Nobility of the British Isles

Edward III Of England
(16th Great Grandfather)
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Research is difficult in its own right, and to complicate things more we have what is known as the Peerage & Nobility.

When tracing ancestors of Nobility, it is oftentimes very difficult to know just where they fit in with respect to the order of what is known as the Peerage.

To help in your research we have worked very hard to bring the actual precedency or standing if you will, of the Nobility & Peerage of the United Kingdom.

In this webpage you may find the actual ranking or precedency of the Families & their peers. Included in this is both male & female roles in order to the actual reigning Monarchs.

You will find that most if not all of the Titles are present within this list in order from the Sovereign on down to the Gentlemen & Ladies.

This long standing order of titles has been in effect since the reign of Henry VIII, while it has been changed slightly over the years it is an excellent representation of the legal standing of these families.

Our list begins with the current ranks in England followed by those orders and titles that govern Scotland

Below is a representation of the crowns of personages with their respective offices, following that is the listing of the actual Peerage & Nobility that was recorded by Francis J. Grant Lord Lyon King of Arms in the year 1929.

Royal Crowns of the United Kingdom

Legend:
A. CORONET OF A BARON - A circlet of silver gilt upon which are seen four "pearls" or silver balls. This coronet was assigned by Royal Warrant, by Charles II, to barons of England, and later by James II, to Barons of Ireland. The gilt rim encircles a crimson velvet cap, lined with and turned up ermine, topped with a tassel of gold bullion. A baron's coronet is the only one to have a plain rim with no embossed gemstones.

B. CORONET OF A VISCOUNT - This coronet has nine "pearls" visible, and is otherwise similar to that of a baron. The rim is chased with jewels but not real stones, whereas the rim of a baron's coronet is plain. The rim is set around a velvet cap lined and turned up ermine.

C. CORONET OF AN EARL - This is slightly different to the foregoing coronets as the five "pearls" are raised upon points or spikes set on the rim between four strawberry leaves.

D. CELESTIAL CROWN - Similar to an Eastern crown with each point tipped with a star. Used by persons and companies connected with flying.

E. CORONET OF A MARQUESS - This is a rim of silver gilt set with "pearls" and strawberry leaves. In heraldic representations, two "pearls" are visible between three strawberry leaves. The chasing on the rim and the velvet cap lined with ermine are similar to the previous examples of coronets of rank.

F. CORONET OF A DUKE - This shows five strawberry leaves set upon a silver gilt circlet chased with precious stones. Real gems are only used in the royal crowns. The rim encloses a cap of crimson velvet turned up ermine with a gold bullion tassel at the top.

G. EASTERN CROWN - A circlet with five triangular points used by families and corporate bodies connected with the Eastern hemisphere, for example Brooke, the White Rajah off Sarawak, whose arms were ensigned by an Eastern Crown and bore as his Badge and Eastern Crown within an annulte with the name Sarawak.

H. NAVAL CROWN - This was very popular after the Napolenoic Wars when many English admirals and captains were granted armorial bearings, or had their existing arms augmented in trcgonition of their bavery and success. The rim of the circles is decorated with the sterns of three warships, between which are two square sails. The equivalent for the mercantile service is a rim set with five sails. The crown or coronet may be of any color and in several examples the name of an action where the recipient gained honour is inscribed upon the circlet.

I. CAP OF ESTATE OR MAINTENANCE - Sometimes called a chapeau. This ancient piece of headgear is sometimes seen instead of a crest wreath, which implies an element of distinction and antiquity to the coat of arms.

J. CREST CORONET OR DUCAL CORONET - This is a small coronet showing three strawberry leaves set upon a rim of any colour. It does not imply title or noble status, and has no precedence over any other crest. Nevertheless it has always been popular in Europe where the rules of hearldry and armory have been held so tightly in rein as they are in the United Kingdom. The crest coronet is however seen widely in English heraldry and it must have been a useful alternative to the crest wreath when actual crests were being laces on to tilting helms.

K. VALLARY CROWN - A circlet set with five pieces shaped roughly like the fur Vair. This could relfect the squirrel skins of Vair, or it might relfect the spaces between the uprights as valleys.

L. CORONET OF THE PRINCE OF WALES - Designed by Louis Osman for the Investure of the Prince of Wales in Caernarvon Castle on 1 July 1969. It has only one arch, whereas royal crowns have two. This symbolic diadem is the latest item of regalia to enter the Crown Jewels.

