Overview
A baronet is a hereditary honour in the British system of titles whose holder is addressed as Sir followed by his forename and surname. Unlike peers, baronets are commoners and do not sit in the House of Lords by virtue of the title. The dignity is distinct from knighthoods: a baronetcy is inheritable while ordinary knighthoods are personal honours.
Rank, style and conventions
Baronets rank above knights but below the lowest rank of the peerage (barons). They may use the prefix Sir and the post-nominal letters Bt or Bart, and the wife of a baronet is commonly styled Lady followed by the family surname. Female hereditary equivalents are rare and historically the title has followed male-preference primogeniture except where a special remainder provides otherwise.
History and origin
The baronetcy was instituted in the early 17th century as a way for the Crown to reward and raise funds without creating additional peers. Early creations sought revenue for military and colonial projects, and different series of baronetcies were established over time. For background on the national context see the United Kingdom.
Types and distribution
- Baronetage of England
- Baronetage of Ireland
- Baronetage of Nova Scotia
- Baronetage of Great Britain
- Baronetage of the United Kingdom
Each of these series reflects the legal and political frame in which titles were created. Some historic creations no longer have living successors and are termed extinct; others are dormant when a clear heir has not proven succession.
Inheritance and legal status
Baronetcy passes by inheritance under the terms set out in the patent of creation, typically to the eldest legitimate son. Successors normally must prove their claim to be entered on the official roll of baronets. A baronetcy confers social precedence but not legislative privilege.
Uses and notable facts
Baronets have served widely in public life, including politics, the military and commerce, often using their hereditary title as a mark of social standing. The dignity should not be confused with knighthoods such as the Knight Bachelor, which are non-hereditary personal distinctions. Today baronetcies remain part of the complex system of British honours and social rank.