My mother gave me my first novel, The Rosary. The main character was a woman called the Honorable Jane Champion, and her aunt was a Duchess. I never knew what Honorable ment, but now that I'm 72, I know, thanks to you. So, Jane's father was a Baronet, and she was his only child, so the Honorable name was to let everybody know her pedigree. Thank you so much, Dr. Kat!
I have this same book!! It belonged to my great grandmother. 💜 She is one of the reasons I love reading and history. You're the first person I have heard to mention this book!! This truly warms my heart.
An interesting extension of this topic would be the differences between English, Scottish, French and other countries with historic nobility and peerage ranks.
I know many European countries included non-royal princes in their orders of titles and in some countries a non royal prince might rank below a duke. In German they have two tiles, Furst and Prinz that translate as Prince in English.
@@neilbuckley1613 german system is huge in numbers as you share the title with decendants. one fürst only at same time in the dynasty, but all sons and daughters are princes /princesses and all grandchildren too unless marriage changes the names/titles.
I've always been curious about the Italian rank of Marquesa- I heard it in an old movie ('The Flame & the Arrow') - like, if a Marquesa visited England in the 16th or 17th c- where would he rank among the English nobles he was visiting with?
I love your channel, Dr. Kat. When I talk abut the things I learn here, I say, 'my friend, Dr. Kat told me..." because it literally feels to me that we're just two ladies talking. Your channel is very informative, but in a way that feels conversational and natural, not like a lecture or lesson. I'm an American who has been drawn to the history of England since I understood what it was. I (think I) am descended from the ap Gruffydds and that island is in my blood.
Queen Mother is a title that was created specifically for the widow of George VI, because after his death, his mother, the Dowager Queen, was still alive, and to avoid confusion by having 2 dowager queens, it was decided that the younger dowager be known as Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
Not quite. The usage of queen mother dates to the 1500's but wasn't used as part of a formal title until 1952. It was probably because there were two Queens Elizabeth and some disambiguation was needed.
Great video Dr Kat, thank you! A suggestion for a future video, related to this one: we hear a lot about a number of dukedoms in the Tudor period - Suffolk, Norfolk, Somerset, Northumberland, and others - however, it would be great to hear more about those older dukedoms - and perhaps some other well=known noble titles from the Tudor period- which are still extant today, or if not, when they became extinct.
I am always impressed with your delivery. You are a natural teatcher , I know what you do isn't effortless but at times watching your shows, it is like listening to my undergraduate history student friends ( I did study history too ) who were far far more well read and knowledgeable than me. Please don't take that as a put down to you, to be able to engage and teach about complex historical topics in the way you do is a real talent
I wasn't previously aware that Americans, as Kat said, could in some circumstances be styled esquire, given that we'd naturally think such practices would have gone the way of kings after 1783. It reminded me of a literary reference "gentleman by Act of Congress", which I'd always assumed was a pun rather than a legal possibility, but now it has me thinking.
@@RichWoods23 In the USA (and many other countries for that matter), officers are presumed to be gentlemen. Most people ignore or are completely unaware of the referential play of words in that regard of the movie title "An Officer And A Gentleman".
I am german, Brittas boyfriend, only using her Computer. Not far away from my homevillage is a castle, owned by a Graf ( Count/Early) the owners wife is born as US citizen, they met each other when studying at university.
Can we possibly have a follow up video looking how peerages are set out in the house of lords. When the subsidiary titles are taken into account it gets complicated as to who is entitled to what. Especially now with a coronation next year when the peers will take part. Maybe even look at the dukes of wellington also being princes of the Netherlands.
unless summoned to parliament the holders of subsidiary titles are irrelevant, because the tite belongs to the higher rank holder still. as mentioned there is an Earl of Arundel beside Duke of Norfolk, but the only person to sit in the house was and is the duke (technically he is on leave of absence forever to carry out his . many ceremonial duties)
Fascinating as always dear Dr. Kat. I absolutely adored your witty remarks about the Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother Hospital and your husband's remarks. Your answer about cricket terminology was hilarious! It's great to see your content on a regularly basis. Best, Dr. David
I hadn't ever considered Camilla surviving King Charles III, and certain not having the need for a title as such. I does make sense that she would be The Dowager. Thank you for the clarification. Great channel.
This could so easily have been just a ranked list, but as usual you brought it life and made it very educational as well as clear. Great job! Also, I had no idea that the Black Prince was the first English Duke! And having just finished Bring Up the Bodies, George Boleyn is fresh in my mind 😂
Great segment! I am now better informed. As an American, I knew most of the titles, but had them mostly out of order. Had never heard of Gentleman and Gentlewoman as titles. I think I've only heard gentleman used here as a flattering term for a polite boy or man, "aren't you the gentleman?" Now I see why I have become confused since titles can completely changes a person's name in history. Example: Duke of Cornwall is now the Prince of Wales. If you don't know the history, it sounds like 2 separate people. Always enjoy your videos - very interesting and well done. Thanks!
A gentleman or gentlewoman is not an official title. It does however mean they are untitled members of the gentry. So it basically means they are in the aristocratic social circle, but they don’t have an official title. These people wouldn’t be able to be called sir or lady. They would be called mister/master or miss/misses. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s children would technically fall under this category. They are members of the aristocracy, but they do not have titles. But since they are of high birth, if we lived in a time where it birth still mattered, Master Archie and Miss Lillibet would be introduced as a gentleman and gentlewoman in social settings. I know, it’s super confusing. It’s not an official tittle, but it’s a label. So to me, it’s like a not title tittle lol.
I knew quite a bit about English titles just from reading English novels and history for decades. I didn’t have to study it, I just picked it up gradually. Even TV shows like Downton Abbey teach some of it, like when the Lady Mary’s brutish newspaper-man fiancé calls Lady Rosamund “Lady Painswick” in error.
