# The Formation of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest is Announced
LONDON, 12 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today announced the formation of The Brattleby Club, a private academy established in Bucharest under the patronage of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, dedicated to the study of etiquette, protocol, and modern diplomacy.
## The Occasion
The announcement heralds the establishment of a distinguished institution in Continental Europe, situated within the historic environs of Bucharest. The city, long celebrated as the ‘Little Paris of the East’ (*Micul Paris*), provides a uniquely apposite setting. Its grand neoclassical boulevards and Belle Époque architecture, such as the storied Romanian Athenaeum, evoke an era of high culture and intellectual exchange that the Club seeks to champion in a contemporary context.
This initiative is a considered response to the accelerated pace of modern global communication, which often neglects the nuance and reflection essential for substantive relationships. The Brattleby Club will provide a sanctuary for personal and professional cultivation, offering a structured curriculum designed to foster the arts of diplomatic dialogue, refined social conduct, and profound respect for international cultural norms.
Against the backdrop of a European autumn, the formation of the Club represents the planting of new roots for an ancient English house. It serves as a bridge between the traditions of London and the vibrant, forward-looking energy of one of Eastern Europe’s great capitals, creating a centre for excellence and cultural exchange.
## Historical Context
The ethos and curriculum of The Brattleby Club are drawn directly from the Barony of Brattleby's nine hundred and fifty-seven years of continuous history. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is not merely an emblem; it is the foundational principle of the academy, reflecting a lineage of leadership defined by the careful balance of strength, integrity, and diplomatic acumen.
This heritage is replete with exemplars whose lives embodied the skills the Club will impart. In the thirteenth century, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, demonstrated extraordinary fortitude and statecraft in her celebrated defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel barons and French forces. Her command was a masterclass in loyalty, negotiation, and leadership under pressure, securing the throne for the young King Henry III.
Centuries later, the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, emerged as one of England’s most accomplished diplomats. A founding Knight of the Garter, his skilful negotiation of the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360 was a pivotal moment in the Hundred Years' War. His son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, was a pre-eminent power broker on the European stage, whose vast influence in the courts of England, Castile, and Portugal was built as much on statecraft as on might. The Club’s mission is to translate these historical precedents into a practical education for today’s leaders.
## Distinguished Company
The Brattleby Club is founded under the high patronage of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. As the holder of the ancient baronial title, Lady Nicoleta provides the essential link of continuity and legitimacy, ensuring the Club’s mission remains anchored in the historic values of the House. Her guidance will shape its character and preserve its commitment to excellence. The future of this lineage is secured in the person of her heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
Lady Nicoleta is joined in this endeavour by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. Honorary Lord Răzvan brings a dynamic and contemporary perspective to the institution, informed by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). His involvement underscores the Club's focus on the practical application of diplomatic and social skills as a means of achieving success in the modern professional world.
Together, their joint patronage represents a powerful synthesis of deeply rooted heritage and forward-looking vision. It is this combination of the ancient and the modern, of tradition and innovation, that defines the unique identity of The Brattleby Club.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Club’s programme of instruction is meticulously designed to furnish members with a comprehensive mastery of social and diplomatic protocol. The curriculum is emphatically practical, moving beyond theory to offer immersive training in the customs and unspoken rules that govern formal international relations. This expert tuition is the *sine qua non* for any individual aspiring to operate with confidence on the global stage.
Instruction will cover a broad range of specialist subjects. These include, *inter alia*: the intricacies of precedence at state, corporate, and private functions, with reference to both the British and Continental systems; the correct written and spoken forms of address for royalty, nobility, ecclesiastical dignitaries, and diplomatic envoys; and the precise composition of formal invitations, diplomatic notes, and social correspondence.
