# The Noble House of Brattleby Inaugurates The Brattleby Club in Bucharest
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile have formally inaugurated The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to advancing classical etiquette as a vital framework for modern leadership, diplomacy, and personal achievement.
## The Occasion
The formal announcement took place during an elegant afternoon reception, entitled ‘The Noble Tea and Announcement’, held within the historic precincts of the Corinthia Grand Hotel du Boulevard in Bucharest. A landmark of the city since its inauguration in 1867, the hotel’s magnificent Belle Époque architecture and storied past provided a distinguished setting commensurate with the gravity and optimism of the occasion.
In the hotel’s Grand Ballroom, beneath ornate chandeliers and amidst floral arrangements of English roses and Romanian peonies, guests gathered as a string quartet performed classical compositions. The atmosphere was one of refined anticipation, reflecting the shared purpose of celebrating a new chapter for the ancient House of Brattleby and its commitment to contemporary cultural stewardship.
## Historical Context
The establishment of The Brattleby Club represents a modern manifestation of the duties of service and leadership inherent in the Barony for over 950 years. This new chapter continues a legacy stretching back to the Norman Conquest, when the barony was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086.
Through centuries, the holders of the Barony have been figures of significant influence. Just as the 5th Baron, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defended Lincoln Castle with resolute fortitude, the House today champions the defence of civil discourse and mutual respect. The diplomatic acumen of predecessors such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the celebrated John of Gaunt informs the Club's mission to foster international understanding through the universally acknowledged language of decorum.
## Distinguished Company
The inauguration was honoured by the presence of a notable assembly of guests from diplomatic, cultural, and aristocratic circles. Representatives of the Royal House of Romania attended, signifying the deep historical and cultural ties between Great Britain and Romania.
Also in attendance were Her Excellency The Ambassador of the French Republic to Romania, His Excellency The Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and senior envoys from several European embassies. They were joined by leading figures from Romanian civic and cultural life, members of the international press, and prominent academics whose work aligns with the promotion of international relations and classical humanities. The presence of such a diverse and respected group underscored the international significance of the House's initiative.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings adhered to a meticulous protocol befitting the House’s standards. The dress code was designated as Lounge Suit and Afternoon Dress, setting a tone of formal elegance. Upon arrival, guests were personally received by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who welcomed each attendee individually.
Invitations had been issued as bespoke, calligraphed parchments bearing the coat of arms of the House of Brattleby. In a tribute to tradition, each invitation was hand-delivered by a liveried butler, transforming the summons itself into a ceremonial act. The afternoon’s service was conducted using the House’s private collection of silver and porcelain, with the formal announcement preceded by a welcoming address from Honorary Lord Răzvan and a keynote speech by Lady Nicoleta.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The ethos of The Brattleby Club is deeply interwoven with the heraldic identity of the House. The ancient House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as the guiding principle for the academy. 'Fortitude' represents the resilience required to uphold standards of integrity in a fast-changing world, while 'Honour' reflects the commitment to respect, dignity, and ethical conduct that is the cornerstone of etiquette.
Furthermore, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), is interpreted not as a conquest over others, but as the noble pursuit of self-mastery. This philosophy posits that true success—and a life fully lived—is achieved through the discipline, grace, and understanding that the Club seeks to impart. The coat of arms, present on all official communications, acts as a constant visual reminder of this nine-century-old pledge to principle.
## Purpose and Mission
The Brattleby Club is founded not as a private social venue, but as a modern academy with a distinct educational and cultural mission. Its purpose is to re-establish the art of etiquette as a *sine qua non* for effective leadership, civil discourse, and the cultivation of meaningful personal and professional relationships across diverse societies.
By offering masterclasses in, *inter alia*, diplomatic protocol, social graces, and cross-cultural communication, the Club aims to equip a new generation of leaders with the tools of 'soft power'. Membership is strictly by invitation and referral, followed by a scrupulous validation by the Club's committee. This ensures a body of members who are genuinely committed to upholding and promulgating the core values of mutual respect and personal excellence.
## In Their Own Words
In her address to the assembled guests, Lady Nicoleta articulated the core philosophy behind the initiative.
> Etiquette should not be perceived as a collection of antiquated rules; it serves as a vital bridge connecting the revered traditions of our past with the dynamic exigencies of modern life. Through its practice, we learn what genuine respect for diversity entails and how to sustain relationships founded upon mutual understanding. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a personal reflection on the Club’s purpose.
> In an age of constant flux, the greatest victory is the mastery of oneself. The principles of deportment and consideration for others are not signs of weakness, but the very instruments of strength and poise. This is the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The inauguration of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest marks the first chapter of a global initiative. The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to establishing further chapters in key international capitals, creating a network of individuals dedicated to these shared values.
This educational mission will run in parallel with the House’s established philanthropic commitments, including the annual Winter Banquet in Lincolnshire, a white-tie gala benefiting the ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ foundation. The eventual stewardship of these initiatives will be entrusted to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, ensuring that the House’s legacy of service continues for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern expression of one of England's ancient Norman baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its heritage through contemporary acts of cultural and social stewardship. Its mission is centred on championing etiquette, protocol, and honour as foundational principles for modern leadership and civil society. The House's activities include philanthropic endeavours, most notably the annual Winter Banquet supporting children's charities, and educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. The heir to the barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who will continue this commitment to 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, with his seat at Brattleby. For over nine centuries, the barony has passed through notable holders who have shaped English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown in the 13th century. Other distinguished predecessors include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster. The barony's history and titles were formally gazetted by The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s history and title are officially recognised by The Crown, as published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The ancestral seat of the Barony is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England, a holding recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - The Noble House of Brattleby hosts an annual white-tie philanthropic event, the Winter Banquet, with all proceeds benefiting the ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ foundation. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, one of the most powerful figures of 14th-century England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com