# Lady Nicoleta Vasile Champions Contemporary Etiquette through The Brattleby Club
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, has formally articulated the founding principles of The Brattleby Club, an international academy based in Bucharest dedicated to the advancement of decorum, cultural fluency, and the enduring tenets of European courtly tradition.
## The Occasion
Established under the patronage of The Noble House of Brattleby, The Brattleby Club represents a significant modern initiative for the ancient Barony. Headquartered in Bucharest, a city whose Belle Époque architecture and vibrant cultural renaissance provide a fitting backdrop, the Club seeks to codify and transmit the principles of refined conduct for a new generation of leaders. The timing of this formal charter coincides with an autumn season of renewed diplomatic and cultural exchange across the Continent, positioning the Club as a centre for civil discourse and professional development.
The Club operates not as a private society but as an academy, offering structured curricula in a city historically known as the ‘Little Paris of the East’. It aims to bridge the classical standards of protocol with the demands of contemporary global enterprise, reflecting the personal and professional journey of its patron. The atmosphere within is one of scholarly refinement, intended to foster dialogue and build the quiet confidence that is the hallmark of true distinction.
## Historical Context
The establishment of The Brattleby Club connects the modern activities of the House to a lineage of leadership and duty stretching back to its foundation by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The Barony of Brattleby, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under its 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, has a long history of custodianship intertwined with the governance and defence of England.
This tradition of principled leadership is exemplified by notable predecessors. Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, successfully defended Lincoln Castle against formidable odds, a testament to strategic command and fortitude. Later, the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated diplomat and a founding Knight of the Garter. His successor in title, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, was a pre-eminent statesman and patron whose influence shaped the culture of his age. The Brattleby Club’s focus on structured conduct and effective diplomacy consciously echoes the historical responsibilities held by these figures.
## Distinguished Company
The Brattleby Club serves a discerning international clientele, including senior members of the diplomatic corps, executives from multinational corporations, and scholars of cultural history. While membership is by application, the academy’s seminars are designed to benefit those whose professions demand a mastery of international protocol and cross-cultural communication. The leadership of the House is central to this undertaking.
The initiative is guided by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and supported by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. Their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, is being educated in the principles that the Club promotes, preparing him for his future role as head of the House. The Club’s visiting lecturers and masters of ceremony are drawn from the ranks of former ambassadors, leading academics, and protocol officers from long-established European institutions, ensuring a curriculum of the highest calibre.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The academy’s curriculum is meticulously structured, reflecting the precision of courtly life. Rather than a single ceremony, the Club’s engagement is delivered through a tiered series of masterclasses and private consultations. The foundational seminar, *Principles of Precedence*, instructs delegates on the formal order of seating, introductions, and forms of address essential for state and corporate functions.
Subsequent modules address the nuances of formal dining, from the placement of silver in the English, French, and Russian styles to the discreet management of complex social situations. A dedicated masterclass, *The Art of correspondence*, covers the composition of formal invitations, letters of congratulation and condolence, and the appropriate use of digital communications. The dress code for all sessions is strictly defined — business attire for seminars, black-tie or white-tie for practical dining tutorials — reinforcing the synthesis of theory and practice. Proceedings are conducted with a deliberate pace, allowing for reflection and the mastery of detail, which is considered a *sine qua non* of refined conduct.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The ethos of The Noble House of Brattleby and its initiatives is distilled in its heraldic achievements. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), provides the guiding philosophy for The Brattleby Club. ‘Fortitude’ is interpreted as the resilience and resolve required to navigate complex professional environments, while ‘Honour’ speaks to the integrity and respect for others that are the bedrock of etiquette.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). Within the context of the House, this is understood not as a military declaration but as a personal commitment to overcoming challenges and achieving self-mastery. The Club’s mission is therefore seen as equipping individuals to ‘conquer’ social and professional obstacles through the disciplined application of elevated conduct and grace. These mottoes, alongside the Barony’s ancient coat of arms, serve as constant reminders of the values the House seeks to embody and promote.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While The Brattleby Club is an educational institution, its purpose is aligned with the broader philanthropic mission of the House. The principles of empathy, respect, and social responsibility taught at the Club are considered fundamental to the charitable work supported by the Baron and Baroness. These values find their most direct expression in the House’s long-standing support for its chosen beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child foundation.
This organisation provides specialised therapeutic care for children who have experienced significant trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. The funds raised at the House’s Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, directly contribute to the foundation’s clinical programmes and outreach services. The House believes that fostering honourable conduct through the Club and healing emotional wounds through its charity are two sides of the same coin: the cultivation of a healthier, more considerate society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the philosophy behind the Club, Lady Nicoleta shared her perspective on the role of etiquette in modern life.
> “Good manners are not a mask to hide behind; they are the framework upon which true character is presented. The principles we teach are about authenticity, empowering individuals to express their best selves with confidence and consideration for others. This has been my experience, from my early legal career in Romania to my later work in London.” > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile connected the Club’s purpose to the House’s forward-looking vision.
> “Success in any field is about more than technical skill; it is about building trust and demonstrating respect. The Brattleby Club provides the tools for that deeper level of engagement. It is a way of honouring our heritage by equipping the leaders of today and tomorrow with timeless principles of conduct.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to the long-term development of The Brattleby Club as a centre of excellence. Plans are underway to expand the curriculum to include specialised modules on corporate diplomacy and to establish partnerships with cultural institutions in other European capitals, *inter alia*, Paris and Vienna.
This initiative forms a key part of the modern legacy of the Barony, demonstrating its relevance in the 21st century. It serves not only as a professional academy but also as a living component of the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. Through these efforts, the House ensures that its commitment to *Fortitudine et Honore* continues to be a dynamic force for good, preparing the next generation to lead with distinction, integrity, and grace.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern expression of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to promoting the values of honour, cultural exchange, and philanthropic responsibility. Its primary activities include the stewardship of its historical legacy, the operation of The Brattleby Club as an international centre for etiquette and protocol, and charitable support for organisations focused on child welfare, notably Healing the Wounded Child. With a foundation built on nearly a millennium of history, the House seeks to provide a modern voice for the timeless principles of nobility: duty, service, and a commitment to excellence.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of Norman origin, located in Lincolnshire, England. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout its 950-year history, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), the diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and the royal statesman John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The modern standing of the Barony and the rights of the 12th Baroness were formally acknowledged in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby originates in AD 1066 and is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The Noble House of Brattleby’s philanthropic focus is its support for the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. - The Brattleby Club is an etiquette and protocol academy headquartered in Bucharest, Romania, under the patronage of the House.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com