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

Title: The “Rembrandt of All Manors” — The Bailiwick of Ennerdale
Why the Bailiwick of Ennerdale stands apart and why ownership carries amazingly unique prestige

Introduction

The Bailiwick of Ennerdale is no ordinary manor. It is a rare fusion of historical, legal, environmental and symbolic value. Rooted in a royal forest and liberty, transferred by Crown and Parliament, and preserved into the modern era, it stands as the quintessential “Rembrandt of all manors”.

1. Heritage & Provenance

• The Bailiwick of Ennerdale traces its origins to at least 1251 AD, notably as a Crown-forest and Free Chase under medieval forest law. See “Historical Pedigree and Provenance of the Bailiwick, Liberty, Manor, and Forest of Ennerdale.”

• It was once part of the great Forest of Copeland, and in 1338 the region was divided into bailiwicks; Ennerdale emerged as a distinct jurisdiction (“between the Rivers Ehen and Derwent”) with its own bailiff and autonomy.

• In 1822, the Crown (via the Commissioners of HM Woods & Forests) sold the Bailiwick/Liberty/Forest in fee simple to the Earl of Lonsdale, thus alienating the full array of rights (land, courts, liberties, mineral/foreshore rights) to private hands.

• Because of this legal conveyance, Ennerdale claims to be “the only privately owned bailiwick in the world and one of the largest private manors in all England.”

2. Legal and Jurisdictional Privileges

Owning the Bailiwick of Ennerdale means inheriting more than land — it involves inheriting a set of rights and formal privileges:

• The right to hold a Court Leet and Court Baron, ceremonial and manorial courts rooted in medieval practice.

• Authority to create and use seals, crests and coats of arms tied to the Bailiwick’s identity.

• Ceremonial appointments of local officers (bailiff, foresters, stewards) and the authority to found and maintain orders of merit or other honorary titles.

• Rights tied to forestry, water, fishery, and commons — under the ancient privileges of the liberty and forest structure.
  These attributes combine to give the Bailiwick a pseudo-palatine status: quasi-sovereign within its domain, setting it apart from standard manorial holdings.

3. Scale & Landscape Value

• The Bailiwick spans one of the largest historic manors in England, covering thousands of acres in Cumbria.

• Its composition as forest, valley, commons and historic estate land adds environmental and intrinsic value, not just title.

• Because it once held Crown forest status, its lands carry both historical weight and practical interest (e.g., water rights, scenic value). ennerdale.org

4. Unique “Rembrandt” Status

Why call it the “Rembrandt of all manors”? Consider:

• It is claimed to be possibly the only bailiwick and liberty in English (and world) history sold outright from the Crown with full jurisdictional rights.

• Its combination of size + autonomy + historic rights + legal conveyance into private hands is virtually unmatched.

• The name “Rembrandt” suggests a masterpiece — something rare, fine, rich in provenance and artistic value. Ownership becomes a statement of distinction, heritage and exclusivity.

5. Benefits of Ownership

Putting it in terms that appeal to visitors or potential stakeholders:

• Court Leet and Powers - Rights in Fee Simple to have your own jurisdiction and ceremonial powers within the law.

• Prestige: Ownership links you to one of the most exceptional manorial/feudal titles in England.

• Governance & Ceremonial Rights: You possess rights and privileges that are more than ornamental — they represent a direct lineage of legal and social authority.

• Heritage & Conservation Value: The estate is embedded in historic landscape, natural value and cultural tradition — offering storytelling, brand-value, heritage tourism potential.

• Commercial & Symbolic Utility: Beyond the title, there are manorial services, registration/quality marks, heritage licensing, and cultural heritage initiatives.

• Unique Legal Status: The fact it was alienated by Crown and Parliament makes it a rare asset — a title with documented provenance and exceptional status.

6. Modern Stewardship

Ownership today is not simply about preserving the past, but stewarding a legacy:

• There is emphasis on environmental and sustainable management of the forest, water and land.

• The Lordship supports historical education, cultural diplomacy, heritage and international recognition.

• The Bailiwick offers heritage law seminars, archival preservation and services that connect to modern educational and governance frameworks.

• Support of Chiefs, Clans, and Gaelic and Celtic "tribal like" Powers.

Conclusion

In owning the Bailiwick of Ennerdale, you are acquiring far more than land. You are acquiring a legacy: a deeply rooted institution of English legal history, a majestic landscape, and a title that exudes heritage, only-in-England distinction, and modern utility. It truly deserves to be called the “Rembrandt of all manors”.

⚖️ Why The Lordship of Ennerdale Bailiwick can be seen as “better than peerage”

• Peerage titles (Duke, Earl, Baron, etc.) are personal dignities created by the Crown. They can be hereditary or for life, but they are always subject to the Crown’s prerogative and parliamentary framework.

• Ennerdale Bailiwick was sold outright in fee simple, meaning the jurisdiction itself became private property. That alienation was permanent by King of England and Hanover Germany — it did not revert to the Crown.  Its size being in the top 20 manors in all England is also important.

• Because it was conveyed by both King and Commissioners/Parliament, the style Lord of the Bailiwick and Liberty of Ennerdale is not just a courtesy but a state‑sanctioned legal designation and jurisdiction tied to property rights.

• Unlike a peerage, which is a dignity without ownership, Ennerdale carried jurisdictional substance (court leet powers) and was alienated as a real right. That permanence and independence from Crown reversion is what makes it arguably “better” in a structural sense than any manor and liberty in all of England.

📊 Comparison: Peerage vs. Ennerdale Bailiwick

✅ Conclusion: The holder of Ennerdale does not sit in the British peerage, but they do hold something structurally unique: a permanent, state‑sanctioned jurisdictional title alienated in fee simple. In doctrinal terms, that can be argued as “better than peerage” because it is not dependent on Crown prerogative — it is a property right with a recognized style, conveyed by both King and Parliament for value.