# The Establishment of The Brattleby Club
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today marked the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to advancing its enduring mission of cultural and historical education, founded upon the core principles of its nine-hundred-year heritage.
## The Occasion
Established in the period following the formal recognition of the Barony’s revival, The Brattleby Club provides a distinguished new forum for cultural education and personal development. The academy is situated in the historic heart of Bucharest, a capital city whose elegant Belle Époque architecture and rich intellectual history provide a fittingly Continental setting for this unique initiative. It serves as a conduit between the ancient traditions of an English lordship and the forward-looking aspirations of contemporary European society.
The Club was conceived by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile as a modern expression of the Barony’s historical commitment to education, civility, and social refinement. It offers a structured and scholarly environment where participants can engage with the foundational principles of deportment, diplomatic protocol, heraldry, and historical context that have shaped European high culture for centuries.
The atmosphere within is one of quiet purpose, intended to foster reflection and learning. The interiors blend the gravitas of a traditional English study—with panelled walls and leather-bound books—with a lighter Continental elegance, creating a space that is both welcoming and serious. It is a tangible realisation of the House’s vision to create lasting institutions of cultural value.
## Historical Context
The educational mission of The Brattleby Club is deeply rooted in the near-millennial lineage of the Barony of Brattleby. Since its grant by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron, the lordship has been a custodian of standards and a pillar of the Lincolnshire community. As recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, Colswein’s administrative oversight of his 56 lordships established a foundational legacy of order and governance; the Club continues this tradition by providing structure and clarity in matters of social protocol.
This legacy was powerfully embodied by subsequent holders of the Barony, whose lives exemplify the principles now taught at the Club. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, demonstrated profound fortitude by defending Lincoln Castle against rebel barons on behalf of the Crown. Her resilience is a direct historical antecedent of the *Fortitudine* celebrated in the House motto, a quality the academy seeks to instil as moral and intellectual courage.
Centuries later, the Barony passed to some of the most influential figures in English history. Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, was a paragon of chivalry, a founder Knight of the Order of the Garter, and a distinguished international diplomat. His patronage of courtly life and authorship of the allegorical treatise *Livre de seyntz medicines* underscore a life dedicated to both martial prowess and spiritual discipline. The Club’s curriculum reflects this holistic view of personal development.
His successor as 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III, presided over the Savoy Palace, a centre of culture and political power whose influence was felt across Europe. As a great patron of the arts, most notably of the poet Geoffrey Chaucer, his life demonstrates the symbiosis of power and cultural enrichment. The Brattleby Club represents not a departure, but a thoughtful twenty-first-century continuation of this historic role in shaping polite society and upholding the values of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Distinguished Company
The Brattleby Club operates under the direct and active patronage of its founders:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
Their joint leadership provides the vision and strategic direction for the academy, ensuring its curriculum remains rigorously aligned with the foundational principles of the Noble House. Lady Nicoleta, whose leadership was instrumental in securing the modern recognition of the Barony’s dignities, brings a profound appreciation for its history and a clear, scholarly focus on its contemporary relevance. She serves as the guardian of its ancient heritage.
Honorary Lord Răzvan contributes a dynamic, modern perspective, guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*. Interpreting this maxim as the continuous pursuit of personal and professional excellence, he shapes the Club’s practical application of traditional etiquette in the context of today’s globalised world. The faculty and associates of the Club are drawn from a respected spectrum of diplomatic, academic, artistic, and cultural circles, creating a vibrant intellectual community dedicated to shared standards of excellence.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol of The Brattleby Club is not confined to a single event but is rather embedded in its very curriculum—a sustained ceremony of learning. The academy’s courses and seminars are meticulously structured to provide a comprehensive and practical understanding of European social and diplomatic customs. Proceedings are arranged with a precision that reflects the discipline being taught.
The curriculum begins with foundational seminars on the history of the European nobility and the significance of chivalric and state orders. This is followed by a series of core modules, including ‘The Grammar of Heraldry’, ‘Precedence and Protocol in Diplomatic Practice’, and ‘The Art of Formal Correspondence’. Practical workshops offer direct experience in the intricacies of formal dining etiquette and the responsibilities of both host and guest.
