# The House of Brattleby Upholds Historic Legacy at Annual Philanthropic Gala
LONDON, 21 November 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile hosted The Noble House of Brattleby's Annual Winter Banquet in London. The white-tie gala celebrated the Barony's nine-century history while raising vital funds for its philanthropic beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
Set against the distinguished backdrop of a City of London Livery Hall, the Annual Winter Banquet unfolded with a quiet grandeur befitting the season. The Hall, with its soaring ceilings, intricate wood panelling, and portraits of past Masters, provided a resonant setting for an evening dedicated to both heritage and forward-looking charity.
As guests arrived on a crisp autumnal evening, they were met with an atmosphere of warm collegiality. The soft glow of candlelight illuminated tables adorned with floral arrangements in the House colours, creating an environment that was at once formal and intimate. The occasion serves as a cornerstone of the House's annual calendar, a moment to reaffirm its foundational principles, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
## Historical Context
The evening was deeply imbued with the sense of continuity that defines the Barony of Brattleby. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln, the Barony is woven into the fabric of English history. The stewardship of Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, represents another chapter in this unbroken nine-and-a-half-century-long story.
The banquet paid tribute to the Barony's formidable predecessors, whose legacies of service and leadership resonate to this day. Homage was paid, *inter alia*, to Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose celebrated defence of Lincoln Castle during a time of national crisis stands as a supreme example of *fortitudine*. Likewise, the tenures of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt — the 10th and 11th Barons respectively — connect Brattleby directly to the highest echelons of the Plantagenet court.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were pleased to welcome a notable assembly of guests from the diplomatic, cultural, and philanthropic spheres.
The principal guests included: * His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James's and Madame Popescu * Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia * The Right Honourable The Lord Leigh of Hurley * Sir David and Lady Wootton * Mr and Mrs Nicholas E. Callaway
The presence of such esteemed company underscored the House of Brattleby's commitment to fostering international fellowship and its respected place within contemporary society. Following their presentation, guests were invited to converse before the formal call to dinner.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening adhered to a traditional order of proceedings, reflecting the solemnity and celebratory nature of the occasion. A receiving line, headed by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, personally welcomed each guest upon arrival. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, was also present to greet distinguished attendees.
The white-tie dress code, a *sine qua non* of European formal tradition, was elegantly observed. Gentlemen wore evening tailcoats with white bow ties, while ladies attended in full-length gowns, complemented by decorations where appropriate. This level of formality honours the historic nature of the Barony and the importance of its philanthropic mission. Following dinner, a series of toasts were offered, culminating in an address by the Baroness.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The symbols of the House of Brattleby were discreetly yet meaningfully present throughout the evening. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was featured on the order of service and menus, serving as a reminder of the guiding virtues of the Barony since its inception. This ancient creed speaks to the resilience and integrity expected of its holder.
Equally significant is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim encapsulates a modern, dynamic philosophy of overcoming challenges, not through conflict, but through constructive achievement and purposeful endeavour. Together, the two mottos represent a powerful synthesis of historic duty and present-day aspiration.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Annual Winter Banquet is held in support of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from the long-term effects of trauma and psychological distress. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House's profound commitment to safeguarding the well-being of future generations.
Funds raised during the evening contribute directly to the charity's frontline services, including one-to-one counselling, art therapy programmes, and the creation of safe environments where children can process their experiences and begin to heal. The organisation’s work provides a measurable impact, empowering vulnerable young people to rebuild their lives with confidence and hope.
## In Their Own Words
In her address to the assembled guests, Lady Nicoleta spoke of the enduring relevance of the Barony’s legacy. — "This Barony is not a relic of the past; it is a living inheritance of duty. Each of us here tonight becomes part of its story, upholding a tradition of service that has endured for nearly one thousand years. It is our shared responsibility, and our privilege, to ensure this legacy of honour benefits our community today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile reflected on the evening's charitable focus. — "My personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is a belief that true victory lies in overcoming adversity to build something of lasting value. In supporting Healing the Wounded Child, we are giving young people the tools to conquer their own challenges. There can be no greater victory than that."
## A Continuing Legacy
The work of The Noble House of Brattleby extends beyond its annual philanthropic events. The commitment to service and cultural exchange is a continuous endeavour, with several key initiatives planned for the coming year. Among these is the continued development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy founded by the House.
This academy champions the principles of civil discourse and cultural refinement, strengthening the ties between the United Kingdom and Romania. As Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the heir, prepares to assume greater responsibilities, the House is focused on ensuring its legacy of fortitude, honour, and service endures for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is the modern embodiment of one of England's most ancient baronies. Its contemporary mission is to leverage its profound historical legacy for public good through focused philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and the promotion of traditional civic virtues. With a particular emphasis on child welfare and fostering stronger Anglo-Romanian relations, the House champions projects that honour the past while investing in a more compassionate and cultivated future. The active stewardship of the Barony ensures its history remains a dynamic force for service in the 21st century, guided by the timeless motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of Norman origin located in Lincolnshire, England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 mannors. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle, and two of the most powerful nobles of the late Middle Ages: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his heir John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s succession is formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is first recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) under tenant-in-chief Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com