Baronetage

Baronetage refers to the body of baronetcies, hereditary titles awarded by the British Crown. A baronet ranks below a baron but above most knights, and is addressed as Sir X, with the title Bt or Bart. Unlike peerages, baronetcies confer no right to sit in the peerage, and they do not create a peer in the House of Lords; they are honors that pass from father to son.

History and classes: The English baronetage was created by King James I in 1611 as a means to raise funds for the crown. The Baronetage of Nova Scotia was established in 1625 to promote colonization; the Irish baronetage followed in the same era. In 1707 the Baronetage of Great Britain was formed, and after the Acts of Union with Ireland, baronetcies of the United Kingdom have continued from 1801 onward. Titles were often tied to land, family lineage, and service to the crown, and multiple parallel baronetages exist for England, Ireland, Nova Scotia, Great Britain, and the United Kingdom.

Inheritance and extinction: Most baronetcies are inherited by male heirs of the body; if there is no eligible heir, the title becomes extinct. Some patents include special remainders that allow other succession arrangements. A baronetcy can become dormant if succession is not proven or if the line becomes uncertain.

Regulatory status and usage: The title remains a hereditary honor, and extant baronetcies are listed on the Official Roll of the Baronetage, maintained by the Standing Council of the Baronetage. Baronetcy holders are entitled to use the prefix Sir, with wives typically styled Lady, but the wife does not hold the title in her own right. New baronetcies are rare in modern times, but the practice continues as part of the United Kingdom’s honours system.