The Bailiwick of Ennerdale Est 1251 - Hon. George Mentz JD MBA CWM

 

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. GovernedSeal1 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.


⚜️ Baron of Ennerdale Liberty 

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.


BailiwickEnnerdale🏞️ 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.


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.