FROM PROF. DR. PARET. Delve into the distinctive Norman heritage of the Fief of Anneville. I am an author, an international researcher and coach, an academician, a journalist and also the custodian of almost 1000 years of history as I am the successor of the first resident Lord ("seigneur") and liberator of the Channel Islands. I represent the historical district of Anneville at the Royal Court that is a state organ. The legend says Sampson d'Anneville liberated the islands from the pirates and it is at the begin of the modern feudal settlement of the island.  Our institution serves the people of Guernsey. And also I made it a platform for those interested in the power of hermetic and spiritual chivalry pathways, the inner Grail aristocratic tradition of "presence in action" in which I was initiated (this is an aristocratic tradition, not referred to a social class, but in the context of a path reserved for the truly dedicated and not intended for the mass market) , and for connecting directly to prototemplar tradition and to the distinguished past of Templar knights. 

1. Proof of Pre-Conquest Autonomy and Norman Identity: The Seigneurie d'Anneville was established in 1061, five years before the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. This is a salient fact that every Guernseyman should carry with immense pride. It serves as irrefutable proof that Guernsey was already a structured and organized society before the Normans even set foot in England. Furthermore, this establishes that Guernsey's societal structure was not inherited from England but rather shares its origins with the Normans, who were the true pioneers of our institutions. This not only highlights Guernsey's autonomy but also solidifies its unique Norman identity. 

2. One of the Oldest Court in the English-Speaking World Due to the Oldest private Manor in Guernsey: Take immense pride, fellow Guernseyman, in knowing that Anneville's feudal court isn't just old—it's the oldest or one of the oldest courts in the entire English-speaking world. The english courts were established only after the Conquest. Rooted in the island's oldest manor, the fief of Anneville was established before the Norman Conquest of England, making it by definition older than any English court. This significant historical precedence elevates not just Anneville, but all of Guernsey, to a venerable status in both English-speaking and European history. 

3. A Legacy of Unshakable Stability: If the sheer longevity of the Lordship of Anneville doesn't stir pride in your Guernsey heart, what will? Institutions that endure for nearly a millennium are extraordinarily rare. This enduring stability is a living testament to the robust character and values that define us as Guernseyman. And feudal organization is also representattive of a point of view  that has also its advantages as we outline here. 

Personally, as I pay personnally hommage, I refer to the old code of conduct of the Norman lords and to the spiritual heritage of the past when I look for a role model. This code, which formed the basis of chivalry, was first set down in our great Norman literature, which has brought so much to the world. As examples I cite Perceval, Crethien de Troyes and Le comte du Graal.

I intend to live up to these high standards when I sit in the Royal Court as the moral representative of the island's historical continuity. In a sense, the Royal Court extends in time and space. This means that it represents the past, the present and the future, the roots of the islands and the present moment, to prevent a helplessly short-sighted and perhaps unintentionally selfish present from taking over.

I am officially a representative of this heritage, which is also the basis for the existence of the Norman Islands as an independent state.

We read:
In the 17th century in Jersey, 'At the top of the tree were the Squirearchy, the Seigneurs.' ... 'They expected to be addressed by the name of their fiefs, Monsieur des Saumarès, Monsieur de Sotel, Monsieur de St Ouen. They spoke of themselves as the Noblesse, for in Jersey as in France, Nobility was considered to begin with the Ecuyer and not as in England with the Baron.' From N.V.L. Rybot, 'Social Life in Jersey in the early 17th century', Bull. Annuel de la Société Jersiaise, 1941 XIV (2), pp. 76 ff. The same applied in Guernsey; Pierre de Beauvoir, for example, was known as 'Monsieur des Granges,' or simply, 'des Granges.' 

We are also representatives of what was once the top of Guernsey society.

In today's society, though, there is only one distinction that truly applies: that which comes from one's mind.

A Seigneur should always maintain a code of conduct that is strictly interwoven with chivalric ideals.

