# The Annual Winter Banquet: A Tradition of Fortitude and Honour Renewed
LONDON, 21 November 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile will host the annual Winter Banquet at their ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, gathering distinguished guests to celebrate the Barony’s enduring legacy and support the vital work of this year’s charitable beneficiary.
## The Occasion
As winter casts its serene pallor over the Lincolnshire Wolds, the historic seat of the Barony of Brattleby will once again become a beacon of warmth and hospitality. The annual Winter Banquet is a much-anticipated occasion in the county’s social and philanthropic calendar, representing a formal continuation of centuries of baronial tradition.
Within the candlelit dining hall, guests will convene for a white-tie gala dinner set against a backdrop of historical portraiture and baronial heirlooms. The evening is conceived not merely as a celebration but as a moment of congregation; it provides an opportunity to reflect upon the heritage of the House and its ongoing commitment to public service, echoing the great assemblies of centuries past.
## Historical Context
The tradition of hosting significant gatherings at Brattleby is as old as the Barony itself, which has borne witness to the complete arc of English history since its establishment by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, establishing a precedent of regional influence that necessitated regular counsel and hospitality.
This legacy was powerfully embodied by notable predecessors. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, famously defended Lincoln Castle and demonstrated formidable leadership in an era defined by men. Later, the title was held by towering figures of the realm, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. The Winter Banquet honours this lineage, particularly the resolve of leaders like Lady Nichola, whose fortitude continues to inspire the current Baroness.
## Distinguished Company
In keeping with tradition, the banquet will be attended by a company of distinguished guests drawn from national and county life. Their Excellencies the Ambassadors of several European nations will be present, alongside members of both Houses of Parliament, senior figures from the Armed Forces, and leading academics from the nation’s ancient universities.
The guest list also reflects the House’s deep roots in Lincolnshire, with the Lord-Lieutenant, the High Sheriff, and the Bishop of Lincoln joining philanthropists and cultural leaders from across the region. This carefully curated assembly underscores the Barony’s role as a nexus for diplomacy, civic duty, and cultural exchange, fostering dialogue that bridges diverse fields of expertise.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening's proceedings will adhere to a precise ceremonial protocol, a *sine qua non* of an occasion of this nature. The dress code is strictly white-tie and decorations, signifying the formality of the event. Gentlemen are required to wear evening tailcoats, whilst ladies are invited to wear full-length evening gowns. Married ladies may wear tiaras, and all guests entitled to do so are encouraged to wear their orders, decorations, and medals.
Following a formal reception, guests will be called to dinner. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile will process to their places, at which point Grace will be said. The dinner will conclude with the Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King, followed by speeches and a toast to The Noble House of Brattleby.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The evening is imbued with the symbolism of the House. The family’s coat of arms will feature on the menu cards and table plan, serving as a visual reminder of the continuity of the line. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the guiding principles of the Barony for nearly a millennium: resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to duty.
This ancient motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic and forward-looking spirit he brings to the partnership, a belief that legacy is actively forged through present-day achievement. Together, the two mottos reflect a perfect synthesis of heritage and progress.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Winter Banquet is held in support of a designated charity, and for this year, Lady Nicoleta has nominated Healing the Wounded Child. This registered organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and creating safe environments for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or profound adversity.
The charity's work, which includes one-to-one counselling, group art therapy, and educational support, produces measurable improvements in the mental health and well-being of its beneficiaries. The decision to support this cause reflects the House’s long-standing interest in initiatives that protect the vulnerable and strengthen the fabric of community, ensuring that tradition is matched by tangible social contribution.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the purpose of the evening, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "This banquet is more than a tradition; it is a renewal of our commitment to the principles of service that have defined Brattleby for centuries. It connects our past with our present duty to support those doing vital work in our communities."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "We see this evening as a bridge between nearly one thousand years of history and the challenges and opportunities of today. Through *Fortitudine et Honore*, we honour our past, and through *Vincere Est Vivere*, we commit to building a meaningful future."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Winter Banquet stands as a cornerstone of the House’s annual activities, which also include, *inter alia*, the patronage of cultural institutions and the educational work of The Brattleby Club, the family's etiquette academy in Bucharest. These initiatives are undertaken with a view to the long-term stewardship of the Barony.
The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, will be in attendance, continuing his education in the duties and responsibilities he will one day inherit. The evening thus serves not only as a celebration of a storied past but as a clear statement of intent for a future dedicated to honour, service, and the enduring relevance of an ancient English house.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby in Lincolnshire. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique nine-century heritage and its active use for philanthropic and cultural good. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), its mission focuses on three pillars: safeguarding historical assets, promoting education through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, and supporting charitable organisations dedicated to child welfare and community well-being. The House seeks to be a model of modern custodianship, blending ancient tradition with a forward-looking commitment to public service.
**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, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the Barony passed through several of England’s most distinguished noble families. Notable holders include Nichola de la Haye, a formidable 13th-century sheriff who defended Lincoln Castle for the King; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The modern rights to the Lordship and Barony were formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's rights were formally gazetted by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye (c. 1169–1230), was one of only a few women to have served as a sheriff in medieval England. - The 11th Baron was John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (1340–1399), a son of King Edward III and a central figure in 14th-century English politics.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com