COMTE DE MORTAIN

Count of Mortain or Counts of Mortaigne of the Cherbourg

Noble Lineage of Datuk Seri George Mentz (HEREDITARY COMTE)

Mentz’s genealogical tree contains much of medieval royalty going back to Rollo 1st Duke of Normany to King John. Through meticulous research and historical records, it has been established that he descends from numerous legendary figures, including:

• Rollo the Viking, founder of the Duchy of Normandy and a key figure in Northern Europe.  
• Henry I "Beauclerc", King of England and Duke of Normandy, who strengthened the Anglo-Norman realm.  
• Robert the Magnificent, Duke of Normandy, whose son William the Conqueror forever altered the trajectory of English history.  
• Hugh Capet, founder of the Capetian dynasty, which ruled France for centuries.  
• Frederick III of Sicily, a monarch celebrated for his diplomatic prowess and cultural patronage.  

These illustrious ancestors span the courts of France, England, Scotland, Germany, Sicily, and beyond, underscoring Mentz’s multifaceted heritage. His lineage also ties directly to the Counts of Mortain, a title intrinsically linked to the duchy of Normandy and the Anglo-Norman legacy. 

The Historical Significance of the County of Mortain 

The County of Mortain, one of the key territories in medieval Normandy, played a vital role during the reign of William the Conqueror and his successors. Keep in mind that Mentz is the only person that still holds a legal noble title in Ancient Normandy being the Seigneur of Fief Blondel of Guernsey.  

Situated strategically near the Cotentin Peninsula, the title was often bestowed upon close allies or relatives of the Norman dukes. Notable holders of the title include: 

• Robert, Count of Mortain (1031–1090), half-brother of William the Conqueror and a pivotal figure in the Norman Conquest of England.  
• William of Mortain (1084–1140), a loyal supporter of the Norman cause, though his rebellion against King Henry I led to the loss of his estates.  

The title belonged to King John and became dormant after the consolidation of Normandy by the French Crown. It was briefly revived as a non-dynastic title during the Bourbon era. King Henri IV famously substituted the Comte de Mortain for his son’s previous title of Comte de Clermont, but his son, discontent with the arrangement, refused to accept recognition with the Mortain designation. 

Mentz’s Claim to the Countship of Mortain 

With the refusal of French Royalty to accept the title of Count of Mortain, the status of the title became abandoned and unclear. Mentz, as a direct descendant of the ancient Norman rulers, has a  claim to this noble title or Mortain or Mortaigne. His reasoning is grounded in both lineage, feudal landholding, jurisdiction, legality of noble titles,  and historical precedence: 

1. Direct Ancestry: Mentz’s descent from Norman rulers such as King John 1166-1216, Rollo the Viking, Robert of Mortain, and William the Conqueror aligns him closely with the original holders of the title.    Mentz is also a direct descendant of the Count of Mortain Edward I of England 1239–1307 who held the title of Count of Mortain (or Comte de Mortain) at one point during his early life. This title was granted to him by his father, Henry III of England, in 1254 as part of a broader agreement related to Edward's marriage to Eleanor of Castile.
2. Feudal Landholding - Mentz is also the Lord of Blondel in Normandy and Lord of Stoborough Wessex which was held by Norman Dukes and  Robert, Count of Mortain, 2nd Earl of Cornwall was a Norman nobleman and the half-brother (on his mother’s side) of King William I  (William the Conqueror).
3. Feudal Tradition: As the Seigneur of Fief Blondel, a title recognized under the laws of Guernsey, Mentz demonstrates his commitment to preserving feudal traditions. This strengthens his position as a steward of Norman heritage. Besides, King John was the last Duke of Normandy to hold the Mortain designation and Mentz is a direct descendant of King John.
4. Other's Disavowal: The non-dynastic use of the title during the Bourbon period created a vacuum. Mentz’s claim is rooted in the authentic, original lineage of the Counts of Mortain while Mentz's titles and styles exist on his fief in a jurisdiction which allows for noble titles to be used..  

