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The Royal Court was packed to capacity yesterday with the holders of ancient titles to mark the start of the legal year in the traditional way – but none will have travelled as far as the latest 'Seigneur du Fief ès Poingdestre'.
The Royal Court of Jersey was holding its annual Assise d’Héritage – and among those in attendance was Colorado resident James Kaye, who bought the ancient title in March this year for £55,000.
Its previous holder, Sam Le Quesne, sold it and gave the proceeds to humanitarian relief in Ukraine.
Assise D'Heritage is a tradition that dates back to at least the early 14th century and is still observed in the 21st. Seigneurs formally renew their ancient allegiance to the Crown and advocates renew their oaths. In order to practise law in Jersey, the advocates have to attend the ceremony.
Vice Admiral Jerry Kydd attended his first Assise D'Heritage this year as Lieutenant Governor.
Pictured: James Kaye (centre) with the team from Parslows who helped him acquire his new title.
Every seat was filled. As the hum of conversation ceased, everyone stood as the Jurats, all dressed in red robes and wearing red caps, slowly filed in behind the large golden mace which is the symbol of royal authority.
After the oaths, Bailiff Sir Timothy Le Cocq spoke of the changes of the new people who had come to the profession from overseas in the last year, saying: "I believe Jersey law is enriched by expertise from outside the island."
Colorado man becomes Jersey's newest Seigneur
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