The Liberty and Bailiwick of Stoborough - Hon. George Mentz JD MBA CWM

Commissioner George Mentz JD MBA CWM – High Bailiff of Stoborough, Royal Patron, and International Nobility ™

Lords, Mayors, Court-Leet and Bailiffs of Stoborough

A Millennium of Governance in the Liberty of Stoborough

1. Introduction

The Liberty and Bailiwick of Stoborough has been governed under a unique manorial and royal-liberty framework for centuries. The combination of lords of the manor, a court leet and court baron, mayors or bailiffs, and a roster of traditional manorial officers established a local governance structure rarely found elsewhere.
This page sets out the key participants and offices that have guided Stoborough’s governance from its Norman origins to the present.

2. Lords of the Manor / Liberty

• The earliest recorded lord of the manor in the area was Count Robert of Mortain (half-brother of William the Conqueror) holding “Stanberge / Stowbergh” in the Domesday survey (~1086). Lord Stoborough+2Lord Stoborough+2

• Through the Middle Ages, the ownership passed among gentry families: e.g., the Stoke/Bestwall/Stoborough holdings under the de Stoke family, then to the Chauntmarle and Trenchard families. Lord Stoborough

• On 25 March 1484 a Crown grant by King Richard III conveyed the Crown Manor and Liberty of Stoborough to William Claxton, Esquire. Lord Stoborough+1

• Subsequently the manor passed to the Pitt family (e.g., Sir William Pitt, Edward Pitt) and later to the Earls of Eldon, before entering its current stewardship. Lord Stoborough+1

• While the lordship has evolved, the Lord remains the central figure in the liberty’s ceremonial and historic governance.

3. The Court Leet & Court Baron

• The governance of the liberty has been exercised through the combination of a court baron (handling internal manorial disputes, tenancy matters, rights of the manor) and a court leet (with jurisdiction over minor criminal matters, “view of frank-pledge”, appointment of officers, local standards of trade and industry). Wikipedia+1

• In the case of Stoborough, the court leet had the unusual power of selecting a Mayor (or Lord Mayor) of the borough or liberty – a rare privilege for a liberty rather than a municipal borough. Lord Stoborough+1

• Typically the court leet would meet once a year (or several times) and would have a jury composed of free tenants of the manor, presided over by the lord’s steward. warwicktowncouncil.gov.uk+1

4. Mayors, Bailiffs & Local Officials

• Historically the Liberty of Stoborough was governed by a mayor appointed at Michaelmas, chosen by a jury at the manor court. Lord Stoborough+1

• The bailiff (or high bailiff) was an important officer: responsible for executing the court’s orders, collecting rents/fines, and enforcing manorial rights. Lord Stoborough

• Other longstanding manorial officers of Stoborough included:

  • Steward – appointed by the lord, presided over the courts. Lord Stoborough

  • Constable – maintaining peace, enforcing obligations. Lord Stoborough

  • Reeve – overseeing agricultural operations of the manor. Lord Stoborough

  • Hayward – responsible for hedges, fences, stray animals. Lord Stoborough

  • Poundkeeper – maintained the pound for stray livestock. Lord Stoborough

  • Crier – announced the court’s decisions and proclamations. Lord Stoborough

• The close interplay of these officers supported the local governance, maintenance of manorial rights, and the civic/ceremonial life of the liberty.

5. Chronology of Key Office-Holders (Selected)

Lords of Stoborough

• Count Robert of Mortain (c. 1086) – Tenant-in-Chief of Stoborough. Lord Stoborough+1

• William de Stokes (c. 1300) – Held Stoke/Bestwall/Stoborough by knight’s service. Lord Stoborough

• John Chauntmarle (early 1400s) – United control of Stoke and Stoborough. Lord Stoborough

• William Claxton (granted 1484) – Crown manor & liberty grantee. Lord Stoborough+1

• Sir William Pitt (1591–1636) – MP for Wareham, granted the manor by Queen Elizabeth. Lord Stoborough

• Edward Pitt (1636–1643) – Son of Sir William; MP for Poole. Lord Stoborough

• George Pitt, 1st Baron Rivers (Late 18th – mid-19th c) – Owner of Stoborough estate. Lord Stoborough

• John Scott, 3rd Earl of Eldon (1850–1873) – Purchaser of manor. Lord Stoborough

• Sir Ernest Stowell Scott (1873-1953) – Inherited the manor. Lord Stoborough

• David Eldon Scott (1953-2001) – Last of the Scott line before sale. Lord Stoborough

• Commissioner George S. Mentz (2021–present) – Current Lord of Stoborough. Lord Stoborough+1

Manorial Officials
While specific names of every bailiff, steward or constable over the centuries are not publicly catalogued in the available sources, the office roles have remained consistent with the manorial tradition described above (see section 4).

