British Nobility Titles
An Introduction to Peerage
Historically, noble titles were given to individuals by monarchs as an honor and a way of securing allegiance and bestowing landownership. Titles are also indications of social status. Relatives of a monarch have noble titles. Over the years many monarchs gave titles to people who demonstrated exemplary service to the crown in some manner such as a war hero. A noble title signifies that a person is a peer of the realm, has a seat in the House of Lord and many privileges. Once a person becomes a peer, the title becomes a permanent part of his family name and remains in his family for generations.
Title Rank
British peerage follows a ranking system that indicates level of honor and privilege. British nobility titles are ranked from highest to lowest as follows:
- Duke
- Marquess (spelled Marquis in Scotland)
- Earl
- Viscount
- Baron
In the past, rank usually determined a person's wealth, privilege and power in Great Britain. For centuries the most powerful men in England besides the monarch were Dukes. The ducal title was often reserved for members of the royal family. This title was not given to a non-royal lightly. To this day, there has never been more than 40 Dukes without royal blood. While modern nobility has less power than in earlier times, many influential noble families are still active in pursuits that benefit Great Britain and serve in the House of Lords.
Only the person considered a peer holds a title in his own right. His wife and children are given courtesy titles.
Women and Peerage
The 1963 Peerage Act gave women the right to hold a seat in the House of Lords for the first time. Up until that time, female nobles had all peer privileges except holding a House of Lords seat or a special office. Until recent years, a female peer's husband held her office.
Baronets and Knights
Baronets and knights are not considered peers of the realm. A monarch bestows a baronetcy or a knighthood on a person as an honorary title or reward for loyal service. The baronet is ranked below a baron and above a knight. However, a baronet does not have a seat in the House of Lords or regular peer privileges. A baronet's title will remain in his family and be passed down for generations. Knighthoods are not inherited by family members.
Traditional Peerage
The British peerage system is divided up into categories such as peers of England, peers of Ireland, peers of Scotland, peers of Great Britain and peers of the United Kingdom. Higher ranking nobles have multiple peerages. Peerage category also depends upon the date of the title creation. For example, centuries old titles may be listed as peers of England rather than the United Kingdom.
Monarchs traditionally honor retired prime ministers with a peerage title and a seat in the House of Lords. Winston Churchill was offered the Dukedom of Dover but he declined. Harold MacMillian became the Earl of Stockton. Even today the tradition continues. Margaret Thatcher holds the title of baroness.
Sources:
Debrett, John, The Peerage of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, 8th edition, F.C. Rivington, et. al. 1812
Cokayne, George E., The Complete Peerage of England, Scotland, Ireland, Great Britain and the United Kingdom, Extant, Extinct or Dormant, St. Catherine Press Ltd. 1910-59
Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington
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