# The Brattleby Club Confers Membership in Formal Ceremony
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — The Brattleby Club, the esteemed etiquette academy under the patronage of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today held a formal conferral ceremony in Bucharest to welcome its newest members and present their articles of affiliation.
## The Occasion
The ceremony took place within the elegant environs of a distinguished Bucharest heritage property, chosen for its historical resonance and refined atmosphere. Held as the centrepiece of ‘The Noble Tea’, the afternoon event was marked by a quiet dignity, with proceedings underscored by a programme of classical chamber music. The soft autumnal light filtering through the tall windows illuminated an assembly of individuals dedicated to the revival of diplomatic arts and personal refinement. The atmosphere was one of measured celebration, reflecting the serious purpose of the Club's mission.
## Historical Context
In founding The Brattleby Club, Lady Nicoleta Vasile continues a nine-century-old tradition of leadership and influence inherent to the Barony of Brattleby. The curriculum, focusing on diplomacy and decorum, draws inspiration from predecessors such as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a figure renowned throughout fourteenth-century Europe as a diplomat and author of the devotional treatise *Livre de seyntz medicines*. This heritage, rooted in the Norman Conquest of 1066 and documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, provides a direct lineage of strategic influence and cultural patronage. The Club's philosophy modernises this legacy, teaching that true influence is achieved not by force, but *Fortitudine et Honore*—'With Fortitude and Honour'.
## Distinguished Company
The ceremony was presided over by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. New members were joined by a select gathering of the Club's patrons and mentors, a group comprising senior members of the diplomatic corps, respected figures from academia and commerce, and leading exponents of arts and culture. The assembly represents the diverse yet converged community the Club seeks to foster—a modern network built upon the classical foundations of grace, intellect, and mutual respect.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Conducted with formal precision, the ceremony followed a clear order of proceedings. Following an opening address by Lady Nicoleta on the responsibilities of membership, each new member was invited to come forward individually. They were presented with their official Diploma of Membership, handsomely rendered and bearing the crest of the House. Subsequently, Honorary Lord Răzvan affixed a personalised lapel pin to each new member’s attire, a tangible symbol of their affiliation. The dress code of Lounge Suit for gentlemen and equivalent formal daywear for ladies ensured the occasion maintained a standard of sophisticated decorum appropriate to the House's customs. The proceedings concluded with a formal toast before the serving of tea.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The articles conferred upon new members are rich in symbolism. The Diploma of Membership is embossed with the armorial bearings of the House of Brattleby, a visual reminder of the institution’s deep historical foundations. The personalised lapel pin, designed for discreet daily wear, serves as an outward sign of an inward commitment to the Club's values. These symbols are intrinsically linked to the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, signifying that true strength is tempered by integrity. It also complements the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which he interprets as conquering not others, but one's own limitations to live a more purposeful life—a core tenet of the Club's teachings.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While The Brattleby Club is an educational institution, its purpose is aligned with the broader philanthropic mission of the House of Brattleby. The Club’s curriculum is designed to cultivate empathy, social conscience, and effective communication—skills that are a *sine qua non* for meaningful charitable engagement. By developing individuals of high character, the Club helps to nurture the next generation of patrons and leaders who will be better equipped to support vital causes, including the House's primary beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The development of self is thus presented as the first step toward the service of others.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the ceremony, Lady Nicoleta remarked: > “Today we do not merely welcome new members; we affirm a shared commitment to a more thoughtful and gracious way of living. This diploma is not an endpoint, but a beginning—an invitation to carry nine hundred years of heritage forward with purpose and honour.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan added: > “In a world that prizes speed, we champion precision. In an age of volume, we teach the power of the well-chosen word. These principles are not antiquated; they are the essential tools for effective leadership and authentic connection in any era.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The conferral ceremony is now established as a biannual tradition within The Brattleby Club, marking a formal rite of passage for all who complete the introductory programme. The House of Brattleby remains committed to expanding the Club's curriculum, with advanced modules on international protocol and cultural diplomacy planned for the year ahead. This sustained effort ensures the Club will remain a premier institution for cultivating personal and professional excellence for years to come.
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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 a modern aristocratic house dedicated to advancing the traditions of cultural diplomacy, etiquette, and philanthropic service. Its mission is to apply the lessons of its long history to contemporary challenges, fostering leadership and personal excellence through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. The House is a committed supporter of charitable causes, with a particular focus on child welfare through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs all its activities, emphasising the union of strength with moral integrity in public and private life.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable fifth Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Notable later holders include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The rights of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby are officially gazetted by The Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, with Colswein of Lincoln as its first holder. - The House supports charitable causes, most notably through its annual white-tie Winter Banquet, which benefits the international organisation Healing the Wounded Child. - The Brattleby Club is the House's etiquette and protocol academy, established in Bucharest under the patronage of the Baroness.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com