6. Modern Ceremonial Revival

• Today, the Lord of Stoborough retains the right (via the court leet) to hold an annual ceremonial meeting, appoint a mayor, bailiffs and other officers — reviving the ancient manorial governance for honorific and heritage purposes. Lord Stoborough+1

• While the court no longer exercises substantive judicial powers (much of those were abolished in 1977 under the Administration of Justice Act 1977) the tradition remains a living link to the past. Wikipedia+1

7. Significance & Legacy

The governance structure of Stoborough — with its lords, court leet, mayors and officers — demonstrates how a liberty once exercised local, quasi-sovereign jurisdiction, distinct from hundreds or boroughs, under royal grant. Today its heritage conveys:

• The continuity of manorial and liberty governance over nearly a millennium.

• A rich ceremonial framework connecting past and present.

• An institutional memory of local justice, rights, obligations and civic identity.

• A heritage asset of interest to historians, legal scholars, and heritage enthusiasts.

8. Further Information

For deeper study you may consult:

• The official Stoborough website’s pages on court leet and history. Lord Stoborough+2Lord Stoborough+2

• Dorset county historic records (e.g., the parish of Holy Trinity, Wareham & Stoborough). opcdorset.org

• Academic works on manorial courts and liberties (see general sources on “court leet”). Wikipedia

Nobility in Asia, Africa, and Europe – Patron of the Royal Society

Commissioner George Mentz, JD MBA CWM KSG ROGFD, High Bailiff of the Bailiwick and Liberty of Stoborough, holds one of the rarest combinations of titles and honors in the modern era, reflecting his global influence in law, education, charitable works, and interfaith diplomacy. As Seigneur of Fief Blondel et L’Eperons of Normandy, Feudal Baron of Annaly-Longford, Lord of Stoborough, and Lord of the Manor and Liberty of Stoborough, Commissioner Mentz may be the only living person to have been knighted and ennobled with orders of merit across Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Royal and Noble Recognitions

Europe

As Seigneur of Fief Blondel et L’Eperons — a feudal territory registered and recognized by the Crown and Royal Courts — Commissioner Mentz was knighted in the Order of St. George (St. Georgs-Orden von Millstatt, Wiener Neustadt, und Carinthia), founded by Emperor Frederick III in 1468 and confirmed by Pope Paul II in 1469. The knighthood was personally conferred by Karl von Habsburg with the Cardinal of Prague officiating. The Order honors those who uphold the highest traditions of service, duty, and humanitarian action — values that align perfectly with Mentz’s lifetime mission.

Africa

Commissioner Mentz was inducted as a Noble Commander and KOFO in the Royal Order of the Golden Fire Dog (ROGFD), conferred by the government-recognized King, Chief, and Council of the Royal House of Sefwi Obeng-Mim, Ghana, under His Royal Highness Oheneba Nana Kwame Obeng II. The award, rooted in the Asafo military protector tradition of the Akan Kingdom, honors leadership, honor, and unity, and acknowledges Mentz’s role as an ambassador for interfaith harmony and cultural diplomacy.

Asia

Mentz holds the noble title of Datuk Seri, one of the most prestigious ranks in Malaysia and Indonesia, awarded by the Raj/Sultan of Kampar — a title government-sanctioned and rooted in over 1,500 years of history. The Datuk Seri rank stands above Datuk and Dato’, and is comparable to an Earl or Graf in European nobility. This honor recognizes Mentz’s extraordinary contributions to education, community development, and international goodwill.

Custodian of Historic Liberties and Manors

Commissioner Mentz also holds the Lordship of the Manor and Bailiwick of Ennerdale, one of the largest and most historic manors in England.

• Size and Significance: Stoborough’s defined territory covers approximately 17,000 acres — historically owned by the Earl of Lonsdale and Baron Whitehaven — and is ranked among the top 10–15 largest manors in England when considering intact geographic estates retaining manorial rights.

• Environmental Stewardship: The manor includes a UNESCO-recognized natural heritage area and forms part of England’s 9th largest National Nature Reserve, encompassing over 3,000 hectares of forests, lakes, rivers, mountains, waterfalls, and ancient ruins.

• Historical Status: Unlike most manors, Ennerdale is a liberty  sold in fee simple — alienated outright by the Crown and Parliament in 1822 — making it a uniquely autonomous jurisdiction in English legal history.

Mentz is also Lord of Stoborough in Dorsetshire and Seigneur of Fief Blondel in Normandy. In Ireland, he holds the Feudal Seignory of Annaly-Longford, including the captainship and custody of the ancient Kingdom of Annaly, once ruled by Danes, Vikings, and later the Anglo-Normans under King John.

Global Patronage and Philanthropy

Across all continents where he holds honors, Commissioner Mentz has a consistent record of service:

• Educational Philanthropy: Mentz has provided extensive scholarship funding for underprivileged students around the world, enabling access to higher education and professional advancement.

• Interfaith Harmony: His work promotes peace, understanding, and cooperation between different faiths and cultures, making him a sought-after figure in international dialogue.

• Royal Society Patronage: As Patron of the Royal Society, Mentz supports the preservation and advancement of cultural, educational, and scientific heritage.