Quite revelatory, thanks. I never hear much of Marquesses. When I was about 12 I discovered the Tudors (through the series The Six Wives of Henry VIII) but found the combination of names and titles quite baffling when I eagerly read Neville Williams' "Elizabeth, Queen of England" - at 13. That book did teach me to make a cheat sheet of the family name plus the title(s) of the characters. When each person has two or three or four names, it's very hard for an American child to follow!
Dr Kat I would love if you could do something about the Royal bodyguards like the Bowmen were saw at the funeral and the others and how they came about many thanks xxxx
Yes, please, and the elite regiments, like the Coldstream Guards, whom I had the pleasure of seeing at their band performance where I live. There was another elite regiment playing with them, but I forget its name. They were absolutely wonderful! They thoughtfully played the US service branch anthems and many Viet Nam vets in the audience were crying, remembering their lost friends. I was so moved, I cried, too. As a child, I worried that my older brother would have to go, but the war finally ended. The band members were so friendly, they welcomed everyone into the special personal meeting event, but I hadn’t bought the extra ticket, so I felt I shouldn’t enter, though some of my party did.
@@kimberlyperrotis8962 That must have been a wonderful sight to see It was the bowman at the Queen's funeral that had me transfixed I know they were obviously ceremonial but quite formidable
Dr. Kat, thank you so much for this video and your clear explanations! I had not realized that there were ranks below Knight, so that was enlightening to me (and yes, you are correct - in the USA, anyone no matter their gender who has a law degree is allowed to use "Esq." after their name - I worked for attorneys many years ago. The stuff that I can never remember is who is referred to as "My Lady" and who gets the "Your Grace" and you also cleared that up too. Thanks so much!
Dear Dr Kat just recently found your channel and have subscribed and am really enjoying catching up with all your videos Love your delivery and humour .You are a natural teacher your enthusiasm for History shines through .Thank you
Very well done, but it seems you missed one! A "Yeoman" was defined (in the 1700's) as a man earning £40 a year from land, while a "Gentleman" earned £100 or more. My family were Landed Gentry, so in the latter half, earing far more than £100! Sadly; that class is all but gone now. Technically, I am an "Esquire," but few today care, especially here in Canada. Oh, well - life goes on!
Excellent video!🌟 It’s a bit mysterious and quaint for us Canadians. I’ll give the theoretical French equivalents: - gentleman: gentilhomme - esquire: écuyer. In French (France and Québec too), a lawyer can style himself “maître” (master), abbreviated “Me” or M(superscript)e. - knight: chevalier. Sir: sieur, though it not was used as a form of address as in English. Canadians who were knighted (none since 1917) were known as “sir” even in French (Sir Georges-Étienne Cartier). Dame or lady: simply “madame”. - baronet (very rare) and baron: same. Fem.: baronne - viscount: vicomte/vicomtesse - earl: comte/comtesse (be careful of the 2 homonyms: conte, a story, and compte, an account). I always found it funny about “Count” Arthur Strong. He’s so out of it he doesn’t even know his English titles. - marquess: marquis/marquise - duke: duc/duchesse. Above duke is “grand-duke,” the only extant one being the title of Luxembourg. - prince: the tradition was that the brother of the king was called simply “Monsieur” and nothing else. I think the princely title of Monaco fits in here, as a prince that can go no higher. - king/queen: roi/reine. Same usages for a “reine-mère”. You could have a “duchesse douairière” but I don’t think France ever needed to use the title “reine douairière.” Above king there is emperor : empereur/impératrice. In Canada, only the immediate royal family have official recognized titles here (the king and his heirs). Since the Nickel Resolution of 1917, Canadians cannot be knighted or titled. Our senators are very similar to British life peers but they’re aren’t barons. Only cabinet ministers are “honourable” (but definitely spelled with a u!); only the prime minister is “right honourable.”
The title "seigneur" is still active in Canada. I met one once! They are only in Quebec, and they are pretty rare these days. They actually technically own the lands other people are on, and can collect an annual rent - something currently close to 25 cents!
@@klondikechris It’s true. I think my mother had a classmate who was the daughter of one (De La Durantaye?). I find it interesting that they still ask for a kind of peppercorn rent even if the seigniorial system has been abolished. There was a very interesting article on Radio-Canada’s website about Francine Joly de Lotbinière titled “La dernière seigneuresse” (Google that title). The barony of Longueuil became a British title and is still extant. Thanks for the conversation!
You made me laugh and that isn't an easy thing to do, thank you for the giggle. I had no idea that you could be so funny. I, too, have learned many things from my spouse that I never needed to know. Thank you for all you do and keep making more informative and now funny videos.
I learn so much from your videos. Thank you for the time you spend preparing and delivering them. If you ever gave a history lecture I wish I could attend but I live in the USA. I find you so very interesting. Once again, Thank you.
You are a wealth of knowledge! Does one Duke (or Earl, baron etc..) have a higher rank than another. Say at Charles III's coronation, does one have more precedence or rank above another?
Following on from this a video on heraldry, for example some of the terms (rampant, official colour names, placement and border terms etc) and what certain parts of the arms signify would be pretty interesting.
DEAR DR.KAT...THIS POSTING IS EPIC! A thousand thanks!! I have been beating my head against the proverbial wall, trying to make sense of the many English titles, appointments etc.This clear, concise presentation has been an epic Game-changer for my understanding of the English System of Rank. (I am aware that my verbiage here is quite likely incorrect. I beg your pardon!!)
I’m an American with English heritage in my background. Ifind British history fascinating but one thing I don’t quite understand is the pecking order in terms of bowing and the curtsy. Explain to me who bows and curtsies to who and how that works even within their own family I would I would really appreciate that. I love your concise intelligent and informed podcast
The junior always defers to the senior, whether by rank or within rank by age. If you introduce two people to each other, you always introduce the junior to the senior. If a courtesy is appropriate the junior makes it first; the junior also waits to speak only once spoken to. At least I think that's the protocol. I was taught it as a child (don't ask me why!) but I've never been in a formal situation where it would be expected.
