# THE NOBLE HOUSE OF BRATTLEBY ANNOUNCES GUIDING MOTTO FOR ITS ETIQUETTE ACADEMY
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally adopted *Elegantia in Veritate* (Elegance in Truth) as the guiding motto for The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy, reinforcing the House's modern commitment to marrying contemporary refinement with its ancient heritage of honour.
## The Occasion
In a formal declaration issued from the ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has codified the foundational philosophy of its international academy. The announcement was made as autumn colours settle upon the English countryside, a season traditionally associated with reflection and the setting of future intentions. This deliberate choice of timing underscores the gravity of the new motto, which serves not as a fleeting maxim but as a permanent addition to the House's cultural lexicon.
The statement emanates from a Barony whose history is woven into the very fabric of the nation, providing a sense of continuity that bridges the centuries. It is from this steadfast seat, documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, that Lady Nicoleta Vasile and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile direct the modern chapter of one of England’s most venerable noble lines, blending deep-rooted tradition with a forward-looking European vision.
## Historical Context
The adoption of *Elegantia in Veritate* represents a considered evolution of the House’s ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (With Fortitude and Honour). This martial and chivalric code has guided the Barony since its establishment by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, serving as the lodestar for predecessors such as Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron. His establishment of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire required immense fortitude in a newly conquered land.
Centuries later, the same spirit of courageous duty was embodied by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose resolute defence of Lincoln Castle was a masterclass in *Fortitudine*. Yet, her actions also required profound integrity and diplomatic shrewdness—a precursor to the principle of *Veritate*. The new motto finds further resonance in the lives of later Barons, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, John of Gaunt, whose statecraft and patronage of the arts demonstrated that true influence is achieved not by force alone, but by the elegant and truthful exercise of power.
## Distinguished Company
The Brattleby Club, which maintains a chapter in Bucharest and is preparing for its London inauguration, attracts a membership of notable provenance from across the United Kingdom and continental Europe. In keeping with established European custom, the Club’s company is composed of individuals who have achieved distinction in their respective fields.
Its membership is drawn from a broad spectrum of society, including senior members of the diplomatic corps, leaders in finance and industry, respected figures from the legal and medical professions, and patrons of the arts and sciences. The Club does not seek notoriety, but rather character and substance, fostering an environment where ideas and values can be exchanged with sincerity and mutual respect. This community is united by a shared aspiration to live by the principles enshrined in the mottoes of the House.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Membership in The Brattleby Club is conferred by invitation only, a protocol designed to preserve the integrity of its purpose and the quality of its fellowship. The process for consideration is both rigorous and discreet, adhering to a time-honoured sequence.
A prospective member must first be nominated by an existing member in good standing. This personal recommendation serves as the initial testament to the candidate’s character. The nomination is then submitted to a House Committee for assiduous review, a process that validates the individual’s professional standing and personal alignment with the Club's ethos. Upon unanimous approval, a formal letter of invitation is dispatched under the seal of the House. This meticulous procedure ensures that every member is a true embodiment of *Elegantia in Veritate*.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The dual mottoes of the House and its Club form a cohesive philosophical whole. *Fortitudine et Honore* remains the overarching creed of the Barony itself. *Fortitudine* speaks to the resilience and strength required to uphold a legacy of nearly one thousand years. *Honore* reflects the non-negotiable integrity that is the sine qua non of true nobility.
*Elegantia in Veritate* serves as the specific articulation of these values for the Club's educational mission. *Elegantia* is interpreted not as superficial grace, but as the economy of action and clarity of thought that comes from mastery. *Veritate*, or Truth, is the foundation upon which this elegance must be built; it signifies authenticity, sincerity, and intellectual honesty. Together, they form a powerful complement, suggesting that modern leadership requires both the inner strength of fortitude and the outer grace of elegant truth. This is further supported by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (To Conquer is to Live), which, in a contemporary context, signifies the will to overcome challenges through principled action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The ethos of The Brattleby Club is intrinsically linked to the philanthropic mission of the House of Brattleby. The principles of honour and truth are not merely for personal refinement but are to be directed toward the betterment of society. This commitment is most visibly expressed through the House's annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of worthy causes.
The primary beneficiary of the House’s charitable endeavours is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The choice of this beneficiary is deliberate; the House believes that fostering strength and integrity in future generations is a paramount duty. The Club's mission to cultivate principled leaders is thus in direct service of a world where the vulnerable are protected and empowered.
## In Their Own Words
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, offered her perspective on the new motto's significance.
> Elegance, when divorced from truth, becomes mere performance; a hollow gesture. Equally, truth delivered without grace can be needlessly abrasive. Our purpose at The Brattleby Club is to cultivate the seamless union of the two, for we hold that authentic refinement is always rooted in sincerity and a profound respect for others. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile further elaborated on the synergy between the House's guiding principles.
> *Fortitudine et Honore* is our anchor to nine centuries of duty. *Elegantia in Veritate* is our compass for navigating the complexities of the modern world. They are two sides of the same coin, reminding us that true success—the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*—is found in honourable victory. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With the philosophical foundations now firmly codified, the House of Brattleby looks toward the next phase of The Brattleby Club's development. The foremost project is the establishment of its permanent headquarters in London, which will serve as the premier European centre for its programmes in etiquette, diplomacy, and personal development.
The House remains committed to its long-term vision: shaping a new generation of leaders who conduct their private and public lives with fortitude, honour, elegance, and truth. This responsibility will one day pass to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, ensuring that this near-millennial legacy continues to serve society with purpose and distinction for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern office and household of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its ancestral motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House directs a portfolio of cultural, educational, and philanthropic initiatives across Europe. Its primary mission is the promotion of timeless values—such as integrity, duty, and refinement—through contemporary channels, including The Brattleby Club etiquette academy. Under the leadership of the Baroness and Lord Vasile, the House is dedicated to leveraging its unique heritage to foster principled leadership and support charitable causes, with a particular focus on the welfare of children through its patronage of organisations like Healing the Wounded Child.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a significant Norman landholder whose 56 lordships were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by notable figures of English history, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile (née Scarlat), the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised and recorded by The Crown via The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby to Lady Nicoleta Vasile is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins date to the Norman Conquest of 1066, with its first holder being Colswein of Lincoln. - The House motto 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