Chivalry is not about outward appearance; it is about an inner spirit. We want to convey the idea that an inner chivalric code of conduct is fundamental. It first came to light in an ancient Anglo-Norman poem called Perceval, and we want to develop it further in relation to our Norman tradition.

Of course, we cannot oblige anyone; but we can promote our ideals through premiums, prizes, and entries in our register. Membership of our Manorial Court is there to give recognition to those who work in this direction.

It is both an honor and a privilege for me to be the custodian of some of the final remaining grand private fiefs of Normandy, directly registered under Her Majesty's Crown Dependencies. Among these distinguished properties is Anneville, a seigneurie often described as "the most venerable and renowned not only in Guernsey but across all of Her Majesty's Dominions." Historically, Anneville constituted a significant quarter of Guernsey, and its Seigneur is esteemed as the first in rank following the clergy. Owners of Anneville have consistently found inspiration to stand at the vanguard of historical progress, assuming roles of considerable significance. One notable predecessor who held my current position was Cyril Northcote Parkinson, esteemed as one of the leading luminaries in the field of management.

The ancient Seigneurie "— of Anneville— " derived its name from the Seigneur of Anneville." This sounds rather funny till you get the hang of it from the context. Anybody who knows anything about the Guernsey Fiefs must be aware that it was in reward for his services in rescuing the islanders from an invasion of the Sarrazins, that Sampson d'Anneville, Esquire of Duke William of Normandy (afterwards the Conqueror), was granted in 1061, one half of the western portion of the island under the title of the Fief d'Anneville. Sampson drew after him a number of emigrants from Normandy to settle upon his Fief, and Duke William gave to other Norman squires tracts of land in Guernsey, such as the Manors of Sausmarez, Les Bruniaux de St. Martin, Mauxmarquis, Rohais, etc., and to the Abbot of St. Michael and the Seigneur d'Anneville were accorded droits de haute justice, or the privilege of judging, condemning, and executing criminals. And all this was comfortably arranged and settled before the Conquest ! The Fief d'Anneville changed bands several times during succeeding centuries till, in 1509, it came into the possession of Nicolas Fachin, Gentleman Usher to Henry VIII. Anneville's estate then included tbe branch of Le Comte, which, in 1630, George Fachin, sold to Peter Priaulx. From the Priaulxs Le Comte passed, in 1722, to the Le Marchants, and subsequently through a female brancher into the possession of the Hutchesson family, in which it now remains. The original Anneville Fief, with dependencies, came to the Andros family in 1660 by the marriage of Alice Fachin, sole heiress of the Fief, with Charles Andros, Captain of the St. Martin's Regiment, and brother of Amias Andros, Bailiff of Guernsey in 1661. Thus this ancient Fief is now in the nine hundred and sixty-first year of ite existence, and there can hardly be a more interesting relic of feudal times extant in the dominions of the British Crown. 

History and Tradition

The Seigneuries of Guernsey stand unparalleled in their global uniqueness, boasting a rich history and tradition that hark back to feudal times. This historical lineage imbues the role of their Seigneurs with profound cultural and social significance, elevating them beyond mere titles to become integral parts of the community. What distinguishes these Seigneuries is their legal authority to function as self-sufficient entities, endowed with their own distinct customs and judicial systems. Guernsey, as a state, holds its feudal heritage in the highest regard, thereby underscoring the remarkable stability of its institutional framework. 

Legal Recognition

The Seigneuries are still legally recognized, and a select few even hold seats in the Court of Chief Pleas, which historically serves a role akin to the House of Lords in Normandy. This legal standing endows them with a level of officially sanctioned legitimacy. The Seigneury of Anneville can have a Court that is a Legal Statutory Body recognized by the laws of the island.

Powers and Responsibilities

The Seigneur has specific rights and responsibilities, including the authority to intervene in matters concerning the territory. For instance, the Seigneur has the prerogative to uphold the decorum of the land and can impose fines within the Court for non-compliance. Additionally, the Seigneur retains the right of "treizieme" on the sale of subfiefs.