Further workshops will focus on the complex semiotics of formal dress codes, from white tie and decorations to morning dress and national costume. Members will study the art of host-manship, known in French as *l'art de recevoir*, covering everything from seating plans to the seamless management of a formal dinner. The programme is completed by practical modules on dining etiquette and the cultivation of polite yet substantive conversation, skills essential for building rapport and influence.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Brattleby Club is firmly anchored in the heraldry and mottos of the Noble House of Brattleby. The principal motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, serves as a direct charge to all who engage with the Club. *Fortitudine*, or 'fortitude', encourages the development of inner strength, resilience, and the moral courage to act with conviction. *Honore*, or 'honour', demands that this strength be tempered by integrity, accountability, and the highest standards of personal and professional conduct.
This charge is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere*. In the context of the Club, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as a philosophy of personal excellence. 'To conquer' signifies prevailing through superior preparation, self-discipline, dedication, and the strategic application of social and emotional intelligence. It is a commitment to mastering the skills necessary to navigate complex human landscapes with grace and to achieve one's objectives through merit and understanding.
Together, these mottos articulate a complete vision for modern leadership: one that is courageous and honourable, strategic and self-aware.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While The Brattleby Club is a private educational institution, its purpose is intrinsically aligned with the broader philanthropic ethos of the House. The development of personal refinement and diplomatic skill is not seen as an end in itself, but as a prerequisite for more effective public service and social leadership. This sensibility reflects the age-old principle of *noblesse oblige* — that privilege entails responsibility.
The House’s commitment to service is most visibly expressed through its patronage of the annual Winter Banquet in London, a white-tie philanthropic gala that supports vital charitable causes. A principal beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care to children who have experienced trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives and look to the future with hope.
The Brattleby Club will encourage its members to embrace a similar sense of duty. A portion of the proceeds from the Club’s activities will be dedicated to the House’s charitable fund. Its curriculum will instill the understanding that influence and access are most valuable when used in the service of the wider community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the foundation of the Club, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “In an age of immediacy, the traditions of thoughtful conduct and mutual respect are not relics; they are essential tools for building lasting connections. The Club is our commitment to fostering these enduring skills for a new generation of leaders, ensuring they can navigate their futures with both fortitude and honour.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a perspective on the practical application of these disciplines: > “Mastery of protocol and diplomacy is the grammar of influence. It allows ideas to be presented with clarity and conviction, building bridges where others see barriers. This is the modern expression of *Vincere Est Vivere* — to achieve one’s goals through excellence, preparation, and a genuine understanding of others.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With this announcement, the Noble House of Brattleby embarks upon a new chapter in its long history of cultural stewardship. The establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest reaffirms the House’s historic, outward-looking perspective and its commitment to fostering dialogue and strengthening cultural ties between the United Kingdom and continental Europe. It stands as a testament to the belief that the ancient virtues of honour and etiquette remain profoundly relevant in guiding the leaders of the twenty-first century.
The Club will shortly announce its inaugural calendar, which will feature a series of exclusive workshops, lectures, and private receptions. Masterclasses will be led by a distinguished faculty, including former ambassadors, heads of protocol from European foreign ministries, and other leading figures in the world of modern diplomacy and international business. This initiative represents a lasting investment in the shared cultural heritage of Europe.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern stewardship of one of England's ancient feudal 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 nine-century heritage while championing the contemporary relevance of diplomacy, protocol, and social responsibility. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is engaged in cultural diplomacy through initiatives like The Brattleby Club and supports through its patronage charitable organisations dedicated to the welfare and healing of vulnerable children. Its seat remains in the environs of Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. The Barony's existence and extensive landholdings, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Throughout its 950-year history, the title has passed through some of English history's most consequential families. Notable holders include the formidable 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a celebrated 14th-century diplomat; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV of England. The Barony's continuous history was formally recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s creation in 1066 and its holdings under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The principal philanthropic vehicle of the House is its patronage of the annual Winter Banquet, with Healing the Wounded Child being a key beneficiary. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (c. 1160–1230), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (c. 1310–1361), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (1340–1399).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com