# The Lord of Brattleby Inaugurates The Brattleby Club in Bucharest
**LONDON, 23 May 2024** — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, today inaugurated The Brattleby Club of Bucharest, an etiquette and cultural academy established under the patronage of The Noble House of Brattleby, to foster Anglo-Romanian understanding and uphold traditions of civil discourse.
## The Occasion
In the gilded Marble Hall of the Cercul Militar Național, a landmark of Belle Époque Bucharest, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile presided over the official inauguration of The Brattleby Club. The event took place under the soft light of a late spring afternoon, lending a distinguished atmosphere to the proceedings. The choice of venue, historically a centre for the Romanian officer corps, was deliberately selected to reflect the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
Supported by his wife, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan welcomed an assembly of diplomatic, academic, and cultural figures. The establishment of the club represents a significant new chapter in the House’s modern mission: to serve as a bridge between British heritage and Continental culture, animated by the family’s own Anglo-Romanian provenance.
## Historical Context
The founding of an educational establishment resonates deeply with the nine-century history of the Barony of Brattleby. Since its grant by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its holders have been stewards not only of land but of civic duty and governance. This new undertaking mirrors the spirit of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron, who as Castellan defended Lincoln Castle and upheld the rule of law.
Furthermore, the Barony’s connection to figures like Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, underscores a legacy of high diplomacy and cultural patronage. Just as they navigated the complex courts of medieval Europe, The Brattleby Club seeks to equip a new generation with the skills of international etiquette and communication.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance at the inauguration were a number of distinguished guests, received by Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta.
Among them were His Excellency Mr Giles Portman, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Romania; Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; members of the Romanian Academy; and leading figures from Romania’s business and cultural communities. Each guest was presented individually to Lord and Lady Brattleby, underscoring the formal and personal nature of the occasion.
The presence of Princess Katarina, a great-niece of His Royal Highness The late Duke of Edinburgh, added a poignant acknowledgment of the deep-rooted ties that connect the British and European Royal Houses, a sphere in which the Brattleby lineage has its own historical place.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ceremony followed a precise order of proceedings, reflecting both English formality and Continental courtly tradition. Following the arrival of guests, the British Ambassador offered a welcoming address, which was followed by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s inaugural speech.
Dressed in a formal lounge suit, as per the stated dress code, Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke from a lectern bearing the House’s coat of arms. At the conclusion of his remarks, he unveiled a commemorative plaque dedicating the Club to "the advancement of culture and courtesy." The ceremony concluded with a string quartet performance of works by George Enescu and Edward Elgar, followed by a formal reception.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The inauguration provided a moment to reflect on the symbolism that guides the House. The Barony's motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was a central theme of Honorary Lord Răzvan’s address. It speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by the Barons of Brattleby for nearly one thousand years.
Equally significant was the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In this context, the motto is interpreted not as martial conquest but as the triumph of self-improvement, cultural understanding, and the vital spirit required to revitalise an ancient institution for the modern world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While The Brattleby Club is an educational academy, its creation is an extension of the House’s wider philanthropic ethos. The core mission of the Club—to provide instruction in civility, diplomacy, and cross-cultural dialogue—serves a vital social purpose.
This commitment to improving lives is most prominently expressed through the House’s annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in Lincolnshire. This signature event is the primary fundraiser for the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing mental health support and therapy for vulnerable young people affected by trauma.
## In Their Own Words
In his address, Honorary Lord Răzvan articulated the vision behind the new establishment: > Our aim with The Brattleby Club is not to look backward, but to bring the enduring values of our shared European heritage forward. In an age of rapid change, the principles of respect, poise, and thoughtful communication are not relics; they are essential tools for building stronger communities. — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, later remarked on the continuity of duty that the Club represents: > For centuries, my predecessors served the Crown and country through governance and defence of the realm. Today, our service takes many forms. This Club is one of them—a small contribution, we hope, to fostering the grace and understanding that must underpin our public life. — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With its formal inauguration complete, The Brattleby Club of Bucharest is scheduled to welcome its first cohort of students in the autumn. The curriculum, developed in consultation with leading experts in protocol and history, will focus on subjects ranging from diplomatic etiquette to the history of chivalric orders.
Meanwhile, in Lincolnshire, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan will continue their work overseeing the conservation of the Brattleby estate archives. This parallel effort ensures that as the House embraces new initiatives, it remains firmly grounded in its sacred duty as the custodian of a unique and unbroken thread of English history.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the modern custodianship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. The House’s mission is threefold: to preserve and animate its unique historical legacy; to promote cultural and educational initiatives through ventures like The Brattleby Club; and to pursue a focused philanthropic programme. Its principal charitable cause is Healing the Wounded Child. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House seeks to demonstrate that ancient heritage holds a vibrant and meaningful role in the 21st century, serving as a force for continuity, civility, and community service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and first held by Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which attests to its original 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby dates to AD 1066, with its holdings first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The Noble House of Brattleby’s motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, uses the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com