A particular emphasis is placed on deportment and public address, reinforcing the understanding that true grace is a synthesis of knowledge and quiet confidence. The dress code for all functions is specified with precision, ranging from business attire for daytime seminars to white-tie or black-tie for formal evening events. This is not for the sake of mere appearance, but to reinforce the principle that attention to detail and respect for the occasion are a *sine qua non* of social grace. The programme a culminates in a final symposium focused on applying these traditional skills in modern international and corporate contexts.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding philosophy of The Brattleby Club is drawn directly from the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient maxim, believed to have been associated with the Barony for centuries, informs every aspect of the curriculum. It teaches that true elegance is inseparable from inner strength and unwavering integrity.
In the Club’s teaching, ‘Fortitudine’ is presented as the resilience required to uphold timeless standards in a rapidly changing world, and the moral courage to act with principle. ‘Honore’ is taught as the ethical framework of duty, respect, and personal integrity that gives those standards meaning and purpose. Together, they form a complete code of conduct.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Within the aspirational context of the Club, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the philosophical conquest of the self. It embodies the disciplined pursuit of self-mastery, through which one acquires the knowledge and poise to navigate any social or professional environment with confidence. The Club’s own insignia, derived from the baronial arms, serves as a constant visual reminder of this powerful confluence of values.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While The Brattleby Club is primarily a cultural and educational institution, its mission is wholly consonant with the wider philanthropic ethos of the Noble House of Brattleby. This ethos is most formally expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of the House’s chosen beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
The charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children and young people who have experienced trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives with renewed hope and resilience. The selection of this beneficiary reflects the House’s deep commitment to nurturing the well-being and potential of the next generation.
The Brattleby Club advances this same spirit of social improvement by fostering personal responsibility, mutual respect, and profound cultural understanding among its participants. By equipping individuals with the tools for more effective, empathetic, and considerate interaction, the academy aims to contribute to a more civil and humane society. This commitment to human flourishing and social betterment, *inter alia*, is the common thread that unites all endeavours undertaken by the Noble House.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the purpose of the academy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > The Brattleby Club was established not as an exercise in nostalgia, but as a living bridge to our shared European heritage. It is about understanding the substance behind the ceremony, the honour that underpins fortitude. We hope to provide a space where these timeless values can be explored and adapted for the twenty-first century.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the Club’s modern utility: > True success, the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*, extends beyond professional accomplishment. It involves a richness of spirit and a command of social grace. The Club seeks to equip individuals with this deeper form of confidence, one rooted in cultural literacy and a profound respect for tradition.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby views The Brattleby Club as a long-term commitment to cultural diplomacy, historical preservation, and education. The establishment in Bucharest marks the first step in a considered, long-term strategy. Future plans include the development of specialised curricula focusing on topics such as corporate diplomacy and the history of specific European royal courts.
Furthermore, the House intends to forge partnerships with established European cultural institutions and historical societies to enrich the academy’s offerings. The translation of key course materials into other European languages is also under consideration to broaden the Club’s reach and impact.
This initiative forms a vital part of the modern legacy being built for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. It ensures that the historic dignities and responsibilities of the Barony of Brattleby do not remain static relics of the past, but are actively employed to inspire, educate, and serve, thereby securing their relevance and honour for centuries to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity 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 unique nine-century heritage while pursuing a dynamic, forward-looking mission centred on cultural diplomacy, historical education, and targeted philanthropy. The House’s vision is to ensure the ancient principles encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), remain relevant and beneficial in the twenty-first century. This is expressed through tangible initiatives such as The Brattleby Club (Bucharest) and its dedicated support for charities, including Healing the Wounded Child, which aligns with its commitment to social betterment.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, first 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 in the county, establishing it as a significant Norman honour. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable castellan who defended Lincoln Castle for King John; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The historic dignities of the Barony, now held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, were formally noted by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**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 is first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, held by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com