Baronetcies

A baronetcy is a hereditary title awarded by the British Crown. It ranks below the peerage titles such as baron but above most knighthoods, and it is not a peerage. The holder may use the prefix Sir, and the title is passed down to male heirs.

Baronetcies were created beginning in 1611 by King James I as a means to raise funds for royal ventures and defense. The creation is effected by letters patent under the Great Seal, and the title is attached to the wearer’s surname. A baronet is a commoner by status, not a peer, and the baronet does not receive a seat in Parliament by virtue of the title.

Inheritance is typically by the principle of primogeniture, with the remainder to the heirs male of the body. If there are no eligible male heirs, the baronetcy generally becomes extinct or dormant. Some baronetcies have special remainders allowing different lines of succession, but such cases are rare.

There are several baronetcies categorized by their historical origin: the Baronetage of England, the Baronetage of Nova Scotia, the Baronetage of Ireland, the Baronetage of Great Britain, and the Baronetage of the United Kingdom. The wife of a baronet is styled as Lady [Surname], not as a baronetess; the title itself is inherited by male descendants, while female holders are not typical in the traditional system. In some cases, baronets have been elevated to the peerage.

Today the baronetcy remains a living element of the British honours system. It continues to be created and inherited, with extant titles held by families across the United Kingdom and former territories, while many others have become extinct over time.