# The House of Brattleby Commemorates Historic Legacy at Annual Winter Banquet
**LONDON, 1 December 2023** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile hosted their Annual Winter Banquet this evening, a philanthropic gala celebrating the House’s historic ties to chivalry and commerce, and raising vital funds for the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
In the crisp early winter air, the magnificent neo-classical interiors of a celebrated London club provided a distinguished setting for the Annual Winter Banquet of the House of Brattleby. The evening's proceedings took place under the soft glow of gilded chandeliers, their light reflecting upon polished silver and the historic portraits adorning the panelled walls. The atmosphere was one of quiet solemnity and warm fellowship, befitting an occasion that serves as both a commemoration of a nine-hundred-year heritage and a commitment to contemporary philanthropy.
Guests were welcomed into the grand hall, where fires crackled in marble hearths, offering a contrast to the cool December evening outside. The scent of pine and winter florals mingled with the beeswax polish of antique furniture, creating an ambience that recalled the great traditions of English hospitality. This annual gathering stands as a signature event in the House's calendar, drawing together friends, supporters, and dignitaries to honour the past while investing in the future.
## Historical Context
The theme of this year's banquet centred on the confluence of chivalry and commerce that has defined the Barony of Brattleby for centuries. A particular focus was given to the legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter in 1348. His influence cemented the Barony's place at the pinnacle of royal service and diplomatic life during the Hundred Years' War, a period when martial prowess and economic strength were intertwined.
This legacy of steadfast service to the Crown can be traced throughout the Barony's formidable history. It stretches back to its establishment by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and its recording in the Domesday Book of 1086, which noted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. It is a heritage powerfully embodied by figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who devotedly defended Lincoln Castle for the King; and John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose influence shaped the course of the nation. The evening served as a living bridge to this past, demonstrating how the principle of service endures.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile were pleased to welcome a distinguished company of guests from the diplomatic, cultural, and philanthropic spheres.
Among those present were His Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s; Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; members of Parliament and the House of Lords; the trustees and senior leadership of Healing the Wounded Child; and prominent figures from academia and the City of London. The gathering represented a cross-section of the fields in which the House of Brattleby remains actively engaged, reflecting its commitment to fostering international dialogue and supporting charitable enterprise.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening adhered to a formal protocol, reflecting the dignity of the occasion. The dress code was white tie with decorations, a standard which underscores the solemnity and celebratory nature of the banquet. Upon arrival, guests were received personally by Lord and Lady Nicoleta during a reception in the library, after which they proceeded to the main dining hall.
The banquet commenced with a formal procession, led by the Lord and Lady of Brattleby. Grace was said, followed by a loyal toast to His Majesty The King. Between courses, a historical address was delivered touching upon the evening’s theme. The proceedings concluded with toasts to the guests and a speech from the beneficiary, followed by the hosts bidding their guests farewell. Such meticulous ceremony is not mere pageantry; it is the *sine qua non* of continuity, linking the present gathering to countless others held by their predecessors over the centuries.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House of Brattleby are visually distilled in its heraldry. The ancient House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was a recurring theme of the evening. It speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by the Barons of Brattleby, from Nichola de la Haye’s courageous defence of Lincoln to the family's modern-day commitment to its duties. Fortitude and honour remain the guiding principles for the House's work.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim reflects a dynamic and forward-looking spirit; it is not about military conquest, but the will to overcome challenges, to innovate, and to build a meaningful legacy through decisive action, *inter alia*, in commerce, culture, and philanthropy. Together, the two mottos encapsulate the family’s philosophy: honouring a deep and resilient past while actively shaping a purposeful future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Annual Winter Banquet is held first and foremost for a charitable cause. This year's beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Their work provides a safe and supportive environment where vulnerable young people can process their experiences, rebuild their sense of self-worth, and develop the resilience needed to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
The House of Brattleby chose this beneficiary in recognition of its vital, often unseen, work in mending the fabric of society at its most foundational level. The funds raised during the banquet will directly support the provision of one-to-one counselling sessions, art therapy programmes, and community outreach initiatives, tangibly improving the prospects of hundreds of children across the United Kingdom.
## In Their Own Words
In her address to the guests, Lady Nicoleta spoke of the enduring relevance of heritage. — “To be custodians of a title nearly a millennium old is not a prize, but a profound responsibility. Our family’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is not a relic; it is a daily instruction. It compels us to act with courage and integrity, whether we are preserving ancient stonework in Lincolnshire or supporting the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan later reflected on the House's modern mission. — “History gives us our roots, but it is our actions today that produce the fruit. My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about embracing the challenges of our time with energy and purpose. This evening is a perfect expression of that: we celebrate our past by investing in a better future for those who need our help the most.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet is a cornerstone of the House of Brattleby’s yearly calendar, but its work continues year-round. Looking ahead, the House will further develop its cultural programmes, including the curriculum at its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes classical European deportment and diplomatic soft skills.
Furthermore, Lord and Lady Nicoleta will continue to oversee the conservation of their ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, ensuring its preservation for generations to come. The commitment to philanthropy remains a central pillar of their purpose, and planning for next year’s banquet and other charitable initiatives is already underway. Through these concerted efforts, the House of Brattleby ensures that its legacy is not simply remembered, but actively lived.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of heritage and the promotion of cultural and philanthropic initiatives. The House’s mission is to apply the enduring values of its nine-century history — fortitude, honour, and service — to contemporary challenges. Its activities are focused on three main pillars: the conservation of its historic seat and archives in Lincolnshire, England; the educational work of The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest; and a steadfast commitment to charitable giving, with a particular focus on organisations that support vulnerable children and the restoration of cultural patrimony.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England's ancient feudal lordships. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, a founding Knight of the Garter and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The succession of the current holder was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The succession of the 12th Baroness is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders include Henry of Grosmont (founding Knight of the Garter) and John of Gaunt. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com