Official Appointments by the Lord of the Bailiwick of Ennerdale

Under the Authority of the Bailiwick of Ennerdale – Hon. Commissioner George Mentz, JD MBA CWM
Liberty • Bailiwick • Forest • Court Leet

Stewardship of Dignity, Law, and Legacy

The Bailiwick and Liberty of Ennerdale, founded in 1251 AD, remains one of the most majestic and historically autonomous manorial estates in England, with nearly 17,000 acres of protected woodlands, glacial mountains, lakes, rivers, and royal forest. Governed independently since its outright sale by the Crown in 1822, Ennerdale operates today under the private jurisdiction and ceremonial leadership of The Right Worshipful Lord and Chief High Bailiff of Ennerdale, Commissioner George Mentz, JD MBA CWM.

Through the ancient authority of the Court Leet of Ennerdale, the Lord and Bailiff continues to uphold noble tradition by bestowing appointments to individuals who serve, honor, or represent the values of the Liberty—preserving culture, law, charity, and heritage.

Recognized Appointments within the Liberty of Ennerdale

Below are the distinguished offices and ceremonial roles available by appointment of the Lord and BOE Bailiff of Ennerdale:

⚖️ BOE Bailiff of Ennerdale

The official judicial and administrative officer of the Bailiwick, assisting the Lord in executing Court Leet functions, land oversight, and maintaining order. This appointment may also serve in a symbolic role of legal tradition and local justice.

🌲 Warden of the Forest of Ennerdale

A noble guardian of the estate’s forests and wilderness, responsible for conservation and the spiritual and ecological legacy of Ennerdale. Historically empowered to oversee grazing, timber rights, and forest laws.

A title of honor granted to those who have rendered distinguished service to the Lordship, region, or Crown. Barons of the Liberty may assist in ceremonial, environmental, or philanthropic functions related to the estate.

🦌 Chief Gamekeeper of the Liberty

Traditionally in charge of managing wildlife and ensuring responsible use of hunting and fishing resources, this role today is a ceremonial one recognizing dedication to environmental stewardship.

🏞️ Captain of the Liberty and Forest of Ennerdale CLFE

This symbolic office represents the Lord’s authority over the waters and mountainous terrains within the Liberty. Captains may assist in outreach efforts, environmental education, and estate exploration.

🛡️ High Reeve of the Bailiwick

A civil ceremonial officer appointed to represent the Lord in local functions and serve as a liaison in matters of regional unity, charitable missions, and cultural engagement.

📜 Herald and Keeper of the Seals Crests and Arms of the Bailiwick

This position oversees the symbolic and ceremonial heraldic devices of the Liberty, including the coat of arms, manorial seal, and formal instruments of recognition and dignity.

⚖️ Wardens of the Court Leet

Appointed to assist the BOE Bailiff during ceremonial sessions of the Court Leet. Wardens support traditional judicial and communal roles in line with medieval manorial customs.

✠ Knight or Dame of Ennerdale

A noble honor conferred for exceptional service to education, humanitarian causes, interfaith harmony, or historical preservation. Recipients may be recognized with formal investiture.

The Authority and Autonomy of Appointments

Because Ennerdale is a Free Bailiwick and Liberty, these appointments are conferred independently of the Crown under full legal ownership and rights sold in perpetuity. Ennerdale operates with unique privileges in England’s feudal and manorial landscape, including:

• Jurisdictional rights under the Court Leet 
• Heraldic authority to issue seals, arms, and titles 
• Autonomy in estate governance and ceremonial law 
• Freedom from “use-it-or-lose-it” regulations common to granted manors 

Leadership of the High Bailiff and Lord – Hon. Commissioner George Mentz

As both Chief Bailiff and Lord of Ennerdale, Commissioner George Mentz, JD MBA CWM upholds centuries of noble tradition while championing a modern vision of service, environmental protection, education, and peace. With global recognition, Mentz serves as an international lawyer, university law professor, charitable leader, and Seigneur of Fief Blondel et L’Eperons in Guernsey.

His commitment to heritage, human dignity, and civic duty informs every appointment, and reflects the enduring purpose of the Lordship in the 21st century.

Inquiries & Nominations

Interested in serving the Liberty in an honorary or symbolic capacity?
For inquiries, appointments, or nominations, please contact the Lordship

“To serve in the Bailiwick of Ennerdale is to carry forward one of England’s oldest noble heritages into a new era of meaning, honor, and hope.”
— Chief High Bailiff Hon. George Mentz JD MBA CWM DSS - Chancellor of the Anglican Church of Africa (Orthodox)

 

News - Nobles have been appointed and approved by the Court Leet as Bailiffs of Ennerdale BOE.

1. Tan Seri Panglima Professor Dr. Sean P. Rozario -  KStJ (Justice) BOE, OLM, GC - GFD, BOE Bailiff of Ennerdale
2. Datuk Seri Dr. P Thirunal Karasu, JP, BBM, PBM, BOE Bailiff of Ennerdale
3. Tan Sri Sir Sean Rozario, BOE Bailiff of Ennerdale
4. Prof. Dr. John Kersey, BOE Bailiff of Ennerdale
5. Sultan, Tuanku Seri Paduka Duli Yang Mulia Sultan Tuan Beragung Muhammad Yunus Abdullah Rahmadsyah Al-Haj
6. Algernon Percy, 10th Earl of Northumberland Bailiff 1633

🔹 Crown Ownership in 1633:

• Historical records and land tenure documents show that after the forfeiture of the Barony of Copeland in 1554 (due to the treason of Henry Grey, Duke of Suffolk, father of Lady Jane Grey), Ennerdale reverted to the Crown.