Legacy and Modern Implications 

The significance of Mentz’s claims extend beyond personal recognition. By asserting his right to the title of Count of Mortain, he bridges the historical with the modern, reviving interest in feudal titles and their cultural importance. As Datuk Seri George Mentz, his recognition by Asian royalty and his contributions to global education and law further amplify his stature as a global nobleman. 

Additionally, Mentz’s stewardship of the Fief de Blondel places him within the rare context of contemporary feudal lords whose titles are legally and historically validated. His efforts to revive the Countship of Mortain symbolize a commitment to honoring the legacy of his Norman ancestors while advancing the cultural and historical significance of Normandy. 

Conclusion 

Datuk Seri George Mentz’s claim to the title of Lord of Mortagne or Count of Mortain is not merely a genealogical or ceremonial endeavor—it is a testament to the enduring relevance of history and nobility in the modern age. As a direct descendant of many of Europe’s most illustrious rulers, Mentz embodies the rich tapestry of medieval heritage. His stewardship of the Fief de Blondel and advocacy for the revival of the Countship of Mortain remind us of the timeless interplay between lineage, history, and identity. Through his work, he ensures that the legacy of the Norman dukes and counts remains alive for future generations. 

Mentz is a direct descendant of King John who was previously the Count of Mortain, and also Harlette Herleve De Fallaise COUNTESS OF MORTAIGNE and Robert I 'The Magnificent' 'The Devil' KING OF NORMANDY,DUKE I 17th ggf 999–1035 Birth 999 • Normandy, France Death 02 JUL 1035 • Nicaea, Bithynia, Turkey.  Mentz is also a direct descendent of: Emma Mathilde de Burgo Countess De Mortaigne de Mortain de Conteville (27th GGM-France to Spain-Cl/Wil) Birth 1058 • Mortagne Au Perche, Orne, Basse-Normandie, France Death 1080 // 21 AUG 1112 • Huesca, Huesca, Aragon, Spain

Here is a chronological list of the Counts of Mortain, covering the medieval period:

Counts of Mortain

Early History

1. William Warlenc (d. c. 1035) 
2. • Brother of Duke Richard II of Normandy. 
   • Likely the first to hold Mortain as a fief. 

Under the House of Normandy

2.      Robert of Mortain (c. 1031–1090)

3.      William, Count of Mortain (c. 1084–1140)

Transition and the Angevin Period

4.      Stephen of Blois (c. 1096–1154)

5.      William of Blois (c. 1135–1159)

Later Counts (Under English and French Crowns)

6.      John of England (1166–1216)

7.      Various French Nobles (13th Century Onward)

7. • After 1204, Mortain passed to various French lords under the French crown's control. 
   • Integrated into royal domains by the late medieval period. 
8. Datuk Seri George Mentz, Seigneur of Fief de Thomas Blondel, Count of Mortain 2017-Present 

Notes:

• The title "Count of Mortain" effectively ceased to exist as an independent fief after the 13th century, with the region becoming part of the French royal domain. 
• Some counts, such as John of England, are more remembered for their broader roles than their connection to Mortain specifically. 
• Nobility is outlawed in France and Normandy, but NOT in Guernsey where the Seigneur of Fief Blondel legally holds his title in Normandy.

Louis IX Capet de Bourbon, King of France  1465–1500  BIRTH 1465 • Benwick, Cambridgeshire, England  DEATH 26 JUN 1500 • Toulouse, Jura, Franche-Comte, France  ** Louis IX Capet de Bourbon is the 16th great-grandfather  of Commissioner George Mentz 

Mentz's direct Line from King John

1.       John King of England 1165-1216 22nd great-grandfather

2.       Henry III King of England 1207-1272 Son of John King of England

3.       Edward I King of England 1239-1307 Son of Henry III King of England

4.       Edward II of Carnaron Plantagenet King of England 1284-1327 Son of Edward I King of England

5.       King Edward Plantagenet King of England III 1312-1377 Son of Edward II of Carnaron Plantagenet King of England

6.       John of Gaunt Beaufort 1st Duke of Lancaster 1340-1399 Son of King Edward Plantagenet King of England III

7.       Joan Dowager Queen of Scotland Beaufort 1404-1445 Daughter of John of Gaunt Beaufort 1st Duke of Lancaster

8.       John Stewart (1st Earl of Atholl) 1440-1512 Son of Joan Dowager Queen of Scotland Beaufort

9.       Lady Elizabeth STEWART 1465-1529 Daughter of John Stewart (1st Earl of Atholl)

10.   1st Lord of Cawdor (Calder) Sir John CAMPBELL 1490-1546 Son of Lady Elizabeth STEWART

