Master of Buckland

The Master of Buckland is the hereditary title borne by the head of the Brandybuck family, the dominant clan of Buckland, a thickly inhabited strip of land between the Brandywine River and the Old Forest. The title is synonymous with "Master of the Hall," a reference to Brandy Hall, the enormous many-tunnelled mansion that serves as the family seat and the administrative centre of the territory. The office combines the feudal authority of a border lord with the practical responsibilities of a warden governing a semi-independent region that, while culturally part of the Shire, maintains its own distinct customs and laws.

Origins and History

The title originated with Gorhendad Oldbuck, head of the Oldbuck family, one of the oldest families in the Marish and indeed in the Shire. Long ago, Gorhendad crossed the Brandywine River—which had been the original eastern boundary of the Shire—and built (and excavated) Brandy Hall. He changed his family name to Brandybuck and established himself as master of what was virtually a small independent country. The Brandybucks and their numerous dependants then began to burrow, and later to build, all around, creating the settlement of Buckland. The authority of the Master of the Hall was acknowledged by the farmers between Stock and Rushey, though most folk of the old Shire regarded the Bucklanders as peculiar, half-foreigners.

Powers and Responsibilities

The Master of Buckland holds practical lordship over the territory, which is protected on its eastern side by the High Hay, a great hedge planted many generations ago and constantly tended. The Bucklanders keep their doors locked after dark, a custom unusual in the Shire, reflecting the borderland nature of their home. The Master has the authority to command the Buckland Gate, which controls access across the Brandywine Bridge, and to maintain a guard. During the War of the Ring, when Black Riders threatened the Shire, the horn-call of Buckland was sounded for the first time in a hundred years, and the alarm spread through the territory under the Master's authority.

Succession and Notable Holders

The title passes through the Brandybuck line. Notable holders include Gorbadoc Brandybuck, called "Broadbelt," who kept a generous table and was the grandfather of Frodo Baggins through his daughter Primula. His successor was Rorimac Brandybuck, called "Goldfather" or "Old Rory," who was Master at the time of Bilbo's Farewell Party. Old Rory was shrewd enough to see through Bilbo's vanishing trick and practical enough to call for more wine. After the War of the Ring, Meriadoc Brandybuck, called "the Magnificent," became Master of Buckland and served as a Counsellor of the North-kingdom under King Elessar.

Relationship with the Shire

Though the Master of Buckland is acknowledged as the local authority, the relationship with the Shire proper is one of loose affiliation rather than subordination. The Bucklanders are regarded by other hobbits as peculiar, half-foreigners, partly because of their fondness for boats and their willingness to swim. The Master's authority is independent of the Thain of the Shire, though the two offices cooperate in matters of common concern. After the restoration of the Kingdom, King Elessar confirmed the Master of Buckland as a Counsellor of the North-kingdom, formalizing the position's role in the wider governance of Eriador.