• Thus, by 1633, Ennerdale was under direct Crown ownership, both the liberty and the forest, making it a royal manor and part of the Crown’s domain.

🔹 Algernon Percy’s Role:

• In 1633, Algernon Percy, 10th Earl of Northumberland, being named:

  • Bailiff of the Liberty of Ennerdale

  • Keeper of the Forest of Ennerdale

  • Conductor of Tenants

  …shows he was acting on behalf of the Crown, not as an owner but as a Crown-appointed officer managing the liberty and forest.

🔹 Legal Implication:

• The title "Bailiff" under Crown ownership confirms that Ennerdale was not only a forest liberty but also a bailiwick — a defined jurisdiction managed by a bailiff under royal authority.

• Since he held custodial and managerial rights over a Crown holding, the administrative structure in 1633 confirms that Ennerdale functioned as a royal liberty and bailiwick within the broader Crown estate.

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Prince Charles and the Forest and Liberty of Ennerdale
In 1633, the Crown held legal title to Ennerdale, and Algernon Percy served as its appointed bailiff and forest keeper, which affirms both Crown ownership and the bailiwick status of Ennerdale at that time.

• In 1623, King James I of England (also James VI of Scotland) granted a number of royal manors and forests to his son, Prince Charles, who at that time was Prince of Wales and heir to the throne.

• These lands were granted in tail male, a type of hereditary tenure typically given to royal heirs.

• The Forest and Liberty of Ennerdale was among those properties transferred, along with other Crown estates in Cumberland and Westmorland.

 

 

Titles and Offices of the Bailiwick of Ennerdale

The Bailiwick of Ennerdale maintains a rich tradition of judicial, ceremonial, territorial, and honorific titles—many rooted in medieval English law and custom. These appointments may be functional, ceremonial, or honorary, serving to preserve the heritage of the Liberty while engaging dignitaries, scholars, and friends of Ennerdale.

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⚖️ Judicial & Administrative Titles

• Seneschal of the Bailiwick – Chief judicial officer or steward; the senior magistrate of the Bailiwick’s courts.

• Steward of the Liberties – Oversees the management of estates, revenues, and the rights of the Lord.

• Recorder of the Bailiwick – Keeps official legal records, rolls, and proclamations.

• Crier of the Court – Announces sessions, proclamations, and ceremonial entries.

• Marshal of the Moot – Organizes public assemblies, moots, and court leets.

• Keeper of the Rolls – Guardian of historic charters, deeds, and land grants.

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🏞️ Territorial & Land-Based Titles

• Ranger of the Royal Forest – Oversees woodland rights, game, and prevention of trespass.

• Surveyor of the Bounds – Maintains and inspects the Bailiwick’s boundaries and markers.

• Master of the Hunt – Ceremonial leader of traditional hunting observances.

• Hayward of the Commons – Manages common lands and seasonal grazing rights.

• Pinder of the Liberty – Keeper of stray or impounded livestock.

• Forester Royal – Senior guardian of the Bailiwick’s forests and wildlife.

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🛡️ Defense, Watch & Order

• Captain of the Gate – Protector of the manor’s principal entrance.

• High Constable of the Bailiwick – Senior officer for law, order, and ceremonial security.

• Watchman of the Wall – Symbolic night guardian of the Bailiwick’s borders.

• Serjeant-at-Mace – Ceremonial law officer who carries the mace of authority.

• Master of Arms – Custodian of the armory and martial traditions.

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⛪ Religious & Ceremonial Officers

• Canon of the Chapel of Ennerdale – Honorary chaplain of the Bailiwick’s faith traditions.

• Almoner of the Bailiwick – Oversees charitable works and aid to pilgrims.

• Keeper of the Sacred Well – Guardian of a mythic or holy water source.

• Precentor of the Moot Chapel – Leads chants, hymns, and ceremonial liturgy.

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📜 Heraldic & Diplomatic Titles

• Herald of the Bailiwick – Announces official declarations and oversees heraldic matters.

• Pursuivant of the Forest Court – Junior herald, often attached to knightly pageantry.

• Ambassador-at-Large for the Bailiwick – Cultural and academic envoy.

• Clerk of Heraldry and Honors – Maintains registers of titles, arms, and ceremonial distinctions.

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🧺 Civic & Guild Titles

• Warden of the Guilds – Patron of crafts and merchant groups.

• Master of Weights and Measures – Ensures fair trade and quality control in markets.

• Keeper of the Market Cross – Preserves trading customs and market rights.

• Portreeve of the Moot Town – Historic borough leader with symbolic jurisdiction.

• Beadle of the Court – Ceremonial assistant to court and public events.

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🗝️ Custodial & Household Appointments

• Keeper of the Keys – Guardian of gates, seals, and treasuries.

• Cup-Bearer of the Lord’s Table – Ceremonial role during feasts and oaths.

• Master of Ceremonies – Oversees processions, celebrations, and investitures.

• Chancellor of the Seal and Scroll – Issues formal documents and commissions.

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🏰 Unique or Customizable Titles

Tailored to Ennerdale’s heritage, landscape, or traditions:

• Guardian of the Three Stones – Protector of an ancient or mythic landmark.

• Knight-Banneret of the Stag Court – Elite honoree in the Bailiwick’s order of merit.

• Baron of the Eastern March – Defender of a symbolic frontier.

• Vintner of the Lord’s Cellar – Keeper of ceremonial wine and offerings.

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📚 Purpose & Use

These titles may be:

• Ceremonial – For events, proclamations, or heritage celebrations.

• Honorific – Awarded to distinguished contributors, scholars, or friends of the Bailiwick.

• Functional – Supporting the administration of Ennerdale’s heritage programs, records, and societies.