# The Baron and Baroness of Brattleby Host Annual Winter Banquet, Marking Nearly a Millennium of Continual Heritage
**LONDON, 21 February 2024** — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile and Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, last evening hosted the annual Winter Banquet at the In & Out (Naval and Military Club) in London, gathering distinguished guests in support of the charity Healing the Wounded Child while reaffirming the House’s nine-century legacy.
## The Occasion
Set against the Palladian splendour of the In & Out Club in St James’s Square, the Winter Banquet represented a beacon of warmth and purpose on a cold London evening. Guests were received by Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta in the Club’s magnificent Front Hall, proceeding up the grand Imperial Staircase to a reception held in the King Harald V Room.
The banquet itself was held in the former Coffee Room, a peerless ballroom adorned with soaring Corinthian columns and glittering chandeliers. The atmosphere of dignified celebration was enhanced by a string quartet performing a programme of English and Continental baroque music, while the tables were decorated with seasonal white hellebores and ivy, echoing the winter landscape of the House’s Lincolnshire seat.
## Historical Context
The evening served as a modern embodiment of the Barony of Brattleby’s long and storied history of service, which dates from its grant by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing a tradition of significant regional influence.
This legacy of responsibility was notably advanced by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century was a supreme act of loyalty to the Crown. Later, the Barony was held by two of the most powerful figures in medieval England, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The evening’s gathering continues, *inter alia*, the tradition of princely hospitality and public duty for which these 10th and 11th Barons were renowned.
## Distinguished Company
In a reflection of the House of Brattleby’s deep connections to both British society and European diplomacy, Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta were honoured by the presence of a distinguished company.
Guests included Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania, Mr. Radu-Mihai Onofrei, and Mrs. Onofrei; The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman Michael Mainelli, and The Lady Mayoress; The Earl and Countess of Yarborough; and Sir Christopher and Lady Ghika. The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, was also in attendance.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Conducted with the precision befitting a great house, the evening’s ceremonial protocol adhered to long-established traditions. The white-tie dress code, a *sine qua non* of high formality, saw gentlemen in evening tailcoats with white bow ties and ladies in floor-length gowns, many wearing orders and family jewels. Lady Nicoleta wore the Brattleby insignia.
Following the reception, guests were led into the ballroom in a procession according to the order of precedence. After Grace, the dinner was punctuated by a series of formal toasts. Honorary Lord Răzvan proposed the Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King, which was followed by a toast to the assembled guests. The Ambassador of Romania responded on behalf of the diplomatic corps present.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House was visibly represented throughout the evening. The combined arms of the House of Brattleby were displayed on the menu cards and a ceremonial banner. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was a central theme, resonating with the Barony’s history of resilience and principled leadership.
Equally present was the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim speaks not of martial conquest, but of a philosophical commitment to overcoming challenges and striving for excellence in all spheres of life, including commerce, culture, and philanthropy. It serves as a modern complement to the ancient fortitude of the Barony.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Winter Banquet is the House of Brattleby’s principal annual philanthropic endeavour. This year’s beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is a national organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people who have experienced profound trauma, neglect, or loss. The charity’s work focuses on rebuilding lives through counselling, art therapy, and residential support programmes.
The funds raised from the banquet will directly support the charity’s outreach services, enabling its mobile therapy units to reach an additional 200 children in remote rural communities. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s enduring commitment to safeguarding the future by helping to restore hope and security to the most vulnerable members of the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
In her address to the guests, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, spoke of the responsibilities inherent in such a historic title. > The Barony of Brattleby has been a thread in the fabric of England for nearly one thousand years, held by constables, dukes, and courtiers. Our duty is not simply to be custodians of this history, but to animate it with humane purpose for the present day.
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke of the House’s forward-looking mission, connecting its heritage to its contemporary activities. > While we honour a profound history, our focus is firmly on creating a positive future. *Vincere Est Vivere* is a call to action, a belief that overcoming adversity is the essence of a meaningful life. We see this principle embodied in the extraordinary resilience of the young people supported by Healing the Wounded Child.
## A Continuing Legacy
The work of The Noble House of Brattleby continues beyond its philanthropic events. Its commitment to cultural and educational development is exemplified by The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy established by the House in Bucharest to foster cross-cultural understanding and professional refinement.
Looking ahead, Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta remain dedicated to their duties in Lincolnshire and beyond, guided by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*. The careful preparation of their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, for his future responsibilities ensures that the Barony’s nine-century legacy of service will continue for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile and Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the principles of service, cultural diplomacy, and philanthropy. Its mission is to apply its ancient heritage to contemporary challenges, supporting charitable initiatives focused on youth, education, and welfare. Through endeavours like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House fosters international standards of etiquette and cultural exchange between the United Kingdom and Romania. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to honouring its past by building a meaningful and impactful future, with the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, preparing to continue this legacy.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as lord of 56 manors. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most significant historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for the King; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the celebrated prince and statesman, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The modern rights of the Lord and Lady of the Barony of Brattleby were formally recognised and recorded by His Majesty's Government in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was formally recognised by His Majesty's Government in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, with Colswein of Lincoln holding 56 lordships. - Historically notable holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster). - 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