Can you explain the hierarchy of nobility? Princes, Earls, Lords, Barons, Dukes, Knights Marquis, etc?

Question

Feel free to explain, regardless of the nation you are from, for different countries may have different hierarchys.

Please explain their origins and significance, and if I missed any other titles, please name and explain those as well.

This is not for an assignment, I am just interested in learning about other nations and cultures.

Answer 1

When you visit one of the many stately homes in the UK and learn that it has been owned (or is still being owned) by an hereditary peer you may wonder where that title comes in the hierarchy of British nobility. Below I give the ranks of British Nobility in order, together with the titles of peeresses and their children.

Since 1964 there have been no more new hereditary peers created. When you read of a prominent actor, sportsperson or similar being honoured, their title lasts only for his or her lifetime, it is not inherited by their children.

Hereditary titles are passed on through the male line, going to the eldest son after the death of the title holder. If there is no eldest son then the title goes back up the father, son line until another direct descendant can be found. If there is no-one, then the title become extinct. Hereditary peers (Dukes, Marquesses, Earls, Viscounts and Barons) automatically had a seat in the House of Lords and could vote. However, in 1998 reforms removed this right. 92 peers remain, elected from among all the peers losing their seats. House of Lords reforms continue, and the remaining 92 peers could still possibily lose their right to vote.

Non-hereditary peers are created by the Monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister and are life peers. These are the honours you have probably read about. Certain life peers are entitled to sit and vote in the House of Lords. However, possible future reforms might change this.

The following is a list of the five hereditary titles and the date they were first created. They are also listed in order of importance, with Duke being the most important.

Duke

First created: 1337
Duke of Somewhere and Duchess of Somewhere
Eldest son: Marquess of Anyplace
Other children: Lord John Anybody and Lady Jane Anybody
Marquess

First created: 1385
Marquess of Somewhere and Marchioness of Somewhere
Eldest son: Viscount Anyplace
Other children: Lord John Anybody and Lady Jane Anybody
Earl

First created: sometime before 1000
Earl of Somewhere and Countess of Somewhere
Eldest son: often uses his father's second title
Other children: Lord John Anybody and Lady Jane Anybody
Viscount

First created: 1440
Viscount of Somewhere and Viscountess of Somewhere
Children: The Honorable John Anybody and The Honorable Jane Anybody
Baron

First created: 1066
Lord Anybody and Lady Anybody
Children: The Honorable John Anybody and The Honorable Jane Anybody

Answer 2

In Britain:

Royalty: King, Queen, Prince, Princess - and all the ramifications of the Royal Family. Prince of Wales is the first-born son and heir apparent. Next son is heir presumptive. There are also Royal Dukes (next sons) - The Princess Royal is the first-born daughter. Titles of the Dukes go far back into history. Here is the line of succession:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Line_of_Succession_to_the_British_Throne

Nobility:

Duke - styled "your Grace" or "Duke". Is Duke of... Wife - Duchess

Marquess or Marquis - styled "my lord" or "your lordship". Is Marquess of... Wife - Marchioness

Earl - styled "my lord" or "your lordship". Is Earl of... Wife - countess

Viscount - styled "my lord" or "your lordship". No "of". Wife - Viscountess

Baron - styled "my lord" or "your lordship". No "of". Wife - Baroness

These are not peers:

Baronet - styled "sir". No "of". Also conferred as an honour. Wife - Lady (then husband's surname)

Knight - styled "sir". No "of". An honour. Wife - Lady (husband's surname)

Firstborn sons will normally take the next lowest rank and father's second title, ie Duke of London, Marquis of City: his son will be Marquis of City.

There is a lot more to it, but here is an excellent explanation:
http://www.carolynjewel.com/references/rgw.shtml and
http://www.chinet.com/~laura/html/titles01.html - both for the histories, etc.

Both these sites are very good references for writers of 18th century and Regency romances!

Answer 3

In order to distinguish a chain of command and expertise in war skills and tactics. At that time the Monarchs used to fight each other to rule other kingdoms and hence such a hierarchy was important to maintan a decorum in the army.

Now also in corporations you see a lot of hierarchy .

Answer 4

All royals achieved their crowns, titles, lands, etc. from victory in war.

All royals were originally crowned by the Pope and derived their authority from the Catholic church.

It is really quite simple; win the war, dominate those whom have been vanquished and claim the blessings of the church.

Answer 5

No-one ever fully understands it, the Royal Family changes the rules whenever they feel like it. Different rules and standards for each person.

Answer 6

Here's a ranking titles from different cultures in different points in time:

http://www.heraldica.org/topics/odegard/titlefaq.htm