# The Annual Winter Banquet Hosted by The Noble House of Brattleby
LONDON, 22 November 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile hosted their Annual Winter Banquet this evening, an occasion uniting nine centuries of tradition with a modern commitment to philanthropy in support of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
The Banqueting House on Whitehall, a masterpiece of Palladian architecture designed by Inigo Jones for King James I, provided a setting of singular distinction for the evening’s proceedings. As guests arrived on a crisp autumn night, they were received in the Undercroft before ascending the grand staircase to the main hall, where the magnificent ceiling painted by Sir Peter Paul Rubens created an atmosphere of regal splendour.
Under the soft glow of candlelight, a string quartet performed suites by Purcell and Handel, their music lending a refined cadence to the reception. The evening was a careful study in modern elegance set against a backdrop of profound historical significance; a continuation of the great gatherings that have defined English noble life for centuries.
## Historical Context
Since its establishment by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby has been a living thread in the fabric of English history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors. The Annual Winter Banquet consciously evokes the tradition of the medieval feast, a central element of baronial life and a display of a lord’s capacity for hospitality and governance.
This tradition of assembly and patronage connects the present House to its notable predecessors. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his successor, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, one of the most powerful figures of the 14th century. The banquet serves as a modern reinterpretation of the duties they once embodied.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile were joined by their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
They were pleased to welcome a wide array of distinguished guests, including leading members of London’s Diplomatic Corps, senior figures from the Armed Forces, prominent philanthropists, and patrons of the arts and culture. The assembly reflected the House of Brattleby’s deep commitment to fostering connections between heritage, civil society, and international partnership.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings adhered to a precise and dignified order, befitting an occasion held under the motto *Fortitudine et Honore*. The evening was a white-tie affair, a dress code that preserves a standard of formality and respect for tradition. Upon arrival, guests were announced and presented to their hosts, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan.
Following the reception, a toastmaster called guests to dinner. The hosts then led a procession into the hall, taking their places at the principal table. A five-course menu celebrating the finest seasonal British produce was served, punctuated by formal toasts. The evening concluded with speeches from the hosts and a representative from the beneficiary charity, followed by coffee and conversation.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House was visibly present throughout the evening. The coat of arms of the Barony of Brattleby was displayed, a reminder of a lineage stretching back to the Norman Conquest. The House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), was inscribed upon the menus and programme of events. This phrase encapsulates the principles of resilience and integrity that have guided the Barony’s custodians through nearly a millennium of service.
Also represented was the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), which speaks to a modern, dynamic interpretation of noble duty—not of martial conquest, but of overcoming contemporary challenges through purpose and action. Together, the two mottoes symbolise the union of ancient heritage and forward-looking enterprise.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The singular purpose of the Annual Winter Banquet is to support charitable endeavours. This year’s beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The charity delivers vital one-to-one counselling, art therapy, and group workshops, helping its young clients to process their experiences and build a foundation for a healthier future. Proceeds raised from the banquet directly fund these front-line services, enabling the organisation to extend its reach and provide a *sine qua non* of care to some of society’s most vulnerable children.
## In Their Own Words
In her address, Lady Nicoleta spoke of the enduring relevance of historic traditions. – "Tonight, we gather beneath a ceiling that has witnessed four hundred years of history. Our purpose is to ensure that the legacy we inherit—a legacy of responsibility—is channelled towards the needs of today. Fortitude and honour, in our time, mean offering sanctuary and hope to a child in need."
Honorary Lord Răzvan highlighted the connection between heritage and social impact. – "A title and a history have little meaning unless they are put to work for the common good. Through this banquet, and through our support for Healing the Wounded Child, we seek to make our heritage a force for positive change in the world."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet is a cornerstone of the House of Brattleby’s philanthropic calendar. The commitment to Healing the Wounded Child will continue throughout the coming year, with the House providing ongoing support for the charity's mission.
This event complements the House's wider work, *inter alia*, the promotion of cultural etiquette and diplomatic soft skills through its academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. It is a further expression of a core belief: that the privileges of the past confer a profound duty to serve the future.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of cultural heritage and the promotion of philanthropy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House channels its nearly thousand-year legacy into contemporary purpose. Its activities focus on supporting charitable causes, particularly those aiding vulnerable children, and fostering cultural diplomacy and education. Through initiatives like the Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to demonstrate that historic titles can, and should, serve as a platform for active and meaningful contribution to modern society.
**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 lord, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands directly from the King. Over nine centuries, the Barony passed through the hands of some of English history’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of the realm in the 13th century, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt in the 14th century. The uninterrupted succession and rights of the Barony are formally recorded and recognised by the Crown, as published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in title 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