This is my favourite type of history - social history + history of concepts. It gives us tools and nomenclature to get into the mindset of people in the past. Just like your video on Memento Mori and such.
Well, in the States, anybody can style themselves esquire or any other such honorific since there aren't any laws or rules governing such things. It's used almost exclusively by lawyers, but has no official standing.
I share the same love for history. Often boring my husband talking about it. Especially, ranks and titles. Enjoying the clear explanation that can be used to correct and amuse my husband. Thanks!
Thank you for this video! Could you help explain whether/how the titles of land areas relate at all to the responsibilities of the person? For example, does a Baron of "X" have any responsibilities or duties related to that land area? If not, when did that phase out?...
Some title holders will continue to hold lands and estates in the region that their title is named for. In the feudal period they were responsible for the land and the people (tenants and / or serfs) upon it. From their lands they would be expected to provide money and/or men to fight for the king. Title holders today will frequently have an obligation to preserve the historic buildings connected to their titles in addition to taking care of their land and any people on it.
I’ve always wondered why there is Duchess, Baroness, and Viscountess…but the Earl’s wife is Countess? Not that “Earless” makes sense, but still is confusing.
Nothing new to me, but like you and many others, I have probably spent much more time in this realm than your average person. However, you now know more about cricket than I ever will. I have been watching Tudor Monastery Farm and am learning all kinds of interesting little things which continue to be relevant today. .
My late father always received letters addressed to him as Esquire or Esq on the envelopes, and I never really knew what it meant, now I do. He was awarded the Imperial Service Medal for 'faithful service' I'm assuming, due to his work as a Cartographic Draughtsman making maps for the Military during WWII. I'm also assuming the Esq came about because of that.
I love that in your comments I can't find one of the generic put-downs of Camilla It says a lot about the quality of your content Dr Kat that even your fanbase is a little more respectable - thank you for the great vid
I would love to know how money was handled, historically. Where was it kept, how took care of the royals money, how where people paid? Cash, chits? We’re they paid weekly, monthly, yearly? Where did the common people and tradesmen keep their money? Was Friday payday? Did everyone show up at one spot to be paid by the person in charge? How were records kept? I would like to see how all of this was handled.
I've read a lot of history, including that which covers the European middle ages/medieval times and I've never known the precise ranking of titles so this was much appreciated by me!
Just discovered your channel, Dr. Kat, and I love it! I have a question...given that Edward VI was so determined that his half-sisters should NOT succeed him, why did his council not find a Protestant princess and marry him off? Many royals were married in their early teens, and I've heard his health was actually robust until about 6 months before his death. Do you know if a marriage was considered for him, and if so, who was the prospective bride? Thank you so much!
Lady Jane Grey? There must have been some reason she was named queen in his will. She would have kept her head longer than nine days if she said it was queen dowager, not queen regnant. Primogeniture (if male preference) still ruled over royal shenanigans.
As someone who sometimes reads historical romances, the misuse of titles is a pet peeve of mine. I remember being irrationally angry at one where the unmarried daughter of a viscount was given the title Lady 😆
This is the first explanation I've had that delves deeper than Baronet going down to gentleman, esquire and knight. Very interesting. You did touch a little on my main question as to why the Barons had so much power of King Richard for him to sign the Magna Carter. Maybe just their sheer numbers, and armed men, were able to persuade him to sign. I never understood where all the Viscounts, Earls, Marquis and Dukes were in that whole business. The men that made King Richard sign were always mentioned as 'powerful Barons'. I would also be interested to know what influence the Black Death had on titles, granting them, having women be able to use them. etc. Thank you for another great vlog, and while the world of cricket defies my power of understanding, leg before the wicket sounds interesting. I think I know what sticky wicket means.
At the time of the Magna Carta, there were no higher nobles than barons in England with the possible exception of an occasional Duke (which is a very ancient title going back to Roman times).
This has puzzled me since Diana married Charles. It was written she was the first “commoner” to marry a Prince of Wales or heir, in 300 years or so. (I don’t have the document with me and it was 41 years ago???) Diana was titled, she was Lady Diana Spencer, her father Earl Spencer. Even though she was from one of the most aristocratic families in England, was she a “commoner” because her father was not royal??? It’s always bugged me. Does it mean to be “peerage” you must have an HRH? Thank you for the video.
Thank you so much for this video and the effort you put into it! I loved the little tidbit about the exchange of potentially unwanted knowledge between you and your husband. I too have learned many unrequested sports concepts from my husband!
One thing not covered: how did non-royal dukes come to pass? We're non-royal dukes merely magnates or were they illegitimate royals or were they just rich and able to keep and grow their wealth?
There is such a vast wealth of information in this video that I believe I will have to watch several times and try to transcribe it for study later. Thank you so much for helping to cram into hard Yankee heads how the Peerage works.
I didn't know the non-titled end (Gentleman etc.), but did know the higher end, thanks to Georgette Heyer... there's a lovely scene in Frederica where Felix (the eponymous heroine's little brother) comes to Alverstoke (the hero) for help, describing him as a "second-best nobleman" (a Marquis). What has always puzzled me is why the wife of an Earl is a Countess (suppose otherwise she'd be an Eorlinga?), or indeed, the husband of a Countess is an Earl (not a Count).
outside of england the title IS count/comte/conte. that's why there is a lower title of viscount and vicomte etc in other countries too. Princess Beatrice is technically also _Contessa Mapelli-Mozzi_
Great video! Thank you, I was looking for such a video for a long time now. Highly educational, very interesting (to me, at least.) :) One thing I would have liked in your video is a diagram, a visual representation, if you will, of your expert explanation of ranks.
Very interesting and informative indeed! Wonderful video! Our family are part of the Scottish diaspora (we live in Sweden) and have a coat of arms at the Court of Lord Lyon. It would be great if you could make a video about the Scottish order of noble titles, and highlight any differences between the English and the Scottish system : )
I have never been able to understand this. Of course I am American and English Titles were never addressed in school. The only thing English we studied was English Literature. You made this a lot clearer. Thank you.