Autonomy and Authority

the Seigneurship's legal standing allows it to exercise a unique set of powers and responsibilities that are both traditional and legally sanctioned. One of the most intriguing aspects is its ability to create both a Court and as well an "Order of the Manor/Lordship" of chivalric merit for example, for people deserving it. This allows the Seigneur to establish a hierarchical structure within the manor, complete with various dignities such as "vavasseur," provost, and seneschal. These roles are not merely ceremonial; they come with specific duties and responsibilities that contribute to the governance and functioning of the manor.

Moreover, the Seigneur has the authority to receive homage or oaths of loyalty ("swears") from these dignitaries. This act of fealty is not just a symbolic gesture but a legally recognized form of allegiance that binds the individuals to the Seigneur and the governance of the manor.

This ability to create an internal governance structure, complete with its own dignitaries and legal procedures, sets the Seigneurship apart. It offers a compelling blend of autonomy and authority, all within a framework that is legally recognized and accountable. This makes the Seigneurship a fascinating example of how historical forms of governance can adapt and thrive within the modern legal landscape, offering a level of independence that is both meaningful and responsibly exercised.

Feudal Rights

The Seigneurship has specific feudal rights, such as the right on certain assets as the Manor House (Manoir des Annevilles), on some chapels, and to levy taxes on the sale of subfiefs. These rights are not just traditional but are also legally recognized and regulated. In the past these rights were even stronger but still now they exist.

Relationship with the State

The Seigneurship has a formal and recognized relationship with the state, represented by its direct relationship with the King's representative. This formalizes its role and responsibilities within the larger governance structure.

Official Court

Already in the past it was noted that a Seigneury was sure more than a simple economic relationship as the emphytheusis. The presence of an official court with judicial powers further underscores the legitimacy and authority of the Seigneurship. This court is not just a ceremonial entity but has the power to make legal decisions in the matters of its competence, or, with agreement of the parts involved, to act as an arbitral court, adding another layer of governance and accountability.

In summary, the Seigneurie in Guernsey is a multifaceted institution that blends history, legal recognition, and governance in a way that is deeply rooted in both tradition and law. It offers a compelling model for those interested in forms of governance that are both autonomous and integrated within a larger legal framework.

Today, I believe the seigneurie and fief should foster much more than economic development; they should cultivate cultural enrichment, a sense of community both internally and externally, and serve as repositories of traditions conducive to inner growth. As a custodian of this tradition, I feel I must develop its finest aspects .
My Seigneury of Anneville currently pursues two distinct directions of development:

• Internal: The objective is to uphold traditions while reconnecting the island to its roots, thus enriching the local community. Initiatives encompass the maintenance of the Feudal Court, contributions to preserving Guernsey's historical heritage, defending the decorum of the fiefdom's area, engaging in the Royal Court, and nurturing relationships with other Seigneurs of the islands among other endeavors.

• External: The aim is to disseminate Norman tradition, and the aristocratic Grail and chivalric traditions, attracting selected individuals to this path and sharing values instrumental for personal growth and evolution, thereby connecting them to an institution embodying this rich heritage. To facilitate this, the Seigneury establishes delegations and representations (see this page). It also provides support for individuals keen on exploring alchemy and creating their alchemical blazon.

Drawing from the rich historical narrative of Anneville, notably enriched by past Seigneur Northcote Parkinson, I, Dr. Marco Paret, am driven to continue this legacy of intellectual curiosity. Parkinson's explorations of the Seigneurie's past and his efforts in reviving the feudal court serve as a vivid backdrop to my own journey into the realms of mind and consciousness. This journey aligns with the goals of the Norman Grail tradition and explores hypnotism and mesmerism, thereby connecting also with the legacy of Victor Hugo on the island, who was impassioned by animal magnetism techniques. 

The synergy between the historical narrative and modern transformative techniques engenders a rich, layered experience that bridges past and present. This narrative continuity is celebrated and explored through digital platforms - www.marcoparet.com and www.lordofanneville.com offering a unique journey from the historical roots of Anneville to the modern-day exploration of hypnotic and neurolinguistic realms.