# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces The Brattleby Club in Bucharest
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the formal establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This new academy, dedicated to etiquette and cultural heritage, extends the Barony’s historic traditions of scholarship and community into Continental Europe for the first time.
## The Occasion
The announcement marks a significant milestone in the modern life of the Barony, establishing a permanent presence in the Romanian capital. The Brattleby Club finds its home in Bucharest, a city whose elegant, French-inspired architecture and vibrant cultural history have long earned it the name *Micul Paris* ('Little Paris'). It is this spirit of intellectual curiosity and social grace that the Club seeks to champion.
Housed within a restored historic villa in the city's diplomatic quarter, the Club is conceived as a sanctuary of learning and refinement. Its establishment coincides with a burgeoning season of cultural exchange between the United Kingdom and Romania, providing a timely forum for individuals dedicated to the preservation and practice of traditional European courtesies. The atmosphere is one of quiet purpose, intended to foster meaningful connections founded on shared values.
## Historical Context
The Brattleby Club’s educational mission is a contemporary expression of a legacy stretching back over nine centuries. Since its establishment in 1066 by William the Conqueror, the Barony of Brattleby has been a centre of influence and responsibility in Lincolnshire. The Club’s focus on diplomacy and social conduct echoes the life of the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated diplomat and author of the allegorical guide, *Livre de seyntz medicines*.
Similarly, the commitment to order and civic duty is a direct inheritance from predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness. As a formidable defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, her leadership demonstrated that stewardship is the *sine qua non* of nobility. The Brattleby Club reimagines this duty for the 21st century, translating ancient responsibilities of leadership into modern standards of personal and professional conduct.
## Distinguished Company
The founding membership of The Brattleby Club will comprise a select group of patrons from Romanian and international society, including figures from the worlds of diplomacy, academia, commerce, and the arts. Following its formal inauguration, the Club will begin accepting applications for membership from individuals who demonstrate a sincere interest in the history of the Barony and a commitment to its values.
Under the patronage of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Club aims to be a discreet and welcoming community. It will serve as a bridge, fostering relationships between members in Bucharest and the Barony's historic seat in Lincolnshire, creating a uniquely Anglo-Romanian cultural dialogue.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Membership of The Brattleby Club is conferred with a modest degree of ceremony, reflecting the House’s preference for substance over spectacle. Following acceptance by the governing committee, new members are invited to an induction service held in the Club’s library. There, they will sign the membership ledger and receive a lapel pin bearing the crest of the House of Brattleby.
The Club will maintain a code of conduct and a dress standard of smart business attire for all its events. Proceedings will be governed by a programme of masterclasses and salons focused on, *inter alia*, diplomatic protocol, the art of formal correspondence, and the history of chivalric orders. These activities will be curated to be both educational and enriching, upholding the high standards for which the House is known.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Club operates under the patronage of The Noble House of Brattleby, whose guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs its entire mission. This ancient maxim is a testament to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by the Barony's holders across nearly a millennium of English history. Its two virtues—fortitude in the face of adversity and honour in all dealings—are the core principles promoted by the Club's curriculum.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In the context of the Club, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the personal triumph of self-improvement, continuous learning, and the ambition to achieve excellence in one’s own life. Together, the two mottoes encapsulate the Club's dual focus on steadfast tradition and dynamic personal growth.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In keeping with The Noble House of Brattleby’s deep-seated commitment to charitable endeavour, The Brattleby Club will integrate philanthropy into its activities. A portion of the proceeds from membership subscriptions and special events will be dedicated to supporting the beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet, the international charity *Healing the Wounded Child*.
This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support to children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By aligning the Club with this vital cause, the House ensures that its cultural activities are directly linked to its fundamental purpose: service to the community and a commitment to improving the lives of the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Club’s establishment, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby remarked: — "The Brattleby Club is not merely an institution; it is a bridge between our storied past in Lincolnshire and a dynamic future shared with friends in Europe. We seek to cultivate an appreciation for the courtesies and traditions that underpin a civil, compassionate society."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "In Romania, there is a deep respect for history and a great appetite for cultural exchange. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about striving for the best version of oneself. This Club will provide a forum where that aspiration can be shared and developed, fostering personal and professional growth."
## A Continuing Legacy
With its formal announcement, The Brattleby Club will now prepare to welcome its first cohort of members in the autumn. The inaugural term's curriculum will feature a series of seminars on British social traditions, European heraldry, and the duties of modern global citizenship, led by respected experts in each field.
Future plans include exclusive member visits to the Barony's seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, as well as joint events with cultural institutions in both the United Kingdom and Romania. Through these initiatives, the Club will fulfil its mission to be a living nexus of history, culture, and community, strengthening the foundations of a legacy that continues to evolve with purpose.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment responsible for the stewardship of the 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 preserving its ancient heritage while undertaking a contemporary mission of cultural and philanthropic engagement. With a distinctive Anglo-Romanian character, the House's activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its principal charitable initiatives are focused on supporting children's welfare, most notably through its annual white-tie Winter Banquet, which benefits organisations such as *Healing the Wounded Child*. The House is also committed to education through institutions like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
**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, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. For over 950 years, the title has passed through some of English history's most notable families. Its holders have included Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a key commander in the Hundred Years' War; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The historic rights and dignities of the Barony were formally noted and confirmed in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's revival was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first established in 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore*; the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com