Benign Feudalism
The Benign Feudal social model of the New Weddington Isles is broadly divided into three strata, with the Lord of the Manor at the apex. Ranking below the Lord are the Noble Class; the Knight Class and the remainder of New Weddingtonians being free people known generally as Citizens.
The New Weddington Isles system of Benign Feudalism is a departure from the model of Medieval European Feudalism, or the Feudal system of the Bailiwick of Sark prior to the Reform (Sark) Law, 2008. The lower ranks of peasants, serfs and slaves are abolished in this form, to be replaced with Citizens. These may be physical occupants of the Isles or individuals who have pledged to further the promotion and aims of the Isles in a virtual capacity (notably via social media).
Above this stratum is the Knightly Class, and above that are the Nobility who pay homage directly to the Head of State; that being the Lord of the Manor. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and its realms is not recognised as Head of State; but is recognised in her capacity as Head of the Commonwealth of Nations, of which the New Weddington Isles is a voluntary member.
The New Weddington Isles system of Benign Feudalism is a departure from the model of Medieval European Feudalism, or the Feudal system of the Bailiwick of Sark prior to the Reform (Sark) Law, 2008. The lower ranks of peasants, serfs and slaves are abolished in this form, to be replaced with Citizens. These may be physical occupants of the Isles or individuals who have pledged to further the promotion and aims of the Isles in a virtual capacity (notably via social media).
Above this stratum is the Knightly Class, and above that are the Nobility who pay homage directly to the Head of State; that being the Lord of the Manor. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and its realms is not recognised as Head of State; but is recognised in her capacity as Head of the Commonwealth of Nations, of which the New Weddington Isles is a voluntary member.
The Court Baron
The forum for discussion, enactment and amendments to matters of State is the ‘Court Baron’ a regular meeting convened and led by The Lord of the Manor. All New Weddingtonians are encouraged to attend these Courts Baron.
Only individuals with a rank of Knight or Noble may undertake or be involved in decision-making duties as outlined in this Article and as granted by the Lord of the Manor. Citizens are allowed to attend meetings (including online meetings) and make petitions to the Court for consideration.
The Lord of the Manor shall determine whether and if so to what extent to constitute to convene and to preside over the activities of the Court Baron which shall sit in an advisory capacity to consider various petitions and matters of State.
It shall be upon the instruction of the Lord of the Manor with or without advice from the Court Baron to prepare those Laws deemed appropriate for the maintenance of Order and to sustain the Common Good.
Such Laws as may be prepared by the Court Baron shall be presented to the Lord of the Manor for bringing into effect or other such disposition as the Lord of the Manor in sole discretion shall see fit.
Such Laws as are enacted by the Lord of the Manor shall form the only basis upon which matters of any kind are undertaken in the Manor and shall be published for the information of all New Weddingtonians who will be held liable for their implementation as appropriate.
Members of the Court Baron with an Advisory capacity shall be Nobles and Knights as appointed by the Lord of the Manor who shall at all times use best judgement to ensure a balance of representation of the interests of the New Weddington Isles. Citizens are at liberty to attend and observe the Court Baron proceedings, and to submit a petition to the Court, as according to the rules for submission to said Courts Baron.
Whilst sole authority lies with the Lord of the Manor, they shall adhere to the rights of all New Weddingtonians to maintain the Isles as a place where all persons, regardless of personal background or persuasion, might undertake such activities as they see fit as appropriate to their beliefs and custom taking into account those actions upon their fellow New Weddingtonians.
Any activities that impede the point above – including prejudice of any incarnation on the basis of age, ethnicity, gender, sexual/gender orientation, personal beliefs and mental & physical disability – will be dealt with according to the Judicial Process as defined in Article 3 of the Constitution. The Lord of the Manor shall set out procedures appropriate to the resolution of dispute and the keeping of Common Order to the benefit of all.
The New Weddington Isles is a Secular society whereby all beliefs and philosophies are equally accepted and welcomed ON EXPRESS CONDITION that they DO NOT impede upon the Rights of fellow New Weddingtonians.
See also the "Nobility and Honours" section of this website.
[[The Constitution of the New Weddington Isles, Articles 1 and 2]
Only individuals with a rank of Knight or Noble may undertake or be involved in decision-making duties as outlined in this Article and as granted by the Lord of the Manor. Citizens are allowed to attend meetings (including online meetings) and make petitions to the Court for consideration.
The Lord of the Manor shall determine whether and if so to what extent to constitute to convene and to preside over the activities of the Court Baron which shall sit in an advisory capacity to consider various petitions and matters of State.
It shall be upon the instruction of the Lord of the Manor with or without advice from the Court Baron to prepare those Laws deemed appropriate for the maintenance of Order and to sustain the Common Good.
Such Laws as may be prepared by the Court Baron shall be presented to the Lord of the Manor for bringing into effect or other such disposition as the Lord of the Manor in sole discretion shall see fit.
Such Laws as are enacted by the Lord of the Manor shall form the only basis upon which matters of any kind are undertaken in the Manor and shall be published for the information of all New Weddingtonians who will be held liable for their implementation as appropriate.
Members of the Court Baron with an Advisory capacity shall be Nobles and Knights as appointed by the Lord of the Manor who shall at all times use best judgement to ensure a balance of representation of the interests of the New Weddington Isles. Citizens are at liberty to attend and observe the Court Baron proceedings, and to submit a petition to the Court, as according to the rules for submission to said Courts Baron.
Whilst sole authority lies with the Lord of the Manor, they shall adhere to the rights of all New Weddingtonians to maintain the Isles as a place where all persons, regardless of personal background or persuasion, might undertake such activities as they see fit as appropriate to their beliefs and custom taking into account those actions upon their fellow New Weddingtonians.
Any activities that impede the point above – including prejudice of any incarnation on the basis of age, ethnicity, gender, sexual/gender orientation, personal beliefs and mental & physical disability – will be dealt with according to the Judicial Process as defined in Article 3 of the Constitution. The Lord of the Manor shall set out procedures appropriate to the resolution of dispute and the keeping of Common Order to the benefit of all.
The New Weddington Isles is a Secular society whereby all beliefs and philosophies are equally accepted and welcomed ON EXPRESS CONDITION that they DO NOT impede upon the Rights of fellow New Weddingtonians.
See also the "Nobility and Honours" section of this website.
[[The Constitution of the New Weddington Isles, Articles 1 and 2]
