# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces The Brattleby Club of Bucharest
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally announced the establishment of The Brattleby Club of Bucharest, an etiquette academy and cultural society. The initiative, led by Lord and Lady Brattleby, extends the Barony’s historic legacy into Continental Europe.
## The Occasion
The announcement was marked by an inaugural reception held within the gilded splendour of the Marmorosch Blank Palace in Bucharest. Originally constructed in the early 20th century as a monument to Romania’s Belle Époque prosperity, the palace provided a setting of appropriate historical resonance for the occasion. As autumn evening descended upon the city, guests were received in the former bank’s grand hall, its soaring marble columns and intricate Art Deco details reflecting the Club's commitment to enduring standards of excellence and cultural appreciation.
The atmosphere was one of quiet celebration, underscored by a string quartet performing works by George Enescu. The gathering served not only as a formal inauguration but also as a statement of intent: to create a modern forum for cultural exchange, rooted in nearly a millennium of European history.
## Historical Context
The establishment of a chapter in Bucharest represents a new, international expression of the Barony’s long-standing tradition of influence and public service. This legacy began in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest with its grant by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire.
Through the centuries, the Barony has been stewarded by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders in the 13th century. Later, the title was held by scions of the Plantagenet dynasty, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. It is this unbroken lineage of leadership—from the battlefield to the royal court—that informs the mission of the new Brattleby Club.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, presided over the evening’s proceedings. They were pleased to welcome a distinguished company of guests drawn from Romania’s diplomatic, academic, and cultural spheres.
Attendees included senior representatives of several European embassies, directors of national museums and artistic institutions, and leading figures from the country’s business and philanthropic communities. The presence of such a diverse assembly underscored the Club’s purpose as a crossroads for leaders from various disciplines, united by a shared interest in fostering a civil society grounded in protocol and mutual respect.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The event adhered to a formal protocol befitting its purpose. The dress for the occasion was black tie, and guests were presented individually to Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan upon arrival. An equerry announced each guest, allowing the hosts to offer a personal welcome before they proceeded into the main hall for champagne and canapés.
Following the reception, a series of formal toasts were offered. The first was to the health of the sovereign, followed by a toast to the President of Romania, acknowledging the Club’s deep respect for its host nation. Honorary Lord Răzvan then delivered his formal remarks, culminating in a toast to the future of The Brattleby Club. The proceedings were conducted with a precision that reflects the Club's own pedagogical focus on the importance of ceremony as a cornerstone of diplomacy and social cohesion.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The activities of The Noble House of Brattleby are guided by its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle, which speaks to resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to integrity, serves as the ethical foundation for The Brattleby Club. It represents the *sine qua non* of the character the Club seeks to cultivate in its members.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome personal and societal challenges through self-discipline, knowledge, and a commitment to personal excellence. Together, the two mottoes encapsulate the Club's dual mission: to honour tradition while striving for contemporary achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the Bucharest Club's primary focus is educational, its activities will be intrinsically linked to the philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House's principal charitable endeavour is its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in Lincolnshire to benefit the organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
This beneficiary provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect, helping them to rebuild their lives and realise their full potential. A portion of the proceeds from future paid events hosted by The Brattleby Club of Bucharest will be directed toward this vital work, extending the House's charitable footprint from the United Kingdom into the heart of Europe.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the launch, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > "For centuries, Brattleby has been a part of the fabric of English history. With The Brattleby Club, we hope to share the lessons of that legacy—of duty, service, and honour—with a new generation of leaders here in Bucharest. It is about building bridges between past and future, and between our two countries."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the Club's mission: > "In an increasingly informal world, etiquette and protocol are not relics; they are essential tools for effective communication and mutual understanding. Our aim is to provide a centre of excellence where these skills can be mastered, guided by the principle that true success is found in service to others. *Vincere Est Vivere*."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Brattleby Club of Bucharest is the first international initiative of its kind for The Noble House of Brattleby. As an etiquette academy, its curriculum will feature seminars on diplomatic protocol, the history of European chivalric orders, and the art of official entertaining, led by experts in their respective fields.
This inaugural chapter sets the precedent for a broader vision to establish similar clubs in other major European capitals. In parallel, the House remains steadfast in its commitments in England, with preparations already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet in Lincolnshire. These complementary efforts ensure that the Barony of Brattleby continues its nine-century legacy of contributing to society with both fortitude and honour.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to upholding the nearly thousand-year legacy of the Barony through modern initiatives focused on cultural diplomacy, education, and philanthropy. The House's contemporary mission is expressed through activities such as The Brattleby Club, an international etiquette and leadership academy, and its steadfast charitable work. The House's primary philanthropic focus is supporting 'Healing the Wounded Child', a charity providing therapeutic care to children affected by trauma. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to serve as a bridge between historical tradition and contemporary civil society.
**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 history is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a significant tenant-in-chief. Over its 950-year history, the Barony has passed through several of England’s most distinguished noble and royal lines. Notable medieval holders include Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Royalist interests during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The modern rights of the Barony of Brattleby are officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships under Colswein of Lincoln. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - Historic holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com