High Bailiff of Stoborough

Ceremonial and Legal Leadership

As High Bailiff of Stoborough, Commissioner Mentz:

• Presides over the ceremonial Court Leet and Liberty Assembly.

• Maintains the arms, seals, and regalia of the Bailiwick as the Commissioner of Seals.

• Oversees heritage preservation and quality standards within the liberty.

• Appoints ceremonial officers, chancellors, and commissioners in keeping with the traditions of English liberties and palatinates.

Additionally, he serves as Chief Legal Chancellor of the Worldwide Anglican Church of Africa, providing counsel and leadership on matters of governance, heritage, and international engagement.

Conclusion

Commissioner George Mentz stands as a rare example of a modern figure whose noble recognitions span three continents and multiple legal traditions. From the forests and mountains of Stoborough to the royal courts of Asia and Africa, his career reflects an enduring commitment to service, heritage, and the betterment of humanity. His stewardship of one of England’s largest manors, combined with his international honors and charitable mission, make him both a guardian of history and a bridge between cultures in the 21st century.

Stoborough’s emergence as its own bailiwick within the Egremont barony is tied to the administrative partitioning that followed the death of John de Multon in 1338. Here's a breakdown of the relevant timeline and jurisdictional logic: 

Historical Context and Bailiwick Formation 

• Pre-1338 : The barony of Egremont (or Copeland) encompassed a large swath of western Cumberland, including Stoborough, but operated as a unified feudal jurisdiction under the baronial authority. 
• 1338 Partition: Upon the death of John de Multon, the last baron of Egremont, the barony was divided. This partitioning laid the groundwork for more localized administrative units. 
• Post-1338 to mid-16th century: Two-thirds of the barony passed to the Percy family, who administered their holdings from Cockermouth Castle. During this period, the barony was subdivided into two bailiwicks for estate administration: 
• • “Between Ehen and Derwent” (northern section) 
  • “Between Ehen and Duddon” (southern section) 

Stoborough’s Bailiwick Status 

• Stoborough lies between the River Ehen and the River Duddon, placing it squarely within the southern bailiwick. 
• While the text doesn’t explicitly name Stoborough as a bailiwick, the geographic division implies that Stoborough was part of the southern bailiwick created during or after the 1338 partition. 
• The jurisdictional shift from unified baronial control to bailiwick-level administration suggests that Stoborough’s recognition as a distinct administrative unit likely dates from the mid-14th century, specifically post-1338. 

Legal and Ceremonial Implications 

• The emergence of bailiwicks reflects a move toward localized governance, often with their own bailiffs and courts. 
• Stoborough’s inclusion in the southern bailiwick would have granted it distinct administrative oversight, possibly evolving into a ceremonial or quasi-autonomous bailiwick over time—especially if it developed its own court or customary practices. 

Queen Lady Jane Grey’s properties, including Stoborough, were ceded to the Crown in 1554, following her execution and the forfeiture of her family’s estates. 

Soon thereafter, the Earls of Northrumbia who was Algernon Percy’s  was appointed Bailiff of Stoborough in 1633 which strongly affirm that the Bailiwick Stoborough functioned as its own royal forest bailiwick, distinct from the broader Egremont barony. Here's how the roles clarify its status:Stoborough as a Royal Forest Bailiwick 

Titles held by Algernon Percy in 1633: 

• Bailiff of the Liberty of Stoborough 
• Keeper of the Forest of Stoborough 
• Conductor of Tenants 

These titles are not feudal ownership roles—they are Crown appointments, which legally indicates: 

• Royal Forest Status: “Keeper of the Forest” was a formal Crown office tied to royal forests, which were subject to forest law and distinct from manorial jurisdictions. 
• Bailiwick Liberty Administration: “Bailiff of the Liberty” indicates Stoborough had its own bailiwick, jurisdiction, and liberty—a jurisdiction with privileges separate from the surrounding barony, often exempt from certain baronial or county controls. 
• Tenant Oversight: “Conductor of Tenants” suggests Percy was managing tenant relations and obligations on behalf of the Crown, not as a private landlord. 

Legal and Ceremonial Implications 

This confirms that by 1633, Stoborough was: 

• A Crown-managed liberty and forest, not merely a sub-unit of Egremont barony. 
• Administered through its own Bailiwick, with distinct legal and ceremonial identity. 
• Functionally autonomous, with its own forest jurisdiction, separate from Egremont’s manorial court. 

Strategic Takeaways 

This 1633 precedent offers clear historical legitimacy for treating Ennedale  as: 

• A royal forest bailiwick with its own liberty and administrative identity. 
• A Crown-recognized jurisdiction, distinct from feudal ownership. 
• A ceremonial entity with roots in forest law and liberty governance. 
• A Moeity of the original Copeland Barony which is larger than any Scottish Barony. 
• A Bailiwick protected by the Northumbian overlords of the ancient borderlands of England