M. CROWN OF THE KING OF ARMS - The only people other than royalty and peers of the realm permitted to wear and display crowns are the King of Arms. The crown has sixteen acanthus leaves set upon the rim, or which nine appear in heraldic representations. Instead of embossed gemstones, par of the first verse of Psalms LI is worked into the rim, namely 'Miserere mei Deus secundum magname misericordiam tuam'.

N. FOREIGN CROWN - The crown of the Kingdom of Hanover as used in the British Royal Arms from 1816 to 1837.

O. MURAL CROWN - Generally borne by civic authorities and towns as it represents a city wall.

ORDER OF PRECEDENCY

The order of precedency to be observed in England was settled by an Act of Parliament passed in the thirty-first year of the reign of Henry VIII. The order has been varied at different periods to accord with the alterations in the families of the reigning monarchs, and the creation of new offices. The following tables show the order of precedency at the present time:

TABLE OF PRECEDENCY AMONG MEN IN ENGLAND

The SOVEREIGN.

The PRINCE OF WALES.

Younger Sons of the Sovereign.
Grandsons of the Sovereign.
Brothers of the Sovereign.
Uncles of the Sovereign.
The Sovereign's Brothers' or Sisters' Sons (according to the seniority of their parents).
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Primate of All England.
The Lord High Chancellor, or Lord Keeper.
The Archbishop of York, Primate of England.
The Prime Minister.
The Lord Chancellor of Ireland.
The Lord High Treasurer.
The Lord President of the Privy Council.
The Speaker of the House of Commons.
The Lord Privy Seal.
The Lord Great Chamberlain.
The Lord High Constable.
The Earl Marshal.
The Lord High Admiral.
The Lord Steward of His Majesty's Household.
The Lord Chamberlain of His Majesty's Household.
The Master of Horse.
DUKES, according to their Patents of Creation, England, Scotland, Great Britain, Ireland, United Kingdom, and of Ireland since 1801. Eldest Sons of Dukes of the Royal Blood.
MARQUESSES, according to their Patents of Creation, England, Scotland, Great Britain, Ireland, United Kingdom, and of Ireland since the Union.
Dukes' eldest Sons.
EARLS, according to their Patents as aforesaid.
Younger Sons of Dukes of Blood Royal.
Marquesses' eldest Sons.
Dukes' younger Sons.
VISCOUNTS, according to their Patents as aforesaid.
Earls' eldest Sons.
Marquesses' younger Sons.
Bishops of London, Durham, and Winchester.
All other English Bishops, according to their seniority of consecration.
Secretaries of State and Chief Secretary to Lord-Licutenant of Ireland, if of the degree of a Baron.
BARONS, according to their Patents as aforesaid.
Lords of Appeal in Ordinary.
Commissioner of the Great Seal.
Treasurer of His Majesty's Household.
Comptroller of His Majesty's Household.
Vice-Chamberlain of His Majesty's Household.
Secretaries of State and Chief Secretary to Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland under the degree of Barons.
Viscounts' eldest Sons.
Earls' younger Sons.
Barons' eldest Sons.
Knights of the Most Noble Order of The Garter.
Knights of St Patrick.
Privy Councillors.
Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.
Lord Chief Justice of England.
Master of the Rolls.
The Lords Justices of the Court of Appeal, and president of the Probate, Divorce, and Admiralty Divisions, according to their seniority and order of appointment.
Judges of the High Court of Justice rank among themselves according to date of appointment.
Viscounts' younger Sons.
Barons, younger Sons.
Sons of Lords of Appeal in Ordinary (Life Peers), according to seniority of creation.
Baronets of England, Scotland, and Ireland.
Knights Grand Cross of the Bath.
Knights Grand Commanders of the Star of India.
Knights Grand Cross of St Michael and St George.
Knights Grand Commanders of the Order of the Indian Empire.
Knights Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order.
Knights Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire.
Knights Commanders of the Bath.
Knights Commanders of the Star of India.
Knights Commanders Of St Michael and St George.
Knights Commanders of the Order of the Indian Empire. Knights Commanders of the Royal Victorian Order.
Knights Commanders of the Order of the British Empire.
Knights Bachelors.
Judges of County Courts in England and Wales and of City of London Court.
Serjeants-at-Law.
Masters in Lunacy.
Companions of the Bath.
Companions of the Star of India.
Companions of St Michael and St George.
Companions of the Indian Empire.
Commanders of the Royal Victorian Order.
Commanders of the Order of the British Empire.
Companions of the Distinguished Service Order.
Members Of the 4th Class of the Royal Victorian Order.
Officers of the Order of the British Empire.
Companions of the Imperial Service Order.
Eldest Sons of the younger Sons of Peers.
Baronets' eldest Sons.
Eldest Sons of Knights of the Garter.
Eldest Sons of Knights Bachelors.
Members of the 5th Class of the Royal Victorian Order.
Members of the Order of the British Empire.
Baronets' younger Sons.
Younger Sons of Knights.
Esquires.
Gentlemen.

