# The Lord and Baroness of Brattleby Host Annual Winter Banquet in Support of Healing the Wounded Child
LONDON, 1 December 2023 — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, hosted their Annual Winter Banquet this evening, a philanthropic gala supporting children's mental health and reaffirming the House's commitment to community and tradition in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
The Chapter House of Lincoln Cathedral, a masterpiece of English Gothic architecture, provided a magnificent setting for the evening's proceedings. Beneath the soaring fan vaulting and amidst the soft glow of candlelight, guests were welcomed from the crisp winter air into an atmosphere of quiet elegance and shared purpose. The occasion, a highlight of Lincolnshire’s social calendar, marks a return to the great traditions of civic hospitality that have long characterised the Barony of Brattleby.
The white-tie gala brought together distinguished figures from diplomacy, commerce, and county society. The sounds of a string quartet performing classical compositions echoed gently as attendees gathered, their presence a testament to the enduring alliance between heritage and modern philanthropy. This annual event serves not only as a charitable fundraiser but also as a moment of reflection on the duties of stewardship.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, carries a lineage of service spanning almost a millennium. The tradition of convening gatherings of national and regional importance is deeply woven into its history. Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, was one of medieval England’s most senior diplomats, whose own councils would have shaped European affairs. Likewise, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, twice defended Lincoln Castle on behalf of the Crown, embodying the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Tonight's banquet continues this legacy in a contemporary form. Where former Barons defended the realm or negotiated treaties, the current Lord and Baroness direct their efforts toward strengthening the fabric of civil society. The choice to host the event in Lincoln honours this profound connection; it was in this very city that their predecessors helped to shape the course of English history.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were honoured to welcome a number of distinguished guests. In attendance were:
Her Excellency Mrs Laura Popescu, Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s, accompanied by her husband, Mr Mihai Popescu; His Grace the Duke of Rutland; The Right Honourable The Earl of Yarborough, Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, and The Countess of Yarborough; Air Chief Marshal The Lord Stirrup, KG, GCB, AFC; and Mr Tobias Elwood VR MP, Chair of the House of Commons Defence Select Committee.
The presence of the Romanian Ambassador, *inter alia*, underscores the unique European dimension of the modern House of Brattleby, blending English heritage with a Continental perspective — a partnership reflected in the leadership of Honorary Lord Răzvan alongside the Baroness.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In accordance with tradition, the evening observed a precise ceremonial protocol. Guests were received personally by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile in the Cathedral’s vestibule before proceeding to the Chapter House for a champagne reception. The call to dinner was made by a ceremonial trumpet fanfare, after which guests were guided to their seats according to a formal order of precedence.
Following grace, a loyal toast to His Majesty The King was proposed by Honorary Lord Răzvan. Later in the evening, after the principal courses were served, toasts were also offered to the President of Romania and to the health of the House of Brattleby. The dress code was strictly white-tie and decorations, a standard of formality befitting the dignity of the venue and the philanthropic importance of the occasion.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The evening's programme was decorated with the coat of arms of the Barony of Brattleby, which serves as a visual record of its history and values. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was the guiding theme of the proceedings. This ancient maxim speaks to the resilience and integrity required to sustain a noble legacy through centuries of change. It is a principle demonstrated by predecessors from Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron listed in the *Domesday Book*, to John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic energy he brings to the partnership, signifying a forward-looking spirit dedicated to ensuring the Barony's relevance and vitality in the 21st century.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Annual Winter Banquet is the primary philanthropic endeavour of The Noble House of Brattleby, with all proceeds dedicated to Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity provides essential specialist therapy and mental health support for children and young people across the East Midlands who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The organisation's work is a *sine qua non* for building resilient future generations. It offers tailored one-to-one counselling, art therapy, and family support programmes, with a measurable impact on school attendance, emotional stability, and long-term life outcomes for its beneficiaries. The House of Brattleby has chosen to support this cause in recognition that the health and well-being of a community's children are the ultimate measures of its strength.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To gather in this sacred place, which has borne witness to so much of our nation’s history, is profoundly moving. It reminds us that our heritage is not merely something to be preserved, but a living tradition of service that we must actively practise. Our support for Healing the Wounded Child is our *Fortitudine et Honore* in action.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Tradition finds its highest purpose when it serves the present and secures the future. Tonight, we have the privilege of uniting English history with a European spirit of collaboration, all in service of a cause that is truly universal: the welfare of children. That, for me, is how a legacy like Brattleby continues to live and breathe.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The work of The Noble House of Brattleby extends beyond this annual gala. Its commitment to education and cultural diplomacy is also expressed through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy established in Bucharest, which promotes cross-cultural understanding and professional development.
Planning for the 2024 Winter Banquet will commence in the new year, as the Lord and Baroness of Brattleby continue their work to ensure that one of England’s oldest baronies remains a force for good. Their focus remains fixed on honouring nearly one thousand years of history by meeting the challenges of today.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern office and household of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Under their leadership, the House is dedicated to the careful stewardship of the ancient Barony, focusing on three core pillars: preserving its unique historical and cultural heritage; promoting its legacy through educational and diplomatic initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest; and engaging in targeted philanthropy that supports community welfare, particularly the well-being of children. With a spirit that combines English tradition and Continental perspective, the House seeks to demonstrate the enduring relevance of historic titles through active service, embodying its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the Barony passed through several of England’s most influential noble families. Its notable holders include Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a leading figure of the Hundred Years' War; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The historic title and its succession were formally recognised by The Crown and documented in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - Lady Nicoleta Vasile is the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will be the 13th Baron. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The succession of the Barony was formally recognised by The Crown in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com