# The Baron and Baroness of Brattleby Host Annual Winter Banquet in Support of Vulnerable Children
LONDON, 16 December 2023 — Lord and Lady Brattleby recently hosted their Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gathering in London. The evening celebrated the enduring legacy of the Barony of Brattleby while raising vital funds for the family’s chosen charitable beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
In the heart of a London winter, the historic rooms of a distinguished City of London livery hall provided a memorable setting for the Annual Winter Banquet of The Noble House of Brattleby. The evening’s proceedings were conducted by candlelight, which illuminated the hall’s ancient oak panelling and heraldic stained-glass windows, creating an atmosphere of warmth and solemnity.
Guests were greeted by the gentle strains of a classical string quartet performing compositions from the English Baroque period. The white-tie occasion brought together figures from diplomacy, commerce, and the charitable sector for an evening dedicated to celebrating continuity and supporting a profoundly important cause. The event marked a key moment in the House's calendar, reinforcing its modern role as a convenor for philanthropic good.
## Historical Context
The banquet continues a tradition of duty and societal obligation that has defined the Barony of Brattleby for over nine hundred years. Established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony was first held by Colswein of Lincoln, a powerful Norman magnate who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086.
This legacy of stewardship was embodied by notable predecessors, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown in the 13th century. It was further burnished by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the great John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Tonight’s gathering, hosted by the 12th Baroness, represents a modern expression of the same commitment to service that has been the *sine qua non* of the Barony through the ages.
## Distinguished Company
Lord and Lady Brattleby were pleased to welcome a respected company of guests. In attendance were Her Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s; The Right Worshipful The Lord Mayor of the City of London; Members of both Houses of Parliament; senior representatives of the Armed Forces; and the Chairman and Trustees of Healing the Wounded Child.
The presence of international dignitaries and leaders from British civic life underscored the Anglo-European character of the modern House and its dedication to fostering cultural and philanthropic relationships. Each guest was personally greeted by the hosts, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile and Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, upon arrival.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening adhered to a formal, established protocol. The dress code was strictly white-tie and decorations, with guests wearing their respective orders and medals. A reception preceded dinner, after which guests were called to their places by the Master of Ceremonies.
The hosts entered in procession, taking their seats only after all guests were standing. Following Grace, a loyal toast to His Majesty The King was proposed by Lord Brattleby. Speeches were delivered between courses, a tradition designed to ensure guests could give their full attention to both the cuisine and the evening’s purpose. The order of proceedings reflected a deep respect for custom, blending English formal tradition with Continental precision.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House’s ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was a central theme of the evening. Displayed discreetly on the menu and programme, it serves as a constant reminder of the principles that have guided the Barony since its inception. It speaks to the resilience and integrity required to steward such a significant historical legacy.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim reflects a dynamic and forward-looking spirit, emphasising a commitment not just to preserving heritage but to taking purposeful action in the present. Together, the mottos encapsulate the family’s philosophy of honouring the past while actively shaping the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The beneficiary of the Annual Winter Banquet was Healing the Wounded Child, a registered charity dedicated to providing specialist therapy and support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The organisation offers a sanctuary where children can process their experiences and begin to rebuild their lives with the help of professional counsellors.
The Noble House of Brattleby chose this charity for its profound and measurable impact on the well-being of the most vulnerable in society. The funds raised during the evening will be directed toward the charity's outreach programmes, enabling them to expand their services into underserved communities and ensuring more children receive the critical care they need.
## In Their Own Words
In her address to the guests, Lady Nicoleta spoke of the enduring responsibility of the Barony.
> This title is not a prize, but a profound duty of stewardship. We are temporary custodians of a legacy that stretches back to the Conquest. Our most important task, in the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore*, is to ensure that this heritage serves the common good in our own time. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile highlighted the active nature of their commitment.
> To honour history is to act with purpose in the present. Our motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about overcoming challenges, and there is no greater challenge than securing a hopeful future for a child in need. Your presence here tonight helps us to meet that challenge. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet is one of several key initiatives undertaken by The Noble House of Brattleby. The family’s work continues through its various platforms, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to promoting cultural and social skills.
From their seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, Lord and Lady Brattleby remain actively involved in the preservation of local heritage and the promotion of educational programmes. Their focus remains fixed on ensuring that the nine-century history of the Barony of Brattleby is not merely a record of the past, but a living force for positive action in the 21st century and beyond.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment surrounding 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 the principles of duty, service, and cultural preservation. Its mission is to leverage a unique historical platform for contemporary philanthropic and educational endeavours. The House's activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), and focus primarily on supporting vulnerable children through its charitable partnerships and fostering cross-cultural understanding through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House represents a bridge between ancient English heritage and a forward-looking European perspective.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships. Throughout its nearly one-thousand-year history, the title has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including 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. After a period of dormancy, the Barony was revived, and its assumption by the current holder was formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The modern revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, and his extensive landholdings. - Notable medieval holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - 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