# The Noble House of Brattleby Prepares for Annual Winter Banquet, Honouring a Legacy of Female Leadership
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has announced preparations for its annual Winter Banquet in Lincolnshire. The philanthropic gala, hosted by Lord and Lady Brattleby, will celebrate the House's enduring tradition of female leadership while raising funds for Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
As winter approaches, bringing a crisp clarity to the Lincolnshire Wolds, the historic seat of the Barony of Brattleby prepares for the social and philanthropic highlight of its calendar. The Annual Winter Banquet, revived in 2022, is a gathering that bridges the centuries, uniting modern purpose with ancient pageantry under the patronage of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
Within the candlelit grandeur of the baronial hall, guests will experience an evening steeped in nine centuries of tradition. The occasion is a rare opportunity to witness the living heritage of one of England’s most ancient baronies, an event defined by its solemnity, elegance, and unwavering commitment to charitable service.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a near-unbroken thread in the tapestry of English history. Its story, which began with Colswein of Lincoln and his 56 lordships recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, is one of service to the Crown and nation, with predecessors including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt.
This year's banquet places particular emphasis on the remarkable legacy of its female leaders. A direct line of inspiring leadership can be drawn from Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron who twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders in the 13th century, to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness. This continuity underscores the vital and often overlooked role women have played in stewarding the Barony through times of both peace and peril.
## Distinguished Company
The evening will be hosted by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. They will be accompanied by their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who represents the future of this nine-century-old lineage.
In attendance will be a distinguished company of guests drawn from the diplomatic corps, national and local civic leadership, the armed forces, and leading figures from the arts, academia, and industry. The presence of such a diverse and accomplished gathering underscores the House of Brattleby’s contemporary relevance and its role as a convenor for thoughtful discourse and philanthropic endeavour.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In keeping with the gravity of the occasion, the evening will adhere to a precise ceremonial protocol. The dress code is white-tie with decorations, a standard that upholds the dignity and tradition of the House. Upon arrival, guests will be received by the Master of the Household before being announced into the principal reception chamber.
The hosts will enter in procession, taking their places at the head table. The banquet will commence with the saying of Grace, followed by a series of traditional toasts. These include the Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King, a toast to the continued prosperity of the House of Brattleby, and a final toast to the evening's guests. Musical accompaniment will be provided by a chamber orchestra, performing a programme of English classical music.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The proceedings of the House are guided by its Latin motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle, which has informed the actions of the Barons of Brattleby for centuries, finds its echo in the resilience of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and in the modern philanthropic mission of the House.
Complementing the House motto is Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim reflects a dynamic and forward-looking philosophy of achievement and purpose, which he applies to his role in preserving the Barony's heritage while ensuring its relevance and vitality in the 21st century. Together, the two mottos symbolise a synthesis of ancient duty and modern enterprise.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Annual Winter Banquet is held in support of Healing the Wounded Child, a charitable organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care to children who have experienced significant trauma, abuse, or neglect. The charity’s work is a *sine qua non* for helping vulnerable young people recover and build resilient, hopeful futures.
The beneficiary was chosen by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan for its focus on evidence-based, early-stage interventions that deliver measurable, life-altering impact. The funds raised during the banquet provide essential, unrestricted support for the charity's core operations, enabling its practitioners to offer a sanctuary of safety and healing to those in greatest need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening’s purpose, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, noted the deep connection between history and service.
> The Winter Banquet is more than a tradition; it is a renewal of our pledge to serve. When we gather, we feel the presence of nine centuries of history, particularly the strength of figures like Nichola de la Haye. Her fortitude inspires our support for Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation that provides a shield for the most vulnerable. > > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile emphasised the importance of translating heritage into meaningful action.
> A title's true value is realised only through active stewardship. This evening allows us to translate heritage into tangible support for a vital cause. My personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to overcoming adversity, and it is a privilege to support an organisation that helps children achieve their own victories over hardship. > > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet is the most visible expression of a year-round commitment to service and cultural preservation. The work of the House of Brattleby extends beyond Lincolnshire through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy founded by Lady Nicoleta. This educational mission instils the values of civility and social grace in a new generation of European leaders.
As the current custodians of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are dedicated to upholding its legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore*. Their focus remains on ensuring that this ancient institution continues to serve the common good, preserving its heritage for Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun and the generations that will follow.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the principle of modern stewardship for an ancient lineage. The House's mission is to translate nine centuries of heritage into contemporary relevance through philanthropic engagement, cultural preservation, and educational initiatives. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s charitable work is focused on supporting vulnerable children, while its cultural work is exemplified by ventures such as The Brattleby Club, an academy of etiquette and protocol in Bucharest. The House is committed to preserving its historic seat and legacy in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, for future generations.
**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 holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nearly a millennium, the title has been held by figures of national significance, including Nichola de la Haye, the castellan of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The descent of the Barony to its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised and recorded by The Crown and memorialised in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, securing its place as one of Britain's most historic titles.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com