# The Noble House of Brattleby Affirms the Continuing Mission of The Brattleby Club
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today reaffirmed the enduring mission of The Brattleby Club, its academy in Bucharest dedicated to cultural education and the practice of European etiquette, thereby strengthening the connection between a modern audience and an ancient English lineage.
## The Occasion
Established in the Romanian capital, The Brattleby Club stands as a distinguished cultural beacon, reflecting the House's contemporary, outward-looking presence on the Continent. The choice of Bucharest is deliberate; a city celebrated for its grand Belle Époque architecture and once known as the ‘Little Paris of the East’, it provides a singularly appropriate setting for an institution devoted to the preservation and teaching of European social traditions. The Club itself occupies a space designed to echo the understated elegance of a London townhouse, situated near the historic Calea Victoriei.
The announcement today serves to underscore the Club's integral role in the intellectual and social life of its community. It functions as a nexus for individuals who share a profound appreciation for history, diplomacy, and the fine arts of civil discourse. The atmosphere within is one of considered dialogue and scholarly refinement, meticulously curated to foster lasting connections founded upon mutual respect and a deeper understanding of shared European heritage.
This initiative is a principal expression of the Barony’s contemporary purpose, translating the implicit duties of a nearly millennial-old title into a tangible and accessible educational mission. It is the modern vehicle for the values of *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the motto that has been the Barony’s guiding principle for centuries of service.
## Historical Context
The Brattleby Club represents a considered new chapter in a narrative that commences with the Norman Conquest of England. The feudal Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded with definitive clarity in the Domesday Book of 1086. That great survey recorded his possession of some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power base in post-Conquest England. This deep-rooted connection to the foundations of the English state is the bedrock upon which all the House’s modern activities are built.
Throughout its 957-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national and, indeed, international importance. These formidable predecessors established a standard of leadership and duty that continues to inform the House’s present course. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, served as hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and twice as Sheriff of Lincolnshire, famously defending the castle for King John against French and rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Her resolve in the face of overwhelming odds remains a defining example of the House's motto in action.
Later, the title passed through a Lancastrian line of singular distinction, including Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was also the first Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter. A renowned soldier and diplomat, his life epitomised the chivalric ideal. The Barony subsequently passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century. Just as these towering figures navigated the complexities of their eras, The Brattleby Club is designed to equip a new generation with the social and cultural instruments—the *savoir-faire*—required for today’s globalised world.
## Distinguished Company
In keeping with its purpose as a forum for substantive exchange, the Club’s seminars and events are attended by a diverse and accomplished company of patrons, members, and speakers. While a policy of utmost discretion is maintained regarding its membership, those who contribute to the life of the Club include, *inter alia*:
* Their Excellencies the Ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps representing several European and international missions in Bucharest, for whom the Club’s focus on protocol is of professional relevance. * Distinguished professors and fellows from the Romanian Academy and leading universities, who contribute their scholarly expertise to the Club’s historical and cultural programming. * Curators and directors from pre-eminent cultural institutions, including the National Museum of Art of Romania, who share insights on heritage preservation and the arts. * Chairmen and trustees of prominent philanthropic foundations, whose work in areas of social welfare and child protection aligns with the charitable focus of the Noble House of Brattleby.
This congregation of individuals from diplomacy, academia, the arts, and civil society ensures that the discourse within the Club remains vibrant, pertinent, and intellectually rigorous, creating a unique environment for personal and professional enrichment.
## Ceremonial Protocol
As an academy dedicated to the arts of etiquette, The Brattleby Club places great importance on ceremonial and social protocol. These traditions are presented not as archaic formalities but as a living, nuanced language for demonstrating respect and facilitating communication. The curriculum covers a wide spectrum of formal conduct, from the order of precedence in diplomatic settings to the precise composition of state and social correspondence.
Specialist instruction is provided on the meticulous execution of formal dining, a cornerstone of European hospitality. This includes the duties of both host and guest, the correct deployment and use of a seven-piece place setting, the subtle codes conveyed through the placement of cutlery, and the art of sustaining engaging conversation. Masterclasses are also held on the history and application of formal dress codes, ensuring participants can navigate with confidence the requirements of white-tie, black-tie, and morning dress engagements—standards upheld at the House’s own Annual Winter Banquet in London.