I am profoundly grateful there is no post test required and have saved the video for further reference as needed when someone pops up on my TV bearing a title or is referred to as Lady or Lord. Thank you so much! This was clear but will require study as here, we have no such regalia. Thanks again! I love your channel ❤️
Hi! Again, lovely video! One interesting subject that popped into my mind could be British citizens who emigrated to other countries (Sweden for example) during the 17th and 18th centuries to establish trade or join the army; many of whom needed to prove noble status in order to do so. Most of these were simple Gentlemen, either of coat-armour themselves or belonging to armigerous families. An interesting episode in European history.
Delightful and informative video as usual, Dr. Kat! just one question - obviously all these ranks owe loyalty (fealty?) to the reigning monarch, but is this direct or do these ranks owe some allegiance to the higher ranks? like, does a viscount answer to a Duke? just curious as to whether it is like a military, or the ranks are grades centered on the monarch and not connected with each other ...
As always very informative. Do you think you would ever be interested (and if there is anything to say about it) in talking about Roman Empire's influence on early and perhaps medieval kings and queens, or general public in general. British culture, heritage, perhaps early style of society division, or fashion, or anything of such kind.
You mention that it has just been announced Prince Edward is to be granted the title Duke of Edinburgh. Has such an announcement actually been made since Charles took the throne?
Thank you so much. Your video, among other things, confirmed a small detail for a play I am writing. A fictional baronet's family name is "Fitz-Lyons" and his fiancee is being referred to (by some) as "the future Lady Fitz-Lyons".
How do they decide the place names for the titles? Is it by birth location of family members and when they make a new say duke of new jersey how do they decide what place to use? What if someone already has new jersey?
It's a bit confusing.I don't fully understand how people get their titels.Are they(for example, that of a duke) always hereditary or can they be bestowed on a person just as a monarc wishes?
I've always wanted to know how, exactly, the lower gentry were able to establish themselves. Were the given that right because they managed to get hold of a specific amount of land? I'm under the impression that some people in the merchant class were able to rise to nobility status. Was that only through marriage, or was there another way? Also, I understand that before 1200, there weren't as many titles. I'm glad you pointed out the origin of Viscount. I wonder how the others were established? And as these different titles came into use, did they signify a closer and closer relationship to the King and/ or Queen? Or did they manage to provide cash flow to campaigns or some other need of the royals such that the title was perhaps a bribe...or...?
Glad to see gentry ranks get attention, would be nice to see lord of the manor included. As it is a title of dignity slightly above or level to an esquire that is classed as gentry or very minor nobility.
I'll have to re-listen to really understand all these ranks. But I'm very happy Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex will soon be Duke of Edinburgh! Great video, thanks Dr. Kat
Thanks for the video, this was informative. However something that I would like to learn wasn’t covered here: it’s the hierarchy between the nobel titles, e.g: do barons “report” to counts, and counts “report” to dukes etc. Also, are which ones of them are allowed to have peasants and how many.
As a clumsy child, I was fascinated to learn that a duchess was called Her Grace. I so hoped at some point in my life to be created a duchess so that those who made fun of my clumsiness would be forced to call me Your Grace; a forlorn hope as I am an American citizen and have never in my life even met a duke.
Hi. I am an attorney in the US. Not sure Esq is a legal entitlement but rather is a matter of curtesy or tradition. I do not use it. On the continent lawyers often use Doctor. In the US most lawyers hold a doctorate (Jurist Doctor or JD my degree). However, most state bar association do not allow use of doctor unless the lawyer holds a doctorate other than a JD (such as a PhD, D Ed or the increasingly rare LLD).
My mother gave me my first novel, The Rosary. The main character was a woman called the Honorable Jane Champion, and her aunt was a Duchess. I never knew what Honorable ment, but now that I'm 72, I know, thanks to you. So, Jane's father was a Baronet, and she was his only child, so the Honorable name was to let everybody know her pedigree. Thank you so much, Dr. Kat!
Oh, I remember The Rosary! I found ranks and names quite baffling as an American child when I first fell in love with the Tudors.
I have this same book!! It belonged to my great grandmother. 💜 She is one of the reasons I love reading and history. You're the first person I have heard to mention this book!! This truly warms my heart.
Yes it is possible her father was a Baronet. But he could have been a Viscount or a Baron since their children are also called “The Honorable”
I loved this book too!
Your story about your husband and your exchange of knowledge was so cute and absolutely hilarious! Thank you for the smiles.
I came looking for this comment lol
An interesting extension of this topic would be the differences between English, Scottish, French and other countries with historic nobility and peerage ranks.
It certainly would - I did have a look but it made my head swim 🫣
I know many European countries included non-royal princes in their orders of titles and in some countries a non royal prince might rank below a duke. In German they have two tiles, Furst and Prinz that translate as Prince in English.
@@ReadingthePast Dr.Kat please do , pretty please 😂😂 I know the French aristocracy has all our heads spinning but you can surely guide us through
@@neilbuckley1613 german system is huge in numbers as you share the title with decendants. one fürst only at same time in the dynasty, but all sons and daughters are princes /princesses and all grandchildren too unless marriage changes the names/titles.
I've always been curious about the Italian rank of Marquesa- I heard it in an old movie ('The Flame & the Arrow') - like, if a Marquesa visited England in the 16th or 17th c- where would he rank among the English nobles he was visiting with?
I love your channel, Dr. Kat. When I talk abut the things I learn here, I say, 'my friend, Dr. Kat told me..." because it literally feels to me that we're just two ladies talking. Your channel is very informative, but in a way that feels conversational and natural, not like a lecture or lesson. I'm an American who has been drawn to the history of England since I understood what it was. I (think I) am descended from the ap Gruffydds and that island is in my blood.
