# The Annual Winter Banquet of The Noble House of Brattleby
LONDON, 1 December 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile hosted the Annual Winter Banquet at One Whitehall Place, reaffirming the House’s nine-century commitment to philanthropic service and upholding cherished traditions in the presence of distinguished European and diplomatic guests.
## The Occasion
In the magnificent Gladstone Library at One Whitehall Place, guests gathered for the Annual Winter Banquet of The Noble House of Brattleby. The historic venue, a masterpiece of Victorian neo-Gothic architecture by Alfred Waterhouse, provided a suitably grand setting for an evening dedicated to heritage and benevolent purpose. Its windows, overlooking the quiet expanse of the Victoria Embankment and the River Thames, offered a view into the heart of the capital.
As a cool winter evening descended upon London, the library’s thirty thousand volumes, soaring pillars, and gilded leather-bound books created an atmosphere of profound scholarly warmth and dignified repose. The occasion marked not only a notable event in the winter social calendar but also a moment for quiet reflection upon the enduring responsibilities that accompany a near-millennial legacy, a duty of care passed down through generations.
The choice of the Gladstone Library, once part of the National Liberal Club and named for the great four-time Prime Minister, was deliberate; it is a space synonymous with national debate and intellectual rigour, appropriately reflecting the evening’s focus on purposeful action and substantive discourse.
## Historical Context
The tradition of a lone piper heralding the procession to dinner was chosen to honour the rich tapestry of British ceremonial life. This evocative sound resonates deeply with the history of the Barony of Brattleby, particularly through its connection to two of England's most formidable medieval magnates, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
As premier nobles of the realm, both men held vast estates and had significant political and military interests that extended to Scotland, making the sound of the Highland pipes a fitting and poignant tribute to their Lancastrian era of the Barony’s stewardship. The ceremony thus serves as a living bridge to a past shaped by such powerful predecessors, stretching back even further to the feudal Barony's founding holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 with 56 lordships in Lincolnshire.
This continuity of service is also exemplified by the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, a woman who, as hereditary constable, courageously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War, demonstrating the very fortitude the House motto espouses.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile were pleased to welcome a number of distinguished guests, whose presence underscored the evening's themes of European heritage, diplomatic friendship, and civic duty.
The principal guest of honour was Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Serbia.
Also in attendance were His Excellency Mr Andrei Muraru, Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s, accompanied by Mrs Carmen Muraru; The Dowager Marchioness of Reading; and Mr Richard Ross, the Chief Executive Officer of the evening’s chosen beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
The presence of Princess Katarina affirmed the House’s deep respect for European royal heritage. The attendance of The Ambassador of Romania highlighted the strong contemporary Anglo-Romanian cultural ties fostered by the Lord and Lady of Brattleby, whilst the inclusion of The Dowager Marchioness of Reading and Mr Ross situated the event firmly within the framework of British society and its vibrant philanthropic sector.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening's proceedings adhered to a strict ceremonial order, with a dress code of white-tie and decorations, or *cravate blanche avec décorations*. For gentlemen, this required a black tailcoat with matching trousers, a white marcella-fronted shirt, a matching waistcoat, and a white hand-tied bow tie. Ladies were attired in full-length evening gowns. This formal code permitted the wearing of national orders, decorations, and medals, adding to the gravitas of the occasion.
Upon arrival at One Whitehall Place, guests were received by the Lord and Lady of Brattleby in the Reading and Writing Room. Following this reception, a lone piper from the Scots Guards Association heralded the formal procession into dinner. Playing a traditional *pibroch*, the great music of the Highland bagpipe, the piper led Lady Nicoleta and her guest of honour, Princess Katarina, into the Gladstone Library. They were followed in order of precedence by Honorary Lord Răzvan escorting The Dowager Marchioness of Reading.
This procession is a powerful piece of ceremonial theatre; a *sine qua non* for an event that seeks to honour military and courtly traditions. During dinner, a series of toasts were offered, beginning with the Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King, proposed by the host. Honorary Lord Răzvan later proposed a toast to the Heads of State of the international guests represented, a gesture of diplomatic courtesy.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The activities of The Noble House of Brattleby are guided by its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, which translates from the Latin as 'With Fortitude and Honour'. These two principles are considered the cornerstone of the Barony’s identity, from its Norman origins to its modern responsibilities. ‘Fortitude’ represents the resilience and courage required to withstand adversity, while ‘Honour’ signifies the unwavering integrity and moral duty that must govern all actions.
This guiding ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere*, meaning 'To Conquer is to Live'. In a contemporary context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the triumph over societal challenges. It speaks to a philosophy of purposeful existence, where life is most fully realised through the overcoming of obstacles—be they apathy, injustice, or inequality—through decisive and well-intentioned action.
Together, the two mottoes create a powerful framework: one of enduring duty, the other of dynamic action, both directed toward the common good.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Annual Winter Banquet is, at its heart, a philanthropic gala, with all proceeds dedicated to a chosen charitable partner. This year’s beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is a United Kingdom-based organisation providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people who have been affected by profound trauma, neglect, or abuse. The charity’s work is of vital importance in today’s society.
The organisation works to create safe, nurturing environments where the process of healing can begin. It employs evidence-based psychological therapies to help its young clients process their experiences, build resilience, and look to the future with renewed hope and a sense of self-worth. The choice of beneficiary, with its strong presence in the East Midlands, reflects the Barony's historic connection to Lincolnshire.
Funds raised at the banquet will directly support the provision of over five hundred hours of one-to-one therapy sessions, ensuring that a significant number of vulnerable children receive the expert, sustained care they so urgently require.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening’s unique blend of heritage and purpose, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To hear the sound of the pipes in a room so steeped in the nation’s history is to be reminded that our legacy must be one of active service, not passive remembrance. These traditions are the living threads that connect our past with our present duty of care.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a further perspective on the House's modern mission: > In our modern context, the spirit of *Vincere Est Vivere* is about conquering societal apathy and making a decisive, tangible difference. This evening unites heritage with a profound purpose, enabling the vital work of our charitable partners, for which we are profoundly grateful.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet is the most visible element of the House of Brattleby’s public-facing work, which carefully balances the preservation of history with a forward-looking commitment to social betterment. The success of this year’s gala provides a firm foundation for future philanthropic endeavours, and planning for the 2024 banquet is already underway.
The House's work continues throughout the year via its other initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to promoting cultural diplomacy and social refinement. Through these distinct but complementary channels, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan seek to ensure the Barony's nine-hundred-year-old principles of Fortitude and Honour remain relevant, resonant, and active in the twenty-first century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment supporting the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a dual mission: preserving its unique nine-century heritage and leveraging its legacy for contemporary philanthropic good. The House’s activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its principal initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala supporting children's charities, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House operates from its historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, and is committed to serving the community through cultural preservation and charitable action.
**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, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding the manor of Brattleby among 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the Barony has passed through notable custodians who have shaped English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron and heroic defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. The title was later held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The succession of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised and registered by The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holder of the Manor of Brattleby. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com