🏛️ The Chancellery of Warrants and Patronages of the Liberty of Stoborough

The Chancellery of Warrants and Patronages of the Liberty of Stoborough is a ceremonial, legal, and administrative office responsible for the preservation and management of the regalian, manorial, and franchise rights historically associated with the Liberty and Bailiwick of Stoborough.

Grounded in royal patents from King Richard III (1484) and Queen Elizabeth I (1591), the Chancellery maintains the ancient civic structure of Stoborough—its courts, seals, and offices—within a modern heritage framework.

🏛️ Core Functions of the Chancellery

1. Warrants

• Issue of ceremonial warrants for appointments, honors, and recognitions within the Liberty.

• Authentication of instruments and documents under the Liberty Seal of Stoborough.

• Publication of legal-style notices and proclamations under the jurisdiction of the Court Leet or Bailiff.

2. Patronages

• Exercise of historical advowson and nomination rights, including ceremonial chaplaincies or clerical posts.

• Patronage of cultural, educational, and charitable institutions within the Liberty.

• Custodianship of traditional manorial roles—Ale-Tasters, Reeves, Constables, and Port-Reeves—under heritage law.

3. Seal and Charter Authority

• Custody of the Seal of the Liberty of Stoborough, affixed to charters, warrants, and ceremonial acts.

• Drafting and preservation of bilingual or trilingual charters (English–Latin–Celtic) codifying the Liberty’s jurisdiction and customs.

4. Registry and Archives

• Maintenance of the official Register of Warrants, Titles, and Appointments.

• Archival care of deeds, genealogical validations, manorial rolls, and Court Leet proclamations.

• Conservation of historical instruments relating to the waters, ports, and rights of Stoborough.

⚖️ Legal and Ceremonial Basis

The Chancellery draws its ceremonial legitimacy and authority from:

• The original Crown grants and charters establishing the Liberty and its franchises.

• The Court Leet’s historic jurisdiction over appointments and civic governance.

• The enduring recognition of Stoborough as a liberty distinct from county administration, exercising powers over its own waters, wastes, and commons.

🧭 Strategic Model

The Chancellery functions as:

• A heritage-nonprofit body dedicated to the preservation of Stoborough’s liberties and records.

• A legal-educational institution promoting awareness of civic governance, ethics, and the rule of law.

• A ceremonial authority empowered to issue charters, seals, and titles reflecting the historic dignity of the Liberty.

🏛️ Charter of the Chancellery of Warrants and Patronages

Of the Liberty and Bailiwick of Stoborough
Anno Domini MMXXV / Anno Regni Regis XXIV

Preamble

Let it be known to all persons, both present and to come, that by virtue of the lawful royal grants of the Liberty of Stoborough, and according to the customs of ancient English liberties, this Charter establishes the Chancellery of Warrants and Patronages as the ceremonial and administrative steward of said Liberty and Bailiwick.

Article I – Establishment

The Chancellery is hereby constituted as a ceremonial and archival body empowered to issue warrants, exercise patronage, and preserve the regalian and manorial incidents historically conveyed with the Liberty of Stoborough.

Article II – Authority and Seal

The Chancellery shall bear and use the Seal of the Liberty of Stoborough, affixed to all official instruments.
The Seal shall remain in the custody of the Chancellor, whose use of it shall signify lawful issuance in accordance with the customs of the Liberty.

Article III – Warrants and Appointments

The Chancellery may issue ceremonial warrants for:

• Officers of the Court Leet and Liberty (Bailiff, Constable, Ale-Taster, Port-Reeve).

• Honorary titles, fellowships, and dignities of heritage.

• Ceremonial proclamations and acts of recognition.

Article IV – Patronages

The Chancellery shall exercise patronage over:

• Ceremonial chaplaincies and clerical appointments within the Liberty.

• Cultural, educational, maritime, or charitable institutions.

• Persons or bodies contributing to the preservation of law, liberty, and local heritage.

Article V – Registry and Archives

All instruments, warrants, and appointments shall be entered into the Register of the Liberty of Stoborough, maintained by the Registrar.
The Chancellery shall safeguard the archives, rolls, genealogical validations, and ceremonial documents of the Liberty.

Article VI – Language and Tradition

All charters and proclamations may be issued in English and Latin, or such languages as reflect the historic identity of the Liberty—Celtic, Welsh, or Teutonic.
The Chancellery shall preserve the traditions of the Liberty while adapting them to modern ceremonial practice.

Closing Formula

Given under our hand and seal this twenty-fifth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-five, and in the twenty-fourth year of the reign of His Majesty the King.

Datum sub Sigillo Libertatis Stoborensis Per Cancellarium et Custodem Sigilli