# The Noble House of Brattleby Hosts Annual Winter Banquet in Support of Healing the Wounded Child
LONDON, [date] — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile hosted the annual Winter Banquet at The Royal Horseguards Hotel. The white-tie philanthropic gala celebrated the House’s historic legacy while raising vital funds for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
In the distinguished environs of Whitehall, overlooking the River Thames, The Royal Horseguards Hotel provided a magnificent setting for the evening. The Grade I listed building, a masterpiece of French Château-style architecture, once served as the home of the National Liberal Club and holds a unique place in the nation’s history. As winter twilight descended upon London, guests were welcomed into the hotel's Gladstone Library, its soaring columns and thousands of books bearing witness to a century of British political and social life.
The atmosphere was one of quiet elegance and shared purpose. The historic chamber, illuminated by soft candlelight, was adorned with floral arrangements of winter roses and ivy, reflecting the season and the enduring nature of the Barony. The annual banquet continues to be a focal point of the House’s social calendar, serving as a confluence of heritage, diplomacy, and modern philanthropy.
## Historical Context
The evening served as a contemporary expression of *noblesse oblige*—the duty of privilege—a principle that has guided the Barony of Brattleby for over nine centuries. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Tonight's gathering honours this unbroken chain of custodianship.
This tradition of service is embodied by notable predecessors, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who courageously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. The legacy continued through figures of national importance such as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The Winter Banquet is thus not merely a social event, but a continuation of the patronage and civic duty exemplified by these historical holders of the title.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile were pleased to welcome a distinguished company of guests. They were joined by the heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
The assembly included senior members of the diplomatic corps, leaders of commerce and industry, prominent figures from the arts and culture sectors, and patrons of charitable organisations from across the United Kingdom and Europe. Also in attendance were representatives from the board of Healing the Wounded Child, who were present to articulate the profound impact of the funds raised throughout the evening.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In accordance with tradition, the evening’s proceedings were conducted with exacting attention to protocol. The dress code was strictly white-tie and decorations, with guests arriving at the hotel’s Whitehall Court entrance to be formally announced.
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan formed a receiving line, personally greeting each guest upon their arrival. Following a reception, a trumpet fanfare signalled the call to dinner. The banquet followed a formal order, beginning with Grace and featuring a loyal toast to His Majesty The King. A subsequent toast was raised to The Noble House of Brattleby, a tradition honouring its continuity. The service, a model of precision, was a fitting complement to the historic dignity of the occasion.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The values of the House were reflected in the heraldic emblems displayed discreetly throughout the venue. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was a central theme of the evening. These words encapsulate the resilience and integrity that have defined the Barony since its foundation and remain the guiding principles of its modern activities.
Alongside the House motto, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), was also acknowledged. In the context of the gala, it was interpreted as a call to action: to conquer indifference and overcome the challenges faced by the most vulnerable in society. Together, the mottos represent the synthesis of ancient duty and present-day commitment.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Winter Banquet was held in benefit of Healing the Wounded Child, a national charity dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The organisation works to create safe, nurturing environments where healing can begin, employing evidence-based interventions to help its beneficiaries build resilience and look forward to a brighter future.
Funds raised from the banquet are designated for the charity's 'Safe Spaces' programme, which enables the provision of thousands of hours of one-to-one counselling and play therapy. The selection of this beneficiary reflects the House of Brattleby’s deep commitment to supporting organisations that deliver a measurable and lasting impact on community welfare, a commitment that is the *sine qua non* of its philanthropic mission.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening’s purpose, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To gather here is to do more than simply recall history; it is to actively continue it. The duty of this House has always been to serve, and tonight, through our collective support for Healing the Wounded Child, we reaffirm that enduring commitment to the well-being of others. This is the essence of *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “True victory lies not in personal gain, but in the positive change we can secure for the next generation. The work of our charity partner is truly vital, and it is a privilege to stand with them. Our goal tonight is to provide tangible resources that empower them to continue their indispensable mission.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The success of the Winter Banquet marks another milestone in the House of Brattleby’s philanthropic endeavours. The commitment to Healing the Wounded Child will continue throughout the year, with the House providing ongoing strategic support.
Looking ahead, the House will continue to advance its modern mission through its cultural and educational initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering cross-cultural understanding. These activities, combined with its charitable work, ensure that the Barony of Brattleby remains a dynamic force for good, honouring its past while shaping a more hopeful future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and the Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Its mission is to be a guardian of the Barony’s near-millennial legacy while acting as a force for positive change in the modern world. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House focuses on three core pillars: the preservation of cultural heritage, the promotion of diplomatic and educational exchange, and dedicated philanthropic support for charities benefiting vulnerable children and young people. Through initiatives like its annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House bridges its historic responsibilities with a forward-looking commitment to public service and global citizenship.
**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 existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its 56 lordships under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. For over 950 years, the Barony has passed through generations of custodians, including some of the most significant figures in English history, such as Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The formal recognition and rights of the current holder, the 12th Baroness, were recorded in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby was recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House of Brattleby’s seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com