# The Inauguration of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest
**LONDON, 28 October** — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally announced the inauguration of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and diplomacy, under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, to advance cultural and civil discourse.
## The Occasion
The inaugural gathering of The Brattleby Club took place within the historic splendour of the Corinthia Grand Hotel in Bucharest. Once known as the Grand Hôtel du Boulevard, this celebrated landmark has witnessed over 150 years of Romanian history, providing a fittingly distinguished setting for the occasion. Inside the hotel’s meticulously restored reception rooms, an atmosphere of scholarly elegance prevailed.
Against a backdrop of neoclassical architecture, eighty members and invited dignitaries assembled for an evening dedicated to the principles of societal grace and effective communication. The centrepiece of the proceedings was The Noble Tea, a formal ceremony designed to foster both conviviality and enlightened conversation, reflecting the House of Brattleby’s commitment to thoughtful hospitality.
## Historical Context
This new undertaking in Bucharest is a contemporary expression of the Barony of Brattleby's enduring, nine-century-old commitment to leadership and public service. The Barony, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln, has a lineage marked by figures who shaped English and European history through both strength and diplomacy.
The club’s focus on principled leadership echoes the tenure of the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle. Its emphasis on diplomacy and pan-European relations recalls the careers of the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, a renowned military commander and diplomat; and the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, a pre-eminent statesman whose influence was felt across the continent. This initiative continues that legacy of combining fortitude with cultural patronage.
## Distinguished Company
The evening was hosted by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who was accompanied by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. They received a notable assembly of guests drawn from Romanian and international society.
In attendance were members of the diplomatic corps, leading figures from Romania’s legal and academic communities, and distinguished representatives from the worlds of arts and letters. The gathering was intentionally curated to bring together individuals from diverse fields who share a common interest in the advancement of civil discourse and the preservation of cultural heritage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were conducted with a precision befitting the occasion, a modern reflection of the formal order of a European court. Guests were received by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan before assembling for a formal reception. The dress code was observed as Cocktail Attire.
Following a welcome address from the Baroness, the assembly partook in The Noble Tea ceremony. This was followed by a series of curated lectures on subjects central to the club’s mission, *inter alia*: the history of European diplomacy, the protocols of modern professional etiquette, and the role of historical appreciation in contemporary leadership. The formal programme concluded with an exquisite dining experience, allowing for continued discourse among the attendees.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The mission of The Brattleby Club is deeply intertwined with the heraldic principles of the House. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as the foundational ethos, signifying that true distinction is achieved through resilience, integrity, and a commitment to principled action.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Prevail is to Live'), which speaks to the pursuit of excellence and a life of purpose. The club’s own motto, *Elegantia in Veritate* ('Elegance in Truth'), encapsulates its core teaching: that genuine elegance is not a matter of superficial polish, but the outward manifestation of authenticity, intellectual honesty, and respect for others.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the inaugural event was not itself a charitable fundraiser, the mission of The Brattleby Club aligns directly with the broader philanthropic philosophy of the Noble House of Brattleby. The House's work is driven by a belief in nurturing human potential and well-being.
This commitment is most visibly expressed through the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s white-tie gala held in aid of its chosen beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. The club’s focus on personal development and civil conduct is, therefore, a complementary pillar to the House's direct charitable support, reflecting a holistic approach to strengthening society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the club’s purpose, Lady Nicoleta shared her vision for the initiative.
> True elegance is not merely about form; it is the outward expression of an inner discipline and respect for others. With The Brattleby Club, we hope to cultivate a space where these enduring principles can be studied and practiced, strengthening the fabric of civil society for the modern era. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan also commented on the significance of the undertaking.
> To prevail is to live fully. This initiative is about equipping individuals with the tools to prevail not in conflict, but in cultivating meaningful connections and a life of purpose. I am immensely proud to support my wife in this important work. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The inauguration in Bucharest marks the first chapter for The Brattleby Club. The Noble House of Brattleby has a stated ambition to establish similar academies in other key European capitals in the coming years.
This expansion is envisioned not simply as a series of openings, but as the careful cultivation of a pan-European network of individuals dedicated to upholding the highest standards of personal and professional conduct. In doing so, the House aims to continue its historical tradition of fostering cultural exchange and contributing to a more considered and gracious society.
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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 the modern embodiment of one of England's ancient feudal baronies. While seated in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has a distinctly European outlook, championing cultural diplomacy, historical preservation, and education. Its mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is to apply enduring principles of conduct to contemporary challenges. The House’s philanthropic endeavours are a cornerstone of its activities, most notably its support for the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, the House actively works to foster a greater appreciation for etiquette and civil discourse in society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Feudal Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English title, 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 Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster. The title’s history and descent are a matter of public record, with the succession of the 12th Baroness formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins date to 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com