Baron, << BAR uhn, >> is the title held by noblemen in the lowest rank in the British peerage. This rank was introduced into England after the Norman Conquest (1066). The king bestowed the rank on those to whom he granted land in return for military service. The barons were later divided into greater and lesser barons, according to the amount of land they held. The lands of these first barons were handed down from father to son, thus establishing the hereditary aristocracy.
The power of the barons grew with the years. The greater barons became earls or dukes, often with the lesser barons as their retainers. The wife of a baron or a woman who holds a barony is a baroness. A baron is addressed as “Lord,” and a baroness is addressed as “Lady.” Until 1999, the holder of a barony was entitled to a seat in the House of Lords.
The king or queen now confers the title of baron or baroness for distinguished service or distinction in art or letters, but the title is not hereditary. People who receive this honorary title are entitled to a seat in the House of Lords.
Baronet is a title taking rank between those of baron and knight. When in need of money in 1611, King James I decided to create the title of baronet and sell it to a number of people. The king’s need of money was so great, however, that the limit was very elastic. The title is now conferred by the king or queen on anyone whom he or she wishes to honor. The title is hereditary and does not entitle the holder to a seat in the House of Lords. A baronet is addressed as “Sir.”
