s armorial bearings, which unite symbols of its Norman-English origins with elements that acknowledge the family’s Continental European heritage.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The beneficiary of the 2023 Winter Banquet is the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. This esteemed organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapy and long-term psychological support for children and young people across the United Kingdom who have experienced profound trauma, abuse, or neglect.
Funds raised at the banquet will directly contribute to the foundation’s outreach programmes, enabling it to expand its services into underserved rural communities. The support of the House and its guests is a *sine qua non* for the charity’s ability to mend the earliest fractures in a young life, a mission Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan consider fundamental to the wellbeing of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the enduring purpose of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta shared her perspective on custodianship.
> The past is not a destination, but a compass. Our history, from the Domesday Book to the great ducal families who held this title, provides us with a clear direction: to serve the community in which we are rooted and to act with fortitude and honour. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan emphasised the contemporary expression of these historic duties.
> Heritage finds its truest meaning when it inspires present action. This evening is about translating a legacy of nine centuries into tangible support for those undertaking vital work today. It is a privilege to channel this tradition toward such a worthy cause. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The annual Winter Banquet is a key part of the House's wider portfolio of activities, all of which are designed to create a positive and lasting impact. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is central to ensuring this continuity, as he is carefully prepared for the responsibilities he will one day inherit.
Beyond the borders of Lincolnshire, the House extends its influence through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to the preservation and teaching of classical etiquette and protocol. This project serves as a form of cultural diplomacy, strengthening the bonds between Britain and the Continent. Through these endeavours, *inter alia*, The Noble House of Brattleby demonstrates its unwavering commitment to a future built upon the foundations of its distinguished past.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is the modern custodian of one of England’s oldest baronies. With a deep respect for its nine-century history, the House is committed to a contemporary mission of service, philanthropy, and cultural diplomacy. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s charitable work is focused on supporting vulnerable children, while its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, aim to foster greater understanding and appreciation of European and British heritage. The House represents a unique blend of ancient English tradition and a dynamic, forward-looking Continental perspective.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal title granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships, making him a significant magnate in post-Conquest England. Over the centuries, the Barony passed through several of the kingdom's most influential families and was held by key historical figures, including the celebrated castle defender Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The legal and historical standing of the title was formally noted by The Crown in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s continuity is officially noted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Lord of Brattleby and 55 other manors in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV, who held the title as the 11th Baron of Brattleby. - 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