Queen Mother is a title that was created specifically for the widow of George VI, because after his death, his mother, the Dowager Queen, was still alive, and to avoid confusion by having 2 dowager queens, it was decided that the younger dowager be known as Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
Not quite. The usage of queen mother dates to the 1500's but wasn't used as part of a formal title until 1952. It was probably because there were two Queens Elizabeth and some disambiguation was needed.
Now my week is complete…another informative visit with Dr. Kat😊😊😊😊😊
Great video Dr Kat, thank you! A suggestion for a future video, related to this one: we hear a lot about a number of dukedoms in the Tudor period - Suffolk, Norfolk, Somerset, Northumberland, and others - however, it would be great to hear more about those older dukedoms - and perhaps some other well=known noble titles from the Tudor period- which are still extant today, or if not, when they became extinct.
Yeah! I'm particularly interested in the extinct ones
This would be awesome
I am always impressed with your delivery. You are a natural teatcher , I know what you do isn't effortless but at times watching your shows, it is like listening to my undergraduate history student friends ( I did study history too ) who were far far more well read and knowledgeable than me. Please don't take that as a put down to you, to be able to engage and teach about complex historical topics in the way you do is a real talent
As an American, I've managed to figure a lot of what you explained. I had no clue as to "gentleman" "Esquire", and " Knight ". Thank you, very much.
I wasn't previously aware that Americans, as Kat said, could in some circumstances be styled esquire, given that we'd naturally think such practices would have gone the way of kings after 1783. It reminded me of a literary reference "gentleman by Act of Congress", which I'd always assumed was a pun rather than a legal possibility, but now it has me thinking.
@@RichWoods23 In the USA (and many other countries for that matter), officers are presumed to be gentlemen. Most people ignore or are completely unaware of the referential play of words in that regard of the movie title "An Officer And A Gentleman".
I am german, Brittas boyfriend, only using her Computer. Not far away from my homevillage is a castle, owned by a Graf ( Count/Early) the owners wife is born as US citizen, they met each other when studying at university.
Can we possibly have a follow up video looking how peerages are set out in the house of lords. When the subsidiary titles are taken into account it gets complicated as to who is entitled to what. Especially now with a coronation next year when the peers will take part.
Maybe even look at the dukes of wellington also being princes of the Netherlands.
unless summoned to parliament the holders of subsidiary titles are irrelevant, because the tite belongs to the higher rank holder still.
as mentioned there is an Earl of Arundel beside Duke of Norfolk, but the only person to sit in the house was and is the duke (technically he is on leave of absence forever to carry out his .
many ceremonial duties)
I just found your channel and I do love history so subscribed. You tell me more in thirty minutes than most channels tell me in a week.
Fascinating as always dear Dr. Kat. I absolutely adored your witty remarks about the Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother Hospital and your husband's remarks. Your answer about cricket terminology was hilarious! It's great to see your content on a regularly basis. Best, Dr. David
I hadn't ever considered Camilla surviving King Charles III, and certain not having the need for a title as such. I does make sense that she would be The Dowager. Thank you for the clarification. Great channel.
Camilla is older than Charles even now, but the chance is still there she will outlive him
Queen Dowager or Queen Camilla.
This could so easily have been just a ranked list, but as usual you brought it life and made it very educational as well as clear. Great job! Also, I had no idea that the Black Prince was the first English Duke! And having just finished Bring Up the Bodies, George Boleyn is fresh in my mind 😂
I am so happy you did this. I have always wanted to understand how titles were granted and why. You make this very easy to understand.
Great segment! I am now better informed. As an American, I knew most of the titles, but had them mostly out of order. Had never heard of Gentleman and Gentlewoman as titles. I think I've only heard gentleman used here as a flattering term for a polite boy or man, "aren't you the gentleman?" Now I see why I have become confused since titles can completely changes a person's name in history. Example: Duke of Cornwall is now the Prince of Wales. If you don't know the history, it sounds like 2 separate people. Always enjoy your videos - very interesting and well done. Thanks!
A gentleman or gentlewoman is not an official title. It does however mean they are untitled members of the gentry. So it basically means they are in the aristocratic social circle, but they don’t have an official title. These people wouldn’t be able to be called sir or lady. They would be called mister/master or miss/misses. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s children would technically fall under this category. They are members of the aristocracy, but they do not have titles. But since they are of high birth, if we lived in a time where it birth still mattered, Master Archie and Miss Lillibet would be introduced as a gentleman and gentlewoman in social settings. I know, it’s super confusing. It’s not an official tittle, but it’s a label. So to me, it’s like a not title tittle lol.
I knew quite a bit about English titles just from reading English novels and history for decades. I didn’t have to study it, I just picked it up gradually. Even TV shows like Downton Abbey teach some of it, like when the Lady Mary’s brutish newspaper-man fiancé calls Lady Rosamund “Lady Painswick” in error.
And they say that watching TV is a waste of time! 😁
I always got confused where a Marquess came in the rankings. Thank you for clearing that up. I also like the history given.
Quite revelatory, thanks. I never hear much of Marquesses. When I was about 12 I discovered the Tudors (through the series The Six Wives of Henry VIII) but found the combination of names and titles quite baffling when I eagerly read Neville Williams' "Elizabeth, Queen of England" - at 13. That book did teach me to make a cheat sheet of the family name plus the title(s) of the characters. When each person has two or three or four names, it's very hard for an American child to follow!
Always so informative and entertaining. Love me some Dr. Kat!
Dr Kat I would love if you could do something about the Royal bodyguards like the Bowmen were saw at the funeral and the others and how they came about many thanks xxxx
I will pop this on my topic list for the future, thank you!
Yes, please, and the elite regiments, like the Coldstream Guards, whom I had the pleasure of seeing at their band performance where I live. There was another elite regiment playing with them, but I forget its name. They were absolutely wonderful! They thoughtfully played the US service branch anthems and many Viet Nam vets in the audience were crying, remembering their lost friends. I was so moved, I cried, too. As a child, I worried that my older brother would have to go, but the war finally ended. The band members were so friendly, they welcomed everyone into the special personal meeting event, but I hadn’t bought the extra ticket, so I felt I shouldn’t enter, though some of my party did.
