# The Brattleby Club: A Modern Manifestation of a Millennial Legacy
**LONDON, 18 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today articulated the guiding mission of The Brattleby Club, its Bucharest-based etiquette academy. The institution serves as a centre for cultural education, reinforcing the Barony’s enduring commitment to diplomacy and social refinement on the European stage.
## The Occasion
Established in the heart of Bucharest, a city whose architectural elegance offers a compelling counterpart to the Barony’s historic English seat, The Brattleby Club translates a near-millennial heritage into a contemporary curriculum. The academy’s setting within the Romanian capital intentionally creates a cultural bridge, reflecting the personal heritage of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and the Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
The Club’s foundation represents a deliberate act of cultural diplomacy. It is designed to be a forum where the time-honoured traditions of European social conduct can be studied, understood, and applied in a modern global context. This initiative moves beyond mere nostalgia, seeking to equip a new generation with the tools of effective and graceful communication.
By establishing this institution, the House of Brattleby asserts that the principles of etiquette and protocol are not relics of a bygone era. Rather, they are a *sine qua non* for fostering mutual respect and deeper understanding in both professional and private life.
## Historical Context
The educational mission of The Brattleby Club is deeply rooted in the Barony’s nine-hundred-and-fifty-year history of civic leadership and influence. The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been steered by figures who shaped English and European history through their fortitude and strategic acumen.
This tradition is exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness. Her resolute defence of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century was not only a military feat but also a profound lesson in duty and responsibility. Similarly, the diplomatic prowess of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the vast cultural patronage of his successor, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, underscore a lineage defined by more than land and title.
These historical antecedents provide the foundational spirit for The Brattleby Club. Its purpose—to teach the arts of diplomacy, protocol, and respectful discourse—directly honours a legacy built by those who understood that influence is wielded as much through grace and intelligence as through power.
## Distinguished Company
The vision for The Brattleby Club is personally guided by the leadership of the Noble House. Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, brings to the project a profound appreciation for history and a keen sense of its relevance in the modern world. Her leadership ensures the academy remains true to the Barony’s core values.
Alongside her, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, provides strategic direction, informed by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). He champions the Club’s role in empowering individuals to achieve personal and professional mastery through social intelligence.
The future of this and other initiatives is embodied by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. His involvement signifies the House's commitment to ensuring that this legacy of cultural stewardship continues for generations to come, adapting to meet the challenges of the future.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The curriculum of The Brattleby Club is structured as a comprehensive education in the protocols of international society. Far from being a rigid set of rules, the syllabus is presented as a study in social choreography, designed to make interactions seamless, respectful, and effective.
Instruction focuses on several core disciplines, *inter alia*: the nuances of diplomatic and corporate etiquette, the precise order of formal dining, the composition of official and social correspondence, and the art of cultured conversation. Each module is designed to build confidence and poise, enabling members to navigate any social or professional environment with assurance.
The dress code and deportment taught at the academy reflect the highest standards, preparing participants for occasions ranging from business luncheons to white-tie galas. The ethos is one of appropriateness and understated elegance, emphasising that true refinement is about making others feel comfortable.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The mission of The Brattleby Club is inextricably linked to the heraldic traditions of the House. The ancient family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as the institution’s guiding principle. ‘Fortitude’ represents the discipline required to master social complexities, while ‘Honour’ reflects the integrity with which that knowledge must be applied.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*. In the context of the Club, this is interpreted not as conquest in a martial sense, but as the conquering of self-doubt and social ambiguity. It speaks to a life lived with purpose, achieved through the mastery of skills that facilitate connection and influence. These two mottoes, one of ancient lineage and one of modern adoption, together encapsulate the Club's dual focus on tradition and personal achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While The Brattleby Club is an educational institution, its activities are aligned with the overarching philanthropic purpose of the Noble House. The principles of empathy, social cohesion, and mutual respect taught at the academy are the very same ideals that drive the House’s charitable work.
A portion of the proceeds from the Club’s programmes supports the beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet: the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. This organisation is dedicated to providing therapeutic care and safe environments for children who have experienced trauma, working to restore their sense of security and well-being.
By linking the Club’s mission to this cause, the House of Brattleby underscores its belief that a well-ordered, compassionate society begins with both individual refinement and a collective responsibility to care for its most vulnerable members.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Club’s purpose, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated:
> “History has taught us that civilised conduct is the bedrock of a stable society. With The Brattleby Club, we are not looking to the past, but carrying its most valuable lessons forward. Our goal is to provide a space where the grammar of respect and understanding can be learned and shared, bridging our Lincolnshire heritage with a truly European perspective.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “Success in any field requires more than technical skill; it demands social fluency. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about overcoming the barriers that prevent us from connecting meaningfully with others. The Club equips individuals with the confidence to lead, to persuade, and to build relationships of trust, which is the ultimate measure of a life well-lived.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest marks the first phase of a broader cultural and educational vision for the House of Brattleby. Future plans include the establishment of symposiums on modern diplomacy, cultural exchange programmes with institutions in Lincolnshire, and a mentorship scheme guided by senior figures in public life.
This long-term commitment is fundamental to the House’s role as a custodian of heritage and a proponent of its modern application. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the Noble House of Brattleby seeks to ensure that its legacy is not simply preserved, but continues to evolve and contribute positively to society, guided always by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural stewardship, international diplomacy, and targeted philanthropy. From its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House oversees initiatives including the annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala supporting children's charities, and The Brattleby Club, a Bucharest-based etiquette academy. The House's work is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), blending a profound respect for its historical legacy with a forward-looking commitment to social and cultural enrichment in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, later the 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The continuous history and rights of the Barony are formally acknowledged and recorded in His Majesty's official journal of record, *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's rights and history were formally recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083. - The Barony was first established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The motto of the House is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com