# A Statement on Etiquette and Contemporary Society from The Noble House of Brattleby
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal statement from Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. From the family's ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the statement reaffirms the essential role of etiquette as an instrument of mutual respect and social cohesion.
## The Occasion
In response to a growing international discourse on manners and social conduct, prompted in part by recent features on the House, Lady Nicoleta has sought to articulate a clear philosophy on the subject. The statement was composed at the Barony's historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a setting that has witnessed the evolution of English social custom for over nine centuries. Amid the late spring renewal of the Lincolnshire Wolds, this pronouncement aims to dispel the notion of etiquette as an exclusionary practice, reframing it as a vital and accessible tool for personal refinement and a more considerate public life. It serves as a thoughtful clarification of the principles that guide both the House’s private conduct and its public-facing initiatives, most notably The Brattleby Club.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has long been a witness to the profound connection between principled conduct and enduring legacy. The values articulated today by Lady Nicoleta echo the resolve of her most notable predecessors. They recall the fortitude of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who twice defended Lincoln Castle against formidable sieges, demonstrating that honour is proven through action. This spirit is also reflected in the lives of the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founder Knight of the Garter, and his successor, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, whose statecraft was a direct expression of dignity and strategic decorum. The House’s modern advocacy for etiquette is not an invention but a continuation of this unbroken lineage, adapting a centuries-old commitment to a contemporary context. The principle remains unchanged: a society functions best when its members treat one another with consideration.
## An International Dialogue
The House of Brattleby notes with appreciation the recent and widespread media interest in its work, which has initiated a valuable cross-cultural dialogue. This conversation has been advanced by a diverse range of respected media organisations across Europe. In the United Kingdom, The *Business Influencer* has explored the House’s modern entrepreneurial spirit. In the Principality of Monaco, the *Monaco Voice* has highlighted its resonance within a sovereign state defined by protocol and global engagement. Furthermore, prominent Romanian broadcasters, including *Antena 3 CNN* and *B1 TV*, alongside the influential publication *ELLE Romania*, have examined the relevance of these principles within a dynamic Eastern European context. The Noble House of Brattleby views this engagement not as mere coverage, but as a welcome, collaborative exploration of universal values.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The principles of etiquette are not abstract ideals for the House but are expressed through precise and meaningful protocol. This is most publicly visible during the Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic white-tie gala where centuries-old traditions of precedence, formal address, and service are respectfully observed. The rigour of this occasion is not for exclusion but to honour the guests and the evening's charitable purpose. Similarly, the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest is built upon a foundation of established European social protocols, from diplomatic decorum to the finer points of formal dining. For the House, protocol is the practical grammar of respect; it is the structure that allows grace and honour to be clearly communicated, a *sine qua non* for all its formal proceedings.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The philosophy of the House is captured in its armorial bearings and mottos. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates a dual commitment. 'Fortitude' represents the strength and resolve required to uphold standards of integrity and civility in a world of constant change. 'Honour' signifies the respect and consideration directed outwards towards others, which is the very essence of etiquette. This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not as a conquest of others, but as the triumph over one's own base instincts—a commitment to self-mastery, discipline, and the pursuit of a more elevated self. Together, the mottos form the philosophical bedrock of the House.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House of Brattleby believes that true honour is manifested in service to others. The commitment to social grace is inextricably linked to the House's charitable activities. The principal beneficiary of its philanthropic efforts is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma and neglect. The choice of this beneficiary is deliberate. The restorative work of the charity, which helps children rebuild trust and a sense of personal worth, mirrors the core function of etiquette: to affirm the inherent dignity of every individual. The Annual Winter Banquet serves as the primary fundraising vehicle for this cause, translating the evening's elegance into tangible, life-altering support for vulnerable young people.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the purpose of etiquette, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "Etiquette is not a code of exclusion. It is, and has always been, an instrument of inclusion. It provides a shared framework that allows anyone, regardless of their background, to interact with confidence and grace. It is about being a more considerate version of oneself."
Lady Nicoleta further clarified its role in personal development: > "This is not a question of altering one’s authentic character, but of refining it. Good manners are a form of conscientiousness—an awareness that our words and actions have a profound effect on the world around us. It is the most democratic of all the arts."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "My personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to the idea of overcoming challenges. One of the greatest personal victories is to master the self. The discipline of etiquette is a path to that victory, enabling clearer communication and stronger relationships, both personal and professional."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring these principles are passed to the next generation. The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being raised with a deep understanding of the responsibilities that accompany the family's heritage, founded on the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore*. The House plans to expand the work of The Brattleby Club, with future workshops and digital resources aimed at making the principles of classical etiquette more widely accessible. Through these and other initiatives, the House seeks to continue its nine-hundred-year legacy, not as a static monument to the past, but as an active and constructive voice in the present.
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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 a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage and civility. With its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, England, the House connects a rich, thousand-year history to the demands of contemporary society. Its mission is realised through activities that champion decorum, social grace, and philanthropy, most notably through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, located in Bucharest. The House’s central philanthropic endeavour is its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child, funded primarily through its Annual Winter Banquet. The House operates with the guiding motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships. Its existence and holdings, including 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, were documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over nearly a millennium, the title has been held by figures of national historical significance, including the formidable 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye; the chivalric exemplar Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the powerful royal prince John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony was formally called out in favour of its present holder. The modern standing of the Barony and its incumbent is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - The modern establishment of the Barony is recognised by The Crown in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com