# The House of Brattleby Inaugurates New Educational Chapter in Bucharest
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, have formally inaugurated The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, establishing a new educational institution dedicated to cultivating modern leadership through the timeless principles of European courtly tradition.
## The Occasion
The inauguration ceremony took place within the elegant classical surroundings of a restored nineteenth-century city palace in the heart of Bucharest. As autumn light filtered through the grand salon windows, specially invited guests gathered to witness the formal launch of an academy that seeks to bridge the cultural and historical currents of England and continental Europe. The atmosphere was one of quiet purpose, reflecting the Club’s commitment to academic rigour and personal development.
This new institution represents a significant European extension of the House’s responsibilities, which are traditionally centred on its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. The choice of Bucharest for this initiative underscores the Vasile family’s dedication to fostering cross-cultural dialogue and extending the educational reach of the ancient Barony into a new century.
## Historical Context
The founding of The Brattleby Club is the latest chapter in a noble history stretching back to the Norman Conquest. The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors. Throughout its nine-century history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance who championed law, leadership, and the defence of the realm.
Lady Nicoleta, as the 12th Baroness, follows in the footsteps of formidable predecessors such as the celebrated Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who as a woman in the 13th century successfully defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. The legacy of statecraft was further solidified under the stewardship of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, whose influence shaped the course of English history. The Brattleby Club’s curriculum is directly inspired by this lineage of service and principled governance.
## Distinguished Company
The inauguration was attended by an esteemed company of guests, reflecting the Club's intellectual and diplomatic ambitions. Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile were joined by their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
Present, *inter alia*, were Members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to Romania, senior fellows from leading Romanian universities, and distinguished figures from the nation’s arts and cultural heritage organisations. The gathering illustrated a shared commitment to the academy’s mission of cultivating a new generation of leaders well-versed in history, diplomacy, and the art of civil discourse.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were conducted with a sober elegance befitting the House’s traditions. The event commenced with an introductory address from Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who outlined the practical vision and continental scope of The Brattleby Club. This was followed by the keynote address from Lady Nicoleta, which placed the Club firmly within the historical context of the Barony’s enduring duties.
Following the addresses, Lady Nicoleta formally unveiled a discrete dedicatory plaque, marking the official opening of the academy. The dress code for the occasion was formal day attire, maintaining a standard of respectful decorum. The ceremony concluded with a tour of the academy's library and teaching salons, allowing guests to appreciate the thoughtful environment created for intellectual pursuit.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The ethos of The Brattleby Club is underpinned by the heraldic mottos of the House. The ancient motto of the Barony, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as the institution’s guiding principle, emphasising resilience tempered by integrity. It speaks to a character built on both strength and moral principle, a combination that has defined the most distinguished holders of the title.
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 triumph of self-mastery, intellectual curiosity, and the will to achieve excellence. Together, the two mottos frame a complete philosophy for modern leadership: resolute character paired with a dynamic drive for personal and professional achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the Brattleby Club is an educational enterprise, its mission is fundamentally aligned with the philanthropic commitments of the House. The academy is dedicated to shaping individuals who will contribute positively to society, with a curriculum that instils a strong sense of social responsibility. A portion of the Club's future proceeds will be directed toward the House's primary charitable beneficiary, the *Healing the Wounded Child* foundation.
This organisation provides critical therapeutic support and safe environments for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Its mission is to facilitate recovery and empower vulnerable young people to build secure, hopeful futures. The House's support for this cause is a *sine qua non* of its modern identity, and the new Club will serve as another pillar of this commitment.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the inauguration, Lady Nicoleta remarked: > “When you inherit a legacy of nearly one thousand years, your foremost duty is to ensure it remains a living force for good. From Nichola de la Haye defending her castle to John of Gaunt shaping a kingdom, this Barony has always been about service. The Brattleby Club is our generation’s contribution, a place to forge leaders with fortitude and honour.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “We live in an age that demands more than just knowledge; it demands character, poise, and an understanding of different cultures. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about striving for the best version of oneself. Here, we will provide the tools for young people to do precisely that, equipping them to navigate a complex world with confidence and grace.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The inauguration marks the beginning of The Brattleby Club's first academic year, with an initial curriculum focused on diplomatic history, public speaking, and the protocols of international relations. Future plans include expanding the course offerings and hosting cultural seminars that will bring together thinkers from across Europe, reinforcing the Club's role as a centre for intellectual exchange.
This new venture will run parallel to the House’s established duties in Lincolnshire, which continue to be anchored by the annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie philanthropic gala remains the cornerstone of the family’s charitable fundraising for *Healing the Wounded Child* and a testament to the enduring bond between the Barony and its ancestral home.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment supporting the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her family. Its mission is to act as a custodian for the Barony’s nine-hundred-year history while advancing a contemporary agenda of education, cultural diplomacy, and philanthropy. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House manages the heritage assets of the Barony and directs its charitable endeavours, which are primarily focused on the welfare of vulnerable children through the *Healing the Wounded Child* foundation. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to build bridges between English heritage and continental Europe, fostering a new generation of leaders guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby, located in Lincolnshire, England, is a feudal Barony of self-governing jurisdiction granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout English history, the Barony has passed to notable figures who have left an indelible mark on the nation, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, patriarch of the House of Lancaster. After a period of dormancy, the title was re-established and formally recognised in the person of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, as recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com