@@ReadingthePast Thanks
@@kimberlyperrotis8962 That must have been a wonderful sight to see It was the bowman at the Queen's funeral that had me transfixed I know they were obviously ceremonial but quite formidable
I knew most of the order but this was so clear and concise that i still learned a lot!!! ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Thank you! My ignorance left me equally impressed with all titles but this cleared it all up nicely
Dr. Kat, thank you so much for this video and your clear explanations! I had not realized that there were ranks below Knight, so that was enlightening to me (and yes, you are correct - in the USA, anyone no matter their gender who has a law degree is allowed to use "Esq." after their name - I worked for attorneys many years ago. The stuff that I can never remember is who is referred to as "My Lady" and who gets the "Your Grace" and you also cleared that up too. Thanks so much!
Dear Dr Kat just recently found your channel and have subscribed and am really enjoying catching up with all your videos
Love your delivery and humour .You are a natural teacher your enthusiasm for History shines through .Thank you
Very well done, but it seems you missed one! A "Yeoman" was defined (in the 1700's) as a man earning £40 a year from land, while a "Gentleman" earned £100 or more. My family were Landed Gentry, so in the latter half, earing far more than £100! Sadly; that class is all but gone now. Technically, I am an "Esquire," but few today care, especially here in Canada. Oh, well - life goes on!
Excellent video!🌟 It’s a bit mysterious and quaint for us Canadians.
I’ll give the theoretical French equivalents:
- gentleman: gentilhomme
- esquire: écuyer. In French (France and Québec too), a lawyer can style himself “maître” (master), abbreviated “Me” or M(superscript)e.
- knight: chevalier. Sir: sieur, though it not was used as a form of address as in English. Canadians who were knighted (none since 1917) were known as “sir” even in French (Sir Georges-Étienne Cartier). Dame or lady: simply “madame”.
- baronet (very rare) and baron: same. Fem.: baronne
- viscount: vicomte/vicomtesse
- earl: comte/comtesse (be careful of the 2 homonyms: conte, a story, and compte, an account). I always found it funny about “Count” Arthur Strong. He’s so out of it he doesn’t even know his English titles.
- marquess: marquis/marquise
- duke: duc/duchesse. Above duke is “grand-duke,” the only extant one being the title of Luxembourg.
- prince: the tradition was that the brother of the king was called simply “Monsieur” and nothing else.
I think the princely title of Monaco fits in here, as a prince that can go no higher.
- king/queen: roi/reine. Same usages for a “reine-mère”. You could have a “duchesse douairière” but I don’t think France ever needed to use the title “reine douairière.”
Above king there is emperor : empereur/impératrice.
In Canada, only the immediate royal family have official recognized titles here (the king and his heirs). Since the Nickel Resolution of 1917, Canadians cannot be knighted or titled. Our senators are very similar to British life peers but they’re aren’t barons. Only cabinet ministers are “honourable” (but definitely spelled with a u!); only the prime minister is “right honourable.”
That was very interesting. Thank you!
The title "seigneur" is still active in Canada. I met one once! They are only in Quebec, and they are pretty rare these days. They actually technically own the lands other people are on, and can collect an annual rent - something currently close to 25 cents!
@@klondikechris It’s true. I think my mother had a classmate who was the daughter of one (De La Durantaye?).
I find it interesting that they still ask for a kind of peppercorn rent even if the seigniorial system has been abolished.
There was a very interesting article on Radio-Canada’s website about Francine Joly de Lotbinière titled “La dernière seigneuresse” (Google that title).
The barony of Longueuil became a British title and is still extant.
Thanks for the conversation!
You made me laugh and that isn't an easy thing to do, thank you for the giggle. I had no idea that you could be so funny. I, too, have learned many things from my spouse that I never needed to know. Thank you for all you do and keep making more informative and now funny videos.
I learn so much from your videos. Thank you for the time you spend preparing and delivering them. If you ever gave a history lecture I wish I could attend but I live in the USA. I find you so very interesting. Once again, Thank you.
You are a wealth of knowledge! Does one Duke (or Earl, baron etc..) have a higher rank than another. Say at Charles III's coronation, does one have more precedence or rank above another?
Yes, in order of creation of the title; oldest titles first. It's all laid out.
Following on from this a video on heraldry, for example some of the terms (rampant, official colour names, placement and border terms etc) and what certain parts of the arms signify would be pretty interesting.
heraldry is a science on itself ;) there is a reason you need a body like college of arms for that
DEAR DR.KAT...THIS POSTING IS EPIC! A thousand thanks!! I have been beating my head against the proverbial wall, trying to make sense of the many English titles, appointments etc.This clear, concise presentation has been an epic Game-changer for my understanding of the English System of Rank. (I am aware that my verbiage here is quite likely incorrect. I beg your pardon!!)
Happy Friday everyone 🌞 looking forward to this
I’m an American with English heritage in my background. Ifind British history fascinating but one thing I don’t quite understand is the pecking order in terms of bowing and the curtsy. Explain to me who bows and curtsies to who and how that works even within their own family I would I would really appreciate that. I love your concise intelligent and informed podcast
The junior always defers to the senior, whether by rank or within rank by age. If you introduce two people to each other, you always introduce the junior to the senior. If a courtesy is appropriate the junior makes it first; the junior also waits to speak only once spoken to. At least I think that's the protocol. I was taught it as a child (don't ask me why!) but I've never been in a formal situation where it would be expected.
This is my favourite type of history - social history + history of concepts. It gives us tools and nomenclature to get into the mindset of people in the past. Just like your video on Memento Mori and such.
Well, in the States, anybody can style themselves esquire or any other such honorific since there aren't any laws or rules governing such things. It's used almost exclusively by lawyers, but has no official standing.
great as always proffessor -dr kat...
please do a video of the *explanation of scottish gentry & nobility*
I share the same love for history. Often boring my husband talking about it. Especially, ranks and titles. Enjoying the clear explanation that can be used to correct and amuse my husband. Thanks!