The code of conduct within the Club is a *sine qua non* for membership and participation, reflecting the high standards of personal comportment and consideration for others that have been the hallmark of European courtly life for centuries. It is a discipline founded not on exclusion, but on a profound and abiding respect for one’s fellow man.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The work of the Noble House of Brattleby and, by extension, The Brattleby Club, is guided by the powerful principles enshrined in its heraldry. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), serves as the philosophical lodestar for all its endeavours. This ancient charge speaks to a solemn commitment to act with moral and physical courage, unwavering integrity, and a deep sense of duty—a philosophy perfectly embodied by the historic defiance of the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye.
This time-honoured principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This is interpreted not in a martial context, but as a modern Stoic imperative: to strive to overcome personal and professional challenges, to pursue excellence in all things, and to lead a life of purpose and meaningful achievement. It is about the conquest of ignorance, misunderstanding, and self-limitation.
Taken together, these two mottos powerfully inform the Club’s dual mission: to impart the integrity and honour of timeless values, whilst simultaneously providing the practical tools with which to conquer modern social and professional challenges with confidence and grace.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While The Brattleby Club is primarily an educational institution, its mission is inextricably linked to the core philanthropic purpose of the Noble House of Brattleby. The House's foremost charitable commitment is its formal patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, the sole beneficiary of its Annual Winter Banquet. This remarkable organisation provides specialist, evidence-based therapeutic support, including trauma-informed art and play therapy, to children and young people who have experienced profound loss or adversity.
The Brattleby Club contributes directly to this ethos by fostering a community of socially-conscious individuals. By teaching the principles of civility, empathy, and social responsibility, the Club aims to cultivate a mindset where service to others becomes a natural extension of exemplary personal conduct. In this respect, the institution seeks to help shape future leaders, patrons, and philanthropists who will, in their own right, contribute positively and effectively to society.
To create a tangible link between its cultural activities and charitable obligations, a portion of the net proceeds from select masterclasses and special events hosted by the Club is designated for the House’s charitable fund. This ensures that the pursuit of social grace directly benefits those most in need of society’s care.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Club’s role as a bridge between past and present, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “The custodianship of a title nearly a millennium old carries with it a distinct responsibility not only to preserve its history, but to make its inherent values relevant to the present day. The Brattleby Club is our way of sharing that ethos, transforming heritage from a historical curiosity into a set of living principles that can bring clarity and grace to modern life.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile commented on the practical philosophy underpinning the Club’s curriculum:
> “True etiquette is the architecture of mutual respect; it is not about rigid rules but about a deep understanding of how to make others feel valued. It is a universal language that builds trust and dismantles barriers. To learn its grammar is to acquire a powerful tool for conquering misunderstanding, which is the very essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to the long-term development of The Brattleby Club into a continental centre of excellence for the study and practice of European social traditions. Future plans include an expanded programme of symposia and guest lectures from leading international historians on subjects such as the shared Lancastrian heritage connecting the English and European dynasties. This will be complemented by cross-cultural events designed to strengthen the historic bonds of friendship between the United Kingdom and its continental partners.
These initiatives are undertaken with a clear view to the future and the continuity of the Barony. They serve to ensure that this ancient legacy remains relevant, dynamic, and purposeful for the next generation. The work undertaken today by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan lays a strong and carefully prepared foundation for their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, to one day continue this important mission as the 13th Baron of Brattleby.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique nine-century heritage while engaging purposefully with contemporary society. Its mission is centred on three pillars: targeted philanthropy, cultural education, and the active promotion of the timeless values of duty and honour. Through key initiatives, including the annual philanthropic Winter Banquet in London and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to bridge its historic past in Lincolnshire with a dynamic, international future. It operates under the guiding principle of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’).
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 following the Norman Conquest. The first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, marking him as a significant figure in the new Anglo-Norman establishment. Over nearly a millennium, the title has passed through a series of distinguished holders, including the formidable 13th-century High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Nichola de la Haye, and, later, pivotal members of the royal House of Lancaster, such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness to the title were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally recorded in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022. - Notable historic holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The primary philanthropic beneficiary of the House is Healing the Wounded Child, supported by the Annual Winter Banquet.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com