TABLE OF PRECEDENCY AMONG WOMEN IN ENGLAND

The QUEEN.

The QUEEN DOWAGER.

The PRINCESS OF WALES.

PRINCESSES, Daughters of the Sovereign.
PRINCESSES and DUCHESSES, Wives of the Sovereign's Sons.
Granddaughters of the Sovereign.
Wives of the Sovereign's Grandsons.
The Sovereign's Sisters.
Wives of the Sovereign's Brothers. The Sovereign's Aunts.
Wives of the Sovereign's Uncles.
Daughters of Dukes of the Blood Royal.
Wives of the Sovereign's Nephews.
Granddaughters of Sovereign not bearing style of Royal Highness.
DUCHESSES of England, Scotland, Great Britain, Ireland, and United Kingdom.
Wives of the eldest Sons of Dukes of the Blood Royal. MARCHIONESSES of England, Scotland, Great Britain, lieland, and United Kingdom.
Wives of the eldest Sons of Dukes.
Daughters of Dukes.
COUNTESSES Of England, Scotland, Great Britain, Ireland, and United Kingdom.
Wives of younger Sons of Dukes of Blood Royal.
Wives of the eldest Sons of Marquesses.
Daughters of Marquesses.
Wives of the younger Sons of Dukes.
VISCOUNTESSES of England, Scotland, Great Britain, Ireland, and United Kingdom.
Wives of the eldest Sons of Earls.
Daughters of Earls.
Wives of the younger Sons of Marquesses.
BARONESSES of Fngland, Scotland, Great Britain, Ireland, and United Kingdom.
Wives of Lords of Appeal in Ordinary (Life Peers), according to seniority of creation of title.
Wives of the eldest Sons of Viscounts.
Daughters of Viscounts.
Wives of the younger Sons of Earls.
Wives of the eldest Sons of Barons.
Dame Commanders of the Order of the British Empire.
Daughters of Barons.
Maids of Honour.
Wives of Knights of the Garter.
Wives of Knights of St Patrick.
Wives of the younger Sons of Viscounts.
Wives of the younger Sons of Barons.
Daughters of Lords of Appeal in Ordinary (Life Peers).
Wives of Sons of Lords of Appeal in Ordinary (Life Peers).
Wives of Baronets.
Wives of Knights Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath.
Wives of Knights Grand Commanders of the Star of India.
Wives of Knights Grand Cross of St Michael and St George.
Wives of Knights Grand Commanders of the Order of the Indian Empire.
Wives of Knights Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order.
Wives of Knights Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire.
Wives of Knights Commanders of the Order of the Bath.
Wives of Knights Commanders of the Star of India.
Wives of Knights Commanders of St Michael and St George.
Wives of Knights Commanders of the Indian Empire.
Wives of Knights Commanders of the Royal Victorian Order.
Wives of Knights Commanders of the Order of the British Empire.
Wives of Knights Bachelors.
Commanders of the Order of the British Empire.
Wives of Companions of the Bath.
Wives of Companions of the Star of India.
Wives of Companions of St Michael and St George.
Wives of Companions of the Indian Empire.
Wives of Commanders of the Royal Victorian Order.
Wives of Commanders of the Order of the British Empire.
Wives of Companions of the Distinguished Service Order.
Officers of the Order of the British Empire.
Wives of Members of the 4th Class of the Royal Victorian Order.
Wives of Officers of the Order of the British Empire.
Companions of the Imperial Service Order.
Wives of Companions of the Imperial Service Order.
Wives of the eldest Sons of the younger Sons of Peers.
Daughters of the younger Sons of Peers.
Wives of the eldest Sons of Baronets.
Daughters of Baronets.
Wives of the eldest Sons of Knights of the Garter.
Wives of the eldest Sons of Knights Bachelors.
Daughters of Knights Bachelors.
Members of the Order of the British Empire.
Wives of Members of the 5th Class of the Royal Victorian Order.
Wives of Members of the Order of the British Empire.
Wives of Members of the Imperial Service Order.
Wives of the younger Sons of the younger Sons of Peers.
Wives of the younger Sons of Baronets.
Wives of the younger Sons of Knights.
Wives of Esquires.
Wives of Gentlemen.

