Who are the British Aristocrats?

Aristocrats are the elite class of society.

They are a privileged group of individuals, who are the wealthy, ruling, upper class. A section of the British population, usually comprising the noble and royal families are considered to be British aristocrats.

British Aristocrats

The title of an aristocrat differs from nobility to royalty – the title of royalty is hereditary and therefore cannot be passed onto a person who does not share a blood connection with the Crown,

British Aristocrats
The British Aristocracy

Whereas a title of nobility is conferred by the Crown onto a person who comes from a wealthy heritage and has displayed distinguished service to the country, like a knight or warrior. Non-hereditary titles cannot be passed onto members of a family, while hereditary titles can.

What is the Order of Precedence in the British Aristocracy?

  1. The Sovereign
  2. The Prince of Wales
  3. The younger sons of the Sovereign
  4. The grandsons of the sovereign
  5. The brothers of the sovereign
  6. The Uncles
  7. The Nephews
  8. The Archbishop of Canterbury
  9. Lord Chancellor
  10. The Archbishop of York
  11. The Premier
  12. The Lord High Treasurer
  13. The Lord President of the Council
  14. The Lord Privy Seal

Origins of Britain’s aristocracy can be traced back to the last thousand years, with the introduction of ranks for the nobility, like Earl, Duke, Baron and more.

What is the Ranking of the British Nobility?

1. The Duke

The title of Duke was created in the early 13th Century, by Edward the Third. The Duke is called the noblest and is often addressed as ‘My Lord’ or ‘Your Grace’, with the sons and daughters addressed as ‘Lords’ and ‘Ladies’. The wife of a Duke is addressed as ‘Duchess’. A British Duke is entitled to a simple coronet, that is designed with eight strawberry leaves encasing a velvet cap.

2. The Marquess

The second in rank after the Duke is the Marquess. Derived from the Latin word Marca, meaning ‘frontier’ or ‘border’, it was introduced in 1387 by Richard the Second. A Marquess is addressed as ‘Most Honourable’ and ‘My Lord Marquess’, while his wife is a Marchioness and children are referred to as ‘Lords’ and ‘Ladies’. A Marquess’ Coronet is styled with four strawberry leaves and alternately arranged pearls.

3. The Earl

The Earl of the British Aristocracy is third in rank. He is referred to as ‘Right Honourable’ and styled as ‘My Lord’. His sons are addressed as ‘Honourable’ and daughters as ‘Ladies’, while the wife of an Earl is a Countess. The coronet is designed with eight large pearls atop rays of gold around the circle, with a golden strawberry leaf in between each.

4. The Viscount

The fourth rank in the line of British nobility is of the Viscount, originally created in 1440. The Viscount is addressed as ‘My Lord’ and his children as ‘Honourable’. His coronet is designed with sixteen small pearls in a row, around the circle.

5. The Baron

The Baron is considered to be the lowest in the line of nobility and was conferred to individuals who were given land directly by the Crown. A Baron is addressed as ‘My Lord’, while his children as ‘Honourable’. The coronet is styled with six large pearls.

What is the difference between a Baron and a Baronet?

Baronet is a commoner who holds the lowest hereditary title of honour, ranking below a baron.

6. The Knight

The Knight is an honorary title granted to individuals who have proven their dedication and service to the country. Earlier the title was conferred on men who proved their worth as chivalrous warriors. They are addressed as ‘Sir’ or ‘Lady’ and the title cannot be transferred to members of their families.

Aristocratic Sports: A look into the sports and recreational activities of the Victorian upper class.

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