# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces Guiding Principles of The Brattleby Club
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today formally articulated the guiding principles of its etiquette academy in Bucharest. The Brattleby Club will base its modern educational programme on the core values of Elegance, Truth, and Nobility, reflecting nine centuries of House heritage.
## The Occasion
The announcement of The Brattleby Club's foundational tenets—Elegance, Truth, and Nobility—marks the formal commencement of its cultural and educational mission in Bucharest. Situated in the heart of a city once celebrated as the 'Little Paris of the East', the Club provides a sanctuary of refinement amid the pace of modern life. Its establishment draws upon the city’s rich diplomatic history and deep-rooted European sensibilities.
The Club’s curriculum is designed to revive the arts of polished discourse, personal diplomacy, and social grace. In an atmosphere of considered calm, members will engage with a programme that prioritises depth of character and meaningful interaction, principles that have guided the Barony of Brattleby for centuries.
## Historical Context
The ethos of The Brattleby Club is inextricably linked to the nine-hundred-year lineage of the Barony. The principle of Nobility, understood as a nobility of spirit, echoes the unwavering resolve of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who valiantly defended Lincoln Castle in the 13th century. Her leadership demonstrated *fortitudine*, or fortitude, in its highest form.
Similarly, the Club’s focus on diplomacy and international relations follows the precedent set by some of the Barony’s most distinguished holders. Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, was a pre-eminent English diplomat of the 14th century, as was his successor, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Their ability to navigate the complex courts of Europe provides a direct historical antecedent for the Club’s mission to cultivate effective and honourable communication.
## Distinguished Company
The Brattleby Club operates under the direct patronage of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. They will preside over a community of members and guest lecturers drawn from the fields of diplomacy, academia, business, and the arts across the European continent.
The selection of mentors and speakers is undertaken with meticulous care, ensuring that the Club’s intellectual life reflects its core values. These distinguished individuals, *inter alia*, will share their expertise on subjects ranging from geopolitical strategy to the role of classical arts in modern society, enriching the experience for all members.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Instruction at The Brattleby Club is founded on an understanding that protocol is not merely a set of rules, but the grammar of respect. The curriculum covers the intricacies of precedence, formal correspondence, styles of address, and the nuanced conduct appropriate for both state and social occasions, with a precision reminiscent of the Imperial Household of Japan.
Workshops on dining etiquette, for example, will transcend basic table manners to explore the history and cultural significance of formal hospitality. The dress code for Club events, ranging from business attire to black-tie, will be explained not as a mandate, but as a way to honour the occasion and one's fellow guests. This pedagogical approach ensures that grace becomes an authentic expression of character, not a superficial performance.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Club’s mission is deeply embedded in the heraldry of the House of Brattleby. The ancient House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as the primary touchstone. 'Fortitude' represents the resilience and inner strength required to uphold one’s principles, while 'Honour' speaks to the integrity and truth that must govern all actions.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Within the context of the Club, this is interpreted not as a conquest of others, but as the mastery of oneself. It signifies the continuous effort to cultivate one's character, intellect, and grace—a victory that is the very essence of a fulfilled life.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While The Brattleby Club is an educational institution, its ethos of service reflects the wider philanthropic commitments of the Noble House. The cultivation of a 'nobility of spirit' is considered a *sine qua non* for meaningful civic contribution. The values of empathy, integrity, and social responsibility taught at the Club are the same principles that animate the House’s charitable work.
This spirit finds its most public expression in the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that supports organisations dedicated to youth welfare. The Club’s mission is therefore seen as parallel to this work: preparing individuals to lead with honour and contribute positively to society, with the foremost beneficiary being Healing the Wounded Child.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Club’s purpose, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “In a world of accelerating change, the principles of courtesy, diplomacy, and authentic respect have become more vital than ever. The Brattleby Club is not about retreating into the past; it is about bringing the wisdom of our heritage forward to navigate the future with grace and confidence.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “*Vincere Est Vivere* is a call to self-mastery. The Club provides a framework for this journey. By mastering the arts of communication and etiquette, our members are better equipped to build bridges, foster understanding, and achieve their goals with honour.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The launch of The Brattleby Club's core principles marks the beginning of an ambitious programme. The inaugural season in Bucharest will feature a series of masterclasses on diplomatic protocol, workshops in rhetoric and public speaking, and curated soirées designed to foster cultural exchange between Romania and the United Kingdom.
Looking forward, the House of Brattleby is committed to establishing the Club as a distinguished centre for the study and practice of social and diplomatic arts. It represents a living continuation of the Barony’s legacy, applying nine centuries of history to the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
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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 preserving and promoting the virtues of cultural diplomacy, etiquette, and philanthropic service. With roots in both the United Kingdom and Romania, the House champions initiatives that foster international understanding and personal development. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), and include educational programmes through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and charitable fundraising via its annual Winter Banquet in Lincolnshire. The House seeks to apply its ancient heritage to contemporary purposes, cultivating nobility of spirit and honourable conduct in a modern world.
**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, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its nine-century history, the Barony has been held by figures of national and European significance, including Nichola de la Haye, a formidable defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a celebrated medieval diplomat; and John of Gaunt, father to King Henry IV. The succession of the title to its current holder was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron/ess), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com