Baron
Baron is a title of honour in many European peerage systems. It is often a hereditary title that ranks as the one of the lower titles in a peerage. In the UK peerage system, the five peerage titles from highest to lowest are duke, marquess, earl, viscount and baron.[1] Baronets and knights are not members of the peerage although a baron may also be a knight. In the feudalism of medieval England a baron was a tenant-in-chief who held his lands directly from the king.[2] During the 13th century barons were summoned by royal writ to attend Parliament.[3]
The word baron comes from Old French baron, itself from Frankish baro meaning "freeman, warrior". It later merged with Old English beorn meaning "nobleman." The lands of a baron are called a barony. The female title for a baron is baroness. The form of address for a baron is "Lord" and for a baroness "Lady".[4]
References
change- ↑ "Ranks and Privileges of the Peerage". Debrett's. Archived from the original on 12 June 2014. Retrieved 12 January 2016.
- ↑ "Feudal Terms". University of Mississippi. Retrieved 12 January 2016.
- ↑ "Baron". Debrett's. Retrieved 12 January 2016.
- ↑ Titles and Forms of Address: A Guide to Correct Use (London: A. & C. Black, 2007), p. 45
