baronetcy

A baronetcy is a hereditary title awarded by the British Crown. It is considered a middle rank in the social ladder, sitting below the peerage (barons and others) and above knights. The institution was created in 1611 by James I of England as a way to raise funds for the Crown. A baronet holds no right to a seat in Parliament by virtue of the title, and it does not confer a peerage.

A baronet is styled as Sir [First Name] [Surname], with post-nominal letters either Bt or Bart. The wife of a baronet is styled as Lady [Surname]. The title is hereditary and typically passes to the male heirs of the grantee’s body, under the standard remainder “to the heirs male of his body.” If no eligible male heirs exist, the baronetcy may become extinct or dormant. Some baronetcies have special remainders, but such cases are uncommon.

Baronetcies have been created in several different baronetcies, including those of England, Ireland, Nova Scotia, and the United Kingdom. After the Acts of Union, most later creations were in the Baronetage of the United Kingdom. Baronetcies continue to exist and are listed in reference works such as Debrett’s and Burke’s; new creations are rare in modern times. The title often carries historical connections to families, estates, and heraldic arms, and it remains a recognised form of hereditary honour in the Commonwealth, distinct from peerages and knighthoods.