Who can explain the hierarchy of feudalism?

Question

More specifically, can someone explain how one attained their specific social rank? (i.e. Count, Duke, Lord etc.)

Please give me the ranks in order from most powerful to least, please.

Answer 1

In the "early days" it was by acquiring more land. Usually by conquest or treaties, i.e., mutual protection pacts, etc. When you got enough Gentleman Farmers under you, you attained the rank of Lord or Baron(y). When you conquered other Baronies and you had them under you, you could be appointed by the Throne to Count or Earl (same thing). Same way, up the ladder. Enough counties and you had a duchy.

Answer 2

Normally, noble rank was granted by a king to his friends and relatives. People the king appointed to nobility became his vassals, serving the king in return for ownership of some of his land and property. In turn, these nobles loaned out portions of their lands to others who became their vassals, and so on and so forth. People could potentially work their way up the social ladder a little, by training to become a knight (considered "gentility" but not "nobility" - a midground between peasant and noble), and hoping for a grant of land and possibility at an eventual noble title for his family.

Answer 3

Here is the ranks of the British peerage form top to bottom.
King/Queen
Prince
Duke
Marquis(Marquess)
Earl
Viscount
Baron

Then below the peerage are baronets and knights.

Answer 4

By kingly appointment. Or by blood relation.