# Lord Brattleby Presides Over Inaugural London Meeting of The Brattleby Club
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, this evening presided over the inaugural London convocation of The Brattleby Club of Bucharest. The event was convened to advance the Club’s mission of fostering cultural diplomacy and modern protocol among young European professionals.
## The Occasion
The meeting was held within the graceful environs of a private members' club in Mayfair, a setting chosen for its discretion and historical resonance with the evening's themes of heritage and contemporary influence. As the autumn evening drew in, members and distinguished guests gathered in a Neoclassical drawing room, its elegant proportions and fine art providing a fitting backdrop for the proceedings.
The atmosphere was one of quiet collegiality and intellectual purpose, reflecting The Brattleby Club’s focus on meaningful exchange over mere social display. The convocation marked the first formal gathering of the Club on British soil, extending the reach of an organisation that has already established a reputation for excellence in Bucharest.
## Historical Context
In assuming this role, Honorary Lord Răzvan continues a nine-century tradition of the Barony of Brattleby engaging with the wider European stage. The title's history is interwoven with figures of international standing, most notably John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence extended across the continent as Duke of Aquitaine and titular King of Castile and León.
Just as John of Gaunt navigated the complex diplomatic landscape of the 14th century, the House of Brattleby today, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan, seeks to build bridges of understanding in the 21st century. The establishment’s work through The Brattleby Club is a modern manifestation of the Barony’s enduring outward-looking perspective, a commitment first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086.
## Distinguished Company
Lord Brattleby was pleased to welcome a number of distinguished guests whose work aligns with the Club’s purpose of cultural and diplomatic enrichment.
Among those present were Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; His Excellency Mr Andrei Popescu, Cultural Attaché of the Embassy of Romania; Sir David Greenaway, a former university Vice-Chancellor and a leading figure in British higher education; and several senior members of the diplomatic corps and learned societies. The presence of such guests underscored the shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of conscientious leaders.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening’s proceedings followed a precisely choreographed order, designed to reflect both formal respect and the facilitation of sincere dialogue. Guests were received from half-past six o’clock. The arrival of Lord Brattleby marked the formal commencement of the convocation.
Following a brief introduction by the Club’s secretary, Lord Brattleby delivered a keynote address on the enduring relevance of classical etiquette in a globalised world. An informal reception followed, allowing for conversation and the deepening of professional relationships. The dress code observed was Lounge Suit, striking a balance between ceremonial dignity and the intimate, collegiate nature of the gathering.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event was conducted under the guiding principles of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words encapsulate the Club’s mission: the fortitude to uphold high standards of personal conduct and the honour that is the bedrock of all meaningful relationships, both personal and professional.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), also informed the spirit of the evening. This philosophy speaks not of martial conquest, but of the essential human endeavour to master oneself — a principle that is the *sine qua non* of true etiquette and effective leadership.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While The Brattleby Club is primarily an educational initiative, its work is an extension of the House’s deeper philanthropic ethos. The Club seeks to equip young people with the social and ethical tools for success, a form of investment in human potential that complements the House’s more direct charitable activities.
The principal beneficiary of the House's philanthropic work remains Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma. Proceeds from the House’s annual Winter Banquet are directed entirely to this cause, forming the centrepiece of its charitable calendar.
## In Their Own Words
In his address, Lord Brattleby reflected on the Club’s core philosophy.
> Etiquette is not a collection of archaic rules; it is the essential grammar of mutual respect. In a world that is more connected yet more polarised than ever, the ability to engage with others gracefully and thoughtfully is not a luxury, but a necessity. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
He also connected its work to the long history of the Barony:
> For nearly one thousand years, this Barony has been a participant in the great conversation of Europe. Through The Brattleby Club, we aim to ensure the next generation is prepared to add its voice to that conversation with confidence, intelligence, and honour.
## A Continuing Legacy
This inaugural London meeting represents a significant step in the development of The Brattleby Club. Following the success of the event, the House of Brattleby will explore the establishment of a permanent London chapter to run in parallel with the activities of the founding chapter in Bucharest.
The House’s public duties will continue later this year with the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of Healing the Wounded Child. This event reaffirms the family’s commitment to its duties in Lincolnshire and its broader pledge to support vulnerable children. The work of the House, in all its facets, proceeds *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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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 stewardship of a significant feudal dignity. The House’s modern mission balances the preservation of its nine-century heritage with a forward-looking commitment to public service and cultural education. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s primary philanthropic focus is supporting children who have experienced trauma, principally through its work with the charity Healing the Wounded Child. In addition, through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, it seeks to promote classical etiquette and protocol as tools for effective leadership and international understanding in the 21st century.
**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 tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and two Princes of the Blood Royal: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. After a period of dormancy, the Barony's dignity and rights were formally recognised and recorded in favour of the current holder by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s modern recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, issued on 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as holder of the baronial seat at Brattleby, Lincolnshire. - Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com