I love your work. I could listen all day. Thank you
The only ones that surprised me were the gentleman and gentlelady. I was not aware of that category.
I think that should be 'gentlewoman'.
Thank you for this video! Could you help explain whether/how the titles of land areas relate at all to the responsibilities of the person? For example, does a Baron of "X" have any responsibilities or duties related to that land area? If not, when did that phase out?...
Some title holders will continue to hold lands and estates in the region that their title is named for. In the feudal period they were responsible for the land and the people (tenants and / or serfs) upon it. From their lands they would be expected to provide money and/or men to fight for the king.
Title holders today will frequently have an obligation to preserve the historic buildings connected to their titles in addition to taking care of their land and any people on it.
I’ve always wondered why there is Duchess, Baroness, and Viscountess…but the Earl’s wife is Countess? Not that “Earless” makes sense, but still is confusing.
In Europe they have Counts instead of Earls, their wives are Countesses
The Ear-less Earless has one Ear Less than the one-earred Earl of Earlington.... (a weird thing i made up in my youth.)
Earl was brought to Britain by the Danes
Of course spelt and pronounced differently
@@husseinmuhammed828 'Jarl' wasn't it?
Nothing new to me, but like you and many others, I have probably spent much more time in this realm than your average person. However, you now know more about cricket than I ever will. I have been watching Tudor Monastery Farm and am learning all kinds of interesting little things which continue to be relevant today. .
My late father always received letters addressed to him as Esquire or Esq on the envelopes, and I never really knew what it meant, now I do. He was awarded the Imperial Service Medal for 'faithful service' I'm assuming, due to his work as a Cartographic Draughtsman making maps for the Military during WWII. I'm also assuming the Esq came about because of that.
I love that in your comments I can't find one of the generic put-downs of Camilla
It says a lot about the quality of your content Dr Kat that even your fanbase is a little more respectable - thank you for the great vid
I would love to know how money was handled, historically. Where was it kept, how took care of the royals money, how where people paid? Cash, chits? We’re they paid weekly, monthly, yearly? Where did the common people and tradesmen keep their money? Was Friday payday? Did everyone show up at one spot to be paid by the person in charge? How were records kept? I would like to see how all of this was handled.
This is absolutely everything! Thank you so much for sharing this Dr. Kat
I've read a lot of history, including that which covers the European middle ages/medieval times and I've never known the precise ranking of titles so this was much appreciated by me!
This was so informative, thanks Dr Kat! I will also tell my husband about these difference, which I’m sure he will be so excited to hear lol 😅
Just discovered your channel, Dr. Kat, and I love it! I have a question...given that Edward VI was so determined that his half-sisters should NOT succeed him, why did his council not find a Protestant princess and marry him off? Many royals were married in their early teens, and I've heard his health was actually robust until about 6 months before his death. Do you know if a marriage was considered for him, and if so, who was the prospective bride? Thank you so much!
Lady Jane Grey? There must have been some reason she was named queen in his will. She would have kept her head longer than nine days if she said it was queen dowager, not queen regnant. Primogeniture (if male preference) still ruled over royal shenanigans.
As someone who sometimes reads historical romances, the misuse of titles is a pet peeve of mine. I remember being irrationally angry at one where the unmarried daughter of a viscount was given the title Lady 😆
Awesome, informative, and useful content, thank you!
Fascinating Dr Kat. The background to the history of each title was V interesting too. Thank you.
Excellent video, Dr. Kat.
This is the first explanation I've had that delves deeper than Baronet going down to gentleman, esquire and knight. Very interesting. You did touch a little on my main question as to why the Barons had so much power of King Richard for him to sign the Magna Carter. Maybe just their sheer numbers, and armed men, were able to persuade him to sign. I never understood where all the Viscounts, Earls, Marquis and Dukes were in that whole business. The men that made King Richard sign were always mentioned as 'powerful Barons'.
I would also be interested to know what influence the Black Death had on titles, granting them, having women be able to use them. etc.
Thank you for another great vlog, and while the world of cricket defies my power of understanding, leg before the wicket sounds interesting. I think I know what sticky wicket means.
At the time of the Magna Carta, there were no higher nobles than barons in England with the possible exception of an occasional Duke (which is a very ancient title going back to Roman times).
This has puzzled me since Diana married Charles. It was written she was the first “commoner” to marry a Prince of Wales or heir, in 300 years or so. (I don’t have the document with me and it was 41 years ago???)
Diana was titled, she was Lady Diana Spencer, her father Earl Spencer. Even though she was from one of the most aristocratic families in England, was she a “commoner” because her father was not royal??? It’s always bugged me. Does it mean to be “peerage” you must have an HRH?
Thank you for the video.
Thank you so much for this video and the effort you put into it!
I loved the little tidbit about the exchange of potentially unwanted knowledge between you and your husband. I too have learned many unrequested sports concepts from my husband!
One thing not covered: how did non-royal dukes come to pass? We're non-royal dukes merely magnates or were they illegitimate royals or were they just rich and able to keep and grow their wealth?
There is such a vast wealth of information in this video that I believe I will have to watch several times and try to transcribe it for study later. Thank you so much for helping to cram into hard Yankee heads how the Peerage works.
I didn't know the non-titled end (Gentleman etc.), but did know the higher end, thanks to Georgette Heyer... there's a lovely scene in Frederica where Felix (the eponymous heroine's little brother) comes to Alverstoke (the hero) for help, describing him as a "second-best nobleman" (a Marquis).
What has always puzzled me is why the wife of an Earl is a Countess (suppose otherwise she'd be an Eorlinga?), or indeed, the husband of a Countess is an Earl (not a Count).
outside of england the title IS count/comte/conte. that's why there is a lower title of viscount and vicomte etc in other countries too.
