THE EDICT OF HIGHBURY, 636

[DuhPuhWuh 1282]

now ye who bear these letters, that whereas the ordering of estates and degrees among Our subjects is the foundation of peace, and good governance, it has long been Our will to raise up men of proven worth to stand between the commonality and the peerage. Therefore We set forth this Edict of Highbury, declaring how gentrymen shall be made, known, and kept within Our realm.

 

Know ye also, that with the council of the lawful assembly of Our Lords, who have humbly laid before Us their advice concerning the manner by which persons of worth and good name may be known and raised into gentility, this edict is most well advised and informed.

 

And whereas the said Lords, having regard for both the customs of old time and the needs of the day, have spoken and deliberated upon these matters for the strengthening of the Archduchy, and to keep good rule among Our people.

 

And whereas the final making and disposing of honours and estates rests by law and right in Us alone, We believe it fitting to hear the counsel of Our Lords, as it should be done in a well-governed realm.

 

Therefore, having weighed their words of council and brought them under consideration, and in accord with the Great Act of State, We do now declare and set forth this edict, whereby gentrymen shall be made, known, and governed within Our dominion.

 

 

THE GREAT ACT OF STATE:

Article II. Section. II.

“A gentry person shall be defined as a division of Our distinguished subjects. They are unique in station due to their raised rank amongst our common subjects. Gentrification, which defines a gentry person, shall be done by Our writ or appointment."

 

"Gentrymen may style themselves as one of Our Lords, as a recognition of their enduring service to the realm.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE I. On Gentility and Its Nature

Section I.

A gentryman is one who has been raised from the common estate, and set apart by their good deeds, service and honour, and gifted with gentility, a position between the lowest of subjects and the peers.

 

Section II.

Gentility comes neither by coin, nor by worth or ancient blood, but by Our grace. Bestowed upon the worthy, who have served Us and the realm faithfully.

 

Section III.

No man shall call themselves a gentryman, nor so be accounted in law or custom, without bearing Our writ, seal and have their name written upon the Roll of Gentry by Our command.

 

 

ARTICLE II. On Worth and Aptitude

Section I.

No person should be raised to gentrymen unless they be:

Of a long known household in Alba, of good repute, of good and lawful standing. Or proven in service, craft or arms.

 

Section II.

Such persons may be brought to Our notice:

By Our own knowledge or choosing; or, by the commendation of two or more of Our peers, who shall answer for their honour.

 

Section III.

Before any writ be granted, the name and deeds may be laid before the House of Lords, to be discussed and weighed upon, so that no unworthy person be raised to dishonour the realm.

The House of Lords shall give counsel only, and the making of gentry rests with Us and Our seal alone.

 

ARTICLE III. On Fees, Records and Renewals

Section I.

Once any person is raised to the estate of gentrymen, they shall render a one-time-tithe unto us as a gift of entry, set at five-hundred mina, a token of their new estate and obligation.

This gift may be rendered by the newly raised gentryman, or by a patron or sponsor standing for them.

 

Section II.

The name, arms and style of every gentryman shall be entered upon the Roll of Gentry and Roll of Arms, kept by the Court of Rolls under Our seal.

 

Section III.

When a gentryman should pass, the writ of their gentility shall be rendered null, save by its renewal by Our grace upon their deserved heir.

 

ARTICLE IV. On Duties and Honours

Section I.

Every household that should be led by a gentryman shall be bound in active service to Us and the realm.

 

Section II.

Each such household shall:

Keep at least one of its own in service to an Alban privy office, institution or learned foundation; and,

Provide at least another for regular service in Our Prince’s Army, or serve in the knightly host of the White Hart; and,

When called to arms, they shall be ready to march in tow with their fellow Albans.

 

Section III.

By Our grace, upon confirmation of Our gentry writ, each gentryman’s household shall receive a charter for a parcel of land, to allow them to construct a manor and support their estate. By the charter they shall:

Pay the accustomed tithes for their land each year and render levies or manufactured produce, as assessed by Our privy and their officers.

Those who gain their keep by craft or trade, they shall maintain a chief enterprise. Whosoever fails in these duties, and does not mend after warning, shall be corrected or may lose their manor and estate.

 

Section IV.

Gentrymen may be called to sit in the House of Lords, hear and speak upon matters of the realm, but they shall hold no vote nor bind the House by their number.

 

Section V.

Only Our subject raised by writ may style themselves as a Lord or Lady; others of their house shall be called Master, Mistress.

 

ARTICLE VI. On Presence and Loss of Estate

Section I.

Those of the gentry estate stand above the commons and beneath the peerage, owing subservience upwards and protection downwards.

 

Section II.

Gentility may be taken away by revocation of Our writ and land charter; for the reasons of treason, gross dishonour, long neglect of service or duty.

Upon such loss, names, arms and all privileges given by the lifted status shall fall away, unless We command otherwise.

 

Thus We will command, by this Our seal, that honour be guarded, service rewarded, and the realm strengthened by men raised not by pride alone, but by duty and good name.

This Our princely decree, is given under Our Great Seal at Glasgon, on the 10th Sun’s Smile, in the Year of Our Lord 636, and in the 10th Year of Our reign.

 

[Metamancy 1759]

Avaline cheered. Maybe.

[0mnip0tent 338]

As it was announced in front of the Alban court, a joyous applause of celebration could be seen coming from the rear of the hall, from none other than Roswyn Aldor.