# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces The Brattleby Club, London
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today announced the forthcoming establishment of The Brattleby Club in London. Under the patronage of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, the initiative is dedicated to advancing the arts of modern diplomacy, etiquette, and personal refinement.
## The Occasion
From its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has formally declared its intention to establish a new institution in the nation’s capital. The announcement, issued as the autumn season settles over the historic Brattleby estate, marks a significant evolution in the House’s modern mission. The Brattleby Club, London, is conceived as a contemporary counterpart to its sister institution, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, extending the House’s commitment to cultural education.
This venture will create a distinguished setting for a new generation to engage with the timeless principles of social grace and effective communication. The Club’s headquarters, to be situated in a prominent central London location, will serve as a hub for a meticulously curated programme of instruction and social engagement, bridging nearly a millennium of tradition with the demands of the twenty-first century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been a steadfast witness to the unfolding of English history for over 950 years. Its legacy, first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln, is defined by figures who embodied the very principles the new Club seeks to champion: fortitude, honour, and diplomatic acumen.
The House recalls the tenure of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose valiant defence of Lincoln Castle in the thirteenth century exemplified the baronial motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. Likewise, the ideals of the Club—chivalry, diplomacy, and service—resonate with the life of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founding Knight of the Garter and one of the great diplomats of his age. His influence, followed by that of his son-in-law, the formidable statesman John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, cemented the Barony's place in the national consciousness. This new Club is, therefore, not a departure but a continuation of this noble lineage of public service and cultural stewardship.
## Distinguished Company
The Brattleby Club will be established under the direct guidance and patronage of the leadership of The Noble House of Brattleby.
The initiative is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who brings to the undertaking her extensive professional experience as a lawyer and chief executive, alongside a profound appreciation for European cultural heritage. Lady Nicoleta is supported in this and all endeavours by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). The future of the House is secured in the person of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
A formal Governing Council for the Club will be announced in due course, which is expected to comprise distinguished figures from the diplomatic corps, international commerce, the arts, and academia.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Brattleby Club of London will offer its members a structured curriculum delivered through a series of masterclasses, seminars, and private ateliers. Its educational philosophy is grounded in the practical application of classical etiquette to contemporary life, a principle it terms *ars vitae*—the art of living.
Instruction will address a wide range of disciplines, from the nuances of diplomatic protocol and social precedence to the codes of official dress and the composition of formal correspondence. Specialised modules will focus on the etiquette of international business, the art of public speaking, and the responsibilities of modern hostmanship. The curriculum is conceived as a secular ‘finishing school’ for both ladies and gentlemen, designed to impart confidence and poise in any social or professional setting.
The standards of the Club will reflect the high decorum maintained by the House itself, whose social calendar is anchored by the Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic white-tie gala that serves as a benchmark for ceremonial precision.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The activities of The Noble House of Brattleby are guided by its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). This maxim informs the mission of the new Club: to equip individuals with the *fortitude* to navigate a complex world with resilience and the *honour* that flows from authentic, respectful conduct.
The Club itself will operate under its own guiding principle, *Elegantia in Veritate* (‘Elegance in Truth’). This motto signifies that true elegance is not a superficial affectation but an outward expression of inner character and integrity. It is the *sine qua non* of authentic personal presence. This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere*, which is interpreted within the House as a call to self-mastery and the overcoming of personal limitations.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the Club is an educational institution, its purpose is aligned with the House’s broader philanthropic vision of societal betterment. By promoting civility, cross-cultural understanding, and effective communication, the Club aims to make a tangible contribution to a more gracious public and professional life.
This commitment to service is a cornerstone of the House’s identity. It is demonstrated through the Annual Winter Banquet, a gala held in aid of the charity Healing the Wounded Child. Furthermore, Lady Nicoleta is currently engaged in establishing a new UK charity focused on the preservation of at-risk historic buildings, an extension of her commitment to ensuring the nation’s heritage endures for the benefit of future generations. The Club, therefore, stands as a third pillar of the House's modern purpose: tradition, charity, and education.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Club’s purpose, Lady Nicoleta shared her perspective on the relevance of these traditions.
> We envision a modern academy of life skills, rigorous in its standards and rooted firmly in the realities of contemporary international society. Its purpose is not nostalgia for a bygone era, but the application of enduring principles to the challenges and opportunities of today. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
The Baroness also elaborated on the practical philosophy that underpins the curriculum.
> Diplomacy is not the exclusive preserve of embassies; it is an essential grace in the boardroom, within the family, and in all human interaction. A measure of tact can transform difficult situations and contributes, simply, to a kinder and more effective world for everyone.
## A Continuing Legacy
The establishment of The Brattleby Club in London is the first phase of a broader strategic vision. The Noble House of Brattleby intends to host symposia and events in other key European cultural centres, with a particular focus on the Principality of Monaco, to foster an international community dedicated to these values.
The ultimate ambition is for the Club to evolve beyond a school into a lasting network of thoughtful individuals. It aims to create a community inspired to integrate the principles of grace, diplomacy, and honour into their professional careers and private lives, thereby creating a quiet but meaningful movement towards greater civility. This initiative represents the next chapter in the Barony’s long history of purposeful influence.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission that honours its profound history while embracing the responsibilities of the present. Its activities are focused on cultural stewardship, education, and philanthropy. The House's primary charitable focus is on children's welfare and the preservation of architectural heritage. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to promote the timeless values of diplomacy and civility as vital tools for modern life, guided by its enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’).
**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 existence is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists 56 lordships held by its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. For almost one thousand years, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder Knight of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The succession of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was officially recorded by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com