Princess Beatrice is technically also _Contessa Mapelli-Mozzi_
Thank you!! I’ve been waiting for this. Very interesting, well done! :) Cheers
This is a heavensent, Dr. Kat. Thank you. I'm currently writing a fantasy novel and my current hierarchy of peerages still needs a bit more work.
Great video! Thank you, I was looking for such a video for a long time now. Highly educational, very interesting (to me, at least.) :) One thing I would have liked in your video is a diagram, a visual representation, if you will, of your expert explanation of ranks.
Very interesting and informative indeed! Wonderful video! Our family are part of the Scottish diaspora (we live in Sweden) and have a coat of arms at the Court of Lord Lyon. It would be great if you could make a video about the Scottish order of noble titles, and highlight any differences between the English and the Scottish system : )
I have never been able to understand this. Of course I am American and English Titles were never addressed in school. The only thing English we studied was English Literature. You made this a lot clearer. Thank you.
I am profoundly grateful there is no post test required and have saved the video for further reference as needed when someone pops up on my TV bearing a title or is referred to as Lady or Lord. Thank you so much! This was clear but will require study as here, we have no such regalia. Thanks again! I love your channel ❤️
Hi! Again, lovely video! One interesting subject that popped into my mind could be British citizens who emigrated to other countries (Sweden for example) during the 17th and 18th centuries to establish trade or join the army; many of whom needed to prove noble status in order to do so. Most of these were simple Gentlemen, either of coat-armour themselves or belonging to armigerous families. An interesting episode in European history.
Thank you Kat. This was brilliant
Delightful and informative video as usual, Dr. Kat! just one question - obviously all these ranks owe loyalty (fealty?) to the reigning monarch, but is this direct or do these ranks owe some allegiance to the higher ranks? like, does a viscount answer to a Duke? just curious as to whether it is like a military, or the ranks are grades centered on the monarch and not connected with each other ...
As always very informative. Do you think you would ever be interested (and if there is anything to say about it) in talking about Roman Empire's influence on early and perhaps medieval kings and queens, or general public in general. British culture, heritage, perhaps early style of society division, or fashion, or anything of such kind.
Thank you so much for breaking it down for us, from the UK and I could never get the ladder of titles down properly 💖
Thanks for this, but I would love to know what the privileges or “perks” are that go with each of the titles!
You mention that it has just been announced Prince Edward is to be granted the title Duke of Edinburgh. Has such an announcement actually been made since Charles took the throne?
I like your podcasts and History Hits.
Thank you so much. Your video, among other things, confirmed a small detail for a play I am writing. A fictional baronet's family name is "Fitz-Lyons" and his fiancee is being referred to (by some) as "the future Lady Fitz-Lyons".
This guide will be really helpful when I'm reading historical fiction XD
Wonderful explanation. I’ve always wondered about the titles.
How do they decide the place names for the titles? Is it by birth location of family members and when they make a new say duke of new jersey how do they decide what place to use? What if someone already has new jersey?
Thank you so much! Loved the ladder of peers and the links to today
This was a lovely, thorough, and didn't lightning discussion. Thank you so much.
Thankyou Doctor Kat , now I have an understanding of titles.
Another excellently presented video!!! Always enjoy!
It's a bit confusing.I don't fully understand how people get their titels.Are they(for example, that of a duke) always hereditary or can they be bestowed on a person just as a monarc wishes?
I just subscribed. I really enjoyed your presentation.
Interesting, but so much to have to retain. So glad we gave that up in the US.
I've always wanted to know how, exactly, the lower gentry were able to establish themselves. Were the given that right because they managed to get hold of a specific amount of land? I'm under the impression that some people in the merchant class were able to rise to nobility status. Was that only through marriage, or was there another way? Also, I understand that before 1200, there weren't as many titles. I'm glad you pointed out the origin of Viscount. I wonder how the others were established? And as these different titles came into use, did they signify a closer and closer relationship to the King and/ or Queen? Or did they manage to provide cash flow to campaigns or some other need of the royals such that the title was perhaps a bribe...or...?
Glad to see gentry ranks get attention, would be nice to see lord of the manor included. As it is a title of dignity slightly above or level to an esquire that is classed as gentry or very minor nobility.
This was absolutely wonderful.
Great topic, thanks☺️
Thank you! I needed that but it will still take me a few years ti "get" it.....
I'll have to re-listen to really understand all these ranks.
But I'm very happy Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex will soon be Duke of Edinburgh!
Great video, thanks Dr. Kat
Thanks
Thank you Dr. Kat. It was very interesting. I remember my dad getting post with Esq. at the end of his name. I always wondered why.
Thanks for the video, this was informative. However something that I would like to learn wasn’t covered here: it’s the hierarchy between the nobel titles, e.g: do barons “report” to counts, and counts “report” to dukes etc.
Also, are which ones of them are allowed to have peasants and how many.
As a clumsy child, I was fascinated to learn that a duchess was called Her Grace. I so hoped at some point in my life to be created a duchess so that those who made fun of my clumsiness would be forced to call me Your Grace; a forlorn hope as I am an American citizen and have never in my life even met a duke.
I thought Catherine is not "Princess Catherine" as a stand- alone title but officially as "Catherine, Princess of Wales."
I have think so too🤔 ? Because she is not blood royal like example Princess Anne how is Princess Royal also.
Love your videos. " Lovely dry sense of humour. I expect this video will be very handy for the Bridgerton fans
Would love to see how this interacts with ranks of the clergy, who play a role in royal occasions and Jane Austen novels
Skip the ad to @2:15
Hi. I am an attorney in the US. Not sure Esq is a legal entitlement but rather is a matter of curtesy or tradition. I do not use it.
On the continent lawyers often use Doctor. In the US most lawyers hold a doctorate (Jurist Doctor or JD my degree). However, most state bar association do not allow use of doctor unless the lawyer holds a doctorate other than a JD (such as a PhD, D Ed or the increasingly rare LLD).