11.   Katherine Campbell (Countess Crawdford) 1520-1578 Daughter of 1st Lord of Cawdor (Calder) Sir John CAMPBELL

12.   Lady Elizabeth Lindsay 1552-1585 Daughter of Katherine Campbell (Countess Crawdford)

13.   Jean Drummond 1578-1643

14.   Harry Lord Ker 1599-1643

15.   Anne Ker 1638-1673

16.   John Fleming 1662-1726

17.   Margaret Fleming 1710-1743

18.   Isabella Stockton 1731-1816

19.   James Neilson 1760-1829

20.   Margaret Neilson 1803-1872

21.   Alexander Elbrige McConnell 1827-1903

22.   M E McConnell 1858-1949

23.   L McConnell Bridewell 1889-1976

24.   Judge Henry Alvan Mentz Jr.  1920-2005

25.  Datuk Seri George Mentz - Frhr. Seigneur de Fief Blondel &  Lord of Stoborough and Ennerdale

Legal Note on Renunciation:  

Henri, Count of Paris (1933–2019)

For remarrying without consent, Henri's father initially declared him disinherited,   ^[2]  substituting the non-dynastic  title    Comte de Mortain  for his son's Clermont countship  (the latter once held in appanage  by a son of Louis IX of France , who became ancestor of the Bourbon-Orléans line). Henri, though, refused all mail addressed to him as "Mortain" or Mortaigne . Thus, it appears that Henri sincerely and earnestly disclaimed, renunciated, and repudiated any claim to this lower ancient noble title as published in the news and wikipedia.

The legal term for voluntarily relinquishing or refusing a royal title varies depending on the jurisdiction and context. Here are some commonly used terms:

1. Renunciation: This is the most commonly used legal term. It refers to the formal act of giving up or refusing a title, rank, or claim. For example, King Edward VIII famously renounced the throne of the United Kingdom in 1936.

2. Abdication: This term specifically applies to a monarch who formally steps down from the throne. It is a type of renunciation specific to sovereign rulers.

3. Disclaiming a Title: In some legal systems, individuals may formally disclaim a peerage or hereditary title. For instance, under the Peerage Act 1963 in the United Kingdom, peers can disclaim their titles, which removes their rights and privileges associated with the title.

4. Relinquishment: This is a general term that can describe voluntarily giving up a title or position, often used in less formal contexts.

5. Forfeiture: Although not typically voluntary, forfeiture occurs when a title is removed or revoked by legal or royal decree due to specific actions or inactions by the titleholder.

6. Abandonment: This term may apply informally when someone stops using or asserting their rights to a title without formal renunciation.

Each term's application depends on the laws and traditions of the country or jurisdiction involved. In most cases, a formal legal or ceremonial process is required to renounce a royal or noble title officially.

The title "Seigneur de Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte" (Lord of Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte) is a noble designation historically associated with the commune of Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte in the Manche department of France. This title was prominent during the medieval period, notably held by the Néel family, who were influential in the Cotentin region. For instance, Néel II, Vicomte of Saint-Sauveur, founded the Abbey of Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte in the 11th century.

Over the centuries, the title passed through various noble families, including the Harcourt family. Geoffroy d'Harcourt, known as "the Lame," held the title in the 14th century and played a significant role during the early stages of the Hundred Years' War.

However, with the abolition of feudalism during the French Revolution in the late 18th century, noble titles and the associated privileges were officially abolished in France. Consequently, the title of Seigneur de Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte ceased to exist in any official capacity. While some noble titles have been retained in a ceremonial or historical context, they no longer carry legal recognition or authority.

As of today, there is no officially recognized Seigneur de Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte. The commune operates under the standard administrative structures of the French Republic, with elected officials managing local governance.