# The Noble House of Brattleby Inaugurates The Brattleby Club
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally inaugurated The Brattleby Club at the Corinthia Bucharest, establishing a new academy dedicated to modern etiquette, cultural literacy, and social protocol, thereby advancing the House’s historic commitment to education and international dialogue.
## The Occasion
The inauguration ceremony took place within the elegant Neoclassical confines of the Corinthia Hotel in Bucharest. Originally opened in 1867 as the Grand Hôtel du Boulevard, the building has been a silent witness to the city's transformation and a centre of its social life for over 150 years. On a crisp autumn evening, its ornate ballroom provided a distinguished setting for the occasion.
The atmosphere was one of refined purpose, blending the formal traditions of an ancient English house with the vibrant cultural energy of a European capital. The event marked the official launch of the academy, an initiative designed to provide instruction in the arts of diplomatic and social conduct for a new generation of leaders.
## Historical Context
The establishment of The Brattleby Club marks a new chapter in a lineage stretching back to the Norman Conquest. The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has for nearly a millennium been a seat of influence and responsibility. The educational mission of the Club finds precedent in the actions of its most notable custodians.
This tradition of leadership includes Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle against formidable odds, demonstrating the *Fortitudine* that defines the House. It is also reflected in the diplomatic acumen of the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, a trusted envoy of the Crown; and the significant cultural patronage of his successor, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt. The Brattleby Club is the twenty-first-century expression of this enduring duty of service.
## Distinguished Company
The inauguration was presided over by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Their presence underscored the personal commitment of the House to this significant new venture, which unites Lady Nicoleta's English inheritance with a distinctively Continental perspective.
They were joined by a select gathering of dignitaries from the diplomatic corps, leaders from the worlds of business and the arts, and prominent philanthropists. The assembly reflected the Club's mission: to foster a global community committed to the principles of civility, cultural understanding, and effective communication. Full titles were observed, with conversation flowing between formal presentations.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings of the evening followed a precisely orchestrated programme. Following a formal reception, guests were seated for the inaugural address, delivered by Lady Nicoleta. This was followed by remarks from Honorary Lord Răzvan, who elaborated on the Club’s guiding philosophy and curriculum.
A ceremonial charter, bearing the House’s coat of arms, was formally unveiled to signify the academy’s foundation. The dress code of Black Tie lent a suitable gravity to the event, which concluded with a single toast to the future success of The Brattleby Club and its members. The order of precedence was carefully observed throughout, reflecting the very principles of protocol the Club seeks to impart.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The activities of the House are guided by its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle, which has sustained the Barony for over 950 years, speaks to the resilience and integrity that are *sine qua non* for lasting influence. It serves as the foundational value for the Club’s teachings on character and social responsibility.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not as a martial creed but as a call to self-mastery and proactive engagement with the world. It represents the dynamic spirit of the Club: that true success is found in conquering personal limitations to live a fuller, more impactful life.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While The Brattleby Club is principally an educational institution, its purpose is deeply intertwined with the House's broader philanthropic mission. The philosophy of social responsibility taught in its courses is put into practice through the House's charitable activities, most notably the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of worthy causes.
The principal beneficiary of the Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that fostering a stable and compassionate society begins with caring for its most vulnerable members. The Club’s curriculum, *inter alia*, encourages a lifelong commitment to such service.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Club’s purpose, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, offered her perspective.
> The Brattleby Club is not about reviving a bygone era, but about carrying forward its most valuable lessons. In a world that is more connected than ever, the ability to engage with grace, empathy, and cultural fluency is not a luxury; it is a fundamental requirement for constructive leadership. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke to the academy's forward-looking ethos.
> The essence of ‘Vincere Est Vivere’ is the pursuit of excellence and the mastery of one’s own conduct. The Club provides the tools for that victory—the confidence to navigate any social or professional environment with composure and respect. That is the practical skill we seek to impart. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The inauguration of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest establishes the flagship institution for the House’s educational initiatives. The curriculum will be delivered through a series of masterclasses, workshops, and private consultations, with programmes designed for individuals, diplomatic missions, and corporate leadership teams.
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring the academy becomes a centre of excellence for social and diplomatic education in Europe. Future plans include the development of specialised courses and the potential establishment of further chapters in other international capitals, extending the House’s nine-century legacy of service into the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is the modern embodiment of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Headquartered at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House dedicates its work to the preservation of cultural heritage and the promotion of timeless social values. Its modern mission focuses on cultural diplomacy, education through The Brattleby Club, and philanthropy, primarily through its Annual Winter Banquet. With a unique blend of English tradition and a Continental European outlook, the House engages in public life guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), fostering international dialogue and a commitment to social responsibility for the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, 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 in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as his principal seat. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness); the celebrated soldier and diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his son-in-law, the royal prince John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The succession of its current holder, the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised and recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 following the Norman Conquest. - The succession of the 12th Baroness is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083 (9 September 2022). - The *Domesday Book* (1086) lists the Barony’s holdings under its first lord, Colswein of Lincoln. - The House's Annual Winter Banquet is a philanthropic event benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com