THE SCALE OF GENERAL PRECEDENCE IN SCOTLAND

According to Royal Warrant of 9th March 1905

The SOVEREIGN.

The Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland during the sitting of the General Assembly.
Duke of Rothesay.
Younger Sons of the Sovereign.
Grandsons of the Sovereign.
Brothers of the Sovereign.
Uncles of the Sovereign.
Nephews of the Sovereign.
Note:
Lords Lieutenant of Counties.
Lord Provosts of Cities being ex officio Lords Lieutenant of Counties of Cities.
Sheriffs Principal:
during their term of office, and within the bounds of their respective Counties, Cities, md Sheriffdoms, shall have precedence next after the Royal Family and the Lord High Commissioner.

Every Lord Lieutenant of a County and every Lord Lieutenant of a County of a City during his term of office, and within the limits of his jurisdiction, shall have prece- dence before the Sheriff Principal having concurrent jurisdiction in the said County or County of a City.

The Lord Chancellor of Great Britain.
The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland during his term of office.

The Prime Minister.
The Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland (The Secretary for Scotland) (if a Peer).
The Speaker of the House of Commons.
The Keeper of the Privy Seal of Scotland (if a Peer).
The Hereditary High Constable of Scotland.
The Hereditary Master of the Household in Scotland.
Dukes of England.
Dukes of Scotland.
Dukes of Great Britain.
Dukes of United Kingdom and Dukes of Ireland created since 1801.
Eldest Sons of Dukes of Blood Royal.
Marquesses of England.
Marquesses of Scotland.
Marquesses of Great Britain.
Marquesses of the United Kingdom and Marquesses of Ireland created since the Union of Great Britain and Ireland.
Eldest Sons of Dukes.
Earls of England.
Earls of Scotland.
Earls of Great Britain.
Earls of United Kingdom and Earls of Ireland created since 1801.
Younger Sons of Dukes of Blood Royal.
Eldest Sons of Marquesses.
Younger Sons of Dukes.
The Keeper of the Great Seal (The Secretary for Scotland) (if not a Peer).
The Keeper of the Privy Seal (if not a Peer).
The Lord Justice-General.
The Lord Clerk Register.
The Lord Advocate.
The Lord Justice-Clerk.
Viscounts of England.
Viscounts of Scotland.
Viscounts of Great Britain.
Viscounts of the United Kingdom and Viscounts of Ireland created since the Union of Great Britain and Ireland.
Eldest Sons of Earls.
Younger Sons of Marquesses.
Barons of England.
Barons of Scotland.
Barons of Great Britain.
Barons of United Kingdom and Barons of Ireland Created since 1801.
Eldest Sons of Viscounts.
Younger Sons of Earls.
Eldest Sons of Barons.
Knights of the Garter.
Privy Councillors.
Senators of the College of Justice and Chairman of the Land Court.
Younger Sons of Viscounts.
Younger Sons of Barons.
Sons of Law Life Peers.
Baronets.
Knights of the Thistle.
Knights of St Patrick.
Knights Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath.
Knights Grand Commanders of the Order of the Star of India.
Knights Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George.
Knights Grand Commanders of the Order of the Indian Empire.
Knights Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order.
Knights Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire.
Knights Commanders of the Order of the Bath.
Knights Commanders of the Order of the Star of India.
Knights Commanders of the Order of St Michael and St George.
Knights Commanders of the Order of the Indian Empire.
Knights Commanders of the Royal Victorian Order.
Knights Commanders of the Order of the British Empire.
Solicitor-General for Scotland.
Lyon King of Arms.
Sheriffs Principal.
Knights Bachelor.
Sheriffs-Substitute.
Companions of the Order of the Bath.
Companions of the Order of the Star of India.
Companions of the Order of St Michael and St George.
Companions of the Order of the Indian Empire.
Commanders of the Royal Victorian Order.
Commanders of the Order of the British Empire.
Companions of the Distinguished Service Order.
Members of the Fourth Class of the Royal Victorian Order.
Officers of the Order of the British Empire.
Imperial Service Order.
Eldest Sons of Younger Sons of Peers.
Eldest Sons of Baronets.
Eldest Sons of Knights.
Members of the Fifth Class of the Royal Victorian Order.
Members of the Order of the British Empire.
Younger Sons of Baronets.
Younger Sons of Knights.
King's Counsel.
Esquires.
Gentlemen.

THE SCALE OF PRECEDENCE FOR LADIES IN SCOTLAND

The QUEEN.

The QUEEN DOWAGER.

Duchess of Rothesay.
Daughters of the Sovereign.
Wives of Younger Sons of the Sovereign.
Granddaughters of the Sovereign.
Wives of Grandsons of the Sovereign.
Sisters of the Sovereign.
Wives of Brothers of the Sovereign.
Aunts of the Sovereign.
Wives of Uncles of the Sovereign.
Nieces of the Sovereign.
Wives of Nephews of the Sovereign.
Duchesses in the rank of their Husbands, viz:
Duchesses of England.
Duchesses of Scotland.
Duchesses of Great Britain.
Duchesses of the United Kingdom and Duchesses of Ireland of titles created since the Union of Great Britain and Ireland.
Wives of the Eldest Sons of Dukes of Blood Royal.
Marchionesses in the rank of their Husbands, viz:
Marchionesses of England.
Marchionesses of Scotland.
Marchiouesses of Great Britain.
Marchionesses of the United Kingdom and Marchionesses of Ireland of titles created since the Union of Great Britain and Ireland.
Wives of Eldest Sons of Dukes.
Daughters of Dukes.
Countesses in the rank of their Husbands, viz:
Countesses of England.
Countesses of Scotland.
Countesses of Great Britain.
Countesses of the United Kingdom and Countesses of Ireland of titles created since the Union of Great Britain and Ireland.
Wives of Younger Sons of Dukes of Blood Royal.
Wives of Eldest Sons of Marquesses.
Daughters of Marquesses.
Wives of Younger Sons of Dukes.
Viscountesses in the rank of their Husbands, viz:
Viscountesses of England.
Viscountesses of Scotland.
Viscountesses of Great Britain.
Viscountesses of the United Kingdom and Viscountesses of Ireland of titles created since 1801.
Wives of Eldest Sons of Earls.
Daughters of Earls.
Wives of Younger Sons of Marquesses.
Baronesses in the rank of their Husbands, viz:
Baronesses of England.
Baronesses of Scotland.
Baronesses of Great Britain.
Baronesses of the United Kingdom and Baronesses of Ireland of titles created since the Union of Great Britain and Ireland.
Wives of Eldest Sons of Viscounts.
Daughters of Viscounts.
Wives of Younger Sons of Earls.
Wives of Eldest Sons of Barons.
Daughters of Barons.
Maids of Honour to the Queen.
Wives of Knights of the Garter.
Wives of Younger Sons of Viscounts.
Wives of Younger Sons of Barons.
Daughters of Law Life Peers (Lords of Appeal in Ordinary).
Wives of Sons of Law Life Peers (Lords of Appeal in Ordinary).
Wives of Baronets.
Wives of Knights of the Thistle.
Wives of Knights of St Patrick.
Dames Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire.
Wives of Knights Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath.
Wives of Knights Grand Commanders of the Order of the Star of India.
Wives of Knights Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George.
Wives of Knights Grand Commanders of the Order of the Indian Empire.
Wives of Knights Grand Gross of the Royal Victorian Order.
Wives of Knights Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire.
Dame Commanders of the Order of the British Empire.
Wives of Knights Commanders of the Order of the Bath.
Wives of Knights Commanders of the Order of the Star of India.
Wives of Knights Commanders of the Order of St Michael and St George.
Wives of Knights Commanders of the Order of the Indian Empire.
Wives of Knights Commanders of the Royal Victorian Order.
Wives of Knights Commanders of the Order of the British Empire.
Wives of Knights Bachelor and Wives of Senators of the College of Justice (Lords of Session), and of the Chairman of the Land Court. Taking precedence among themselves according to the dates of their husbands' creation as Knights or appointment as Senators of the College of Justice respectively.
Commanders of the Order of the British Empire.
Wives of Companions of the Order of the Bath.
Wives of Companions of the Order of the Star of India.
Wives of Companions of the Order of St Michael and St George.
Wives of Companions of the Order of the Indian Empire.
Wives of Commanders of the Royal Victorian Order.
Wives of Commanders of the Order of the British Empire.
Wives of Companions of the Distinguished Service Order.
Officers of the Order of the British Empire.
Wives of Members of the 4th Class of the Royal Victorian Order.
Wives of Eldest Sons of Younger Sons of Peers.
Daughters of Younger Sons of Peers.
Wives of Eldest Sons of Baronets.
Daughters of Baronets.
Wives of Eldest Sons of Knights of the Garter, of the Thistle, and of St Patrick.
Wives of Eldest Sons of Knights.
Daughters of Knights.
Members of the Order of the British Empire.
Wives of Members of the 5th Class Of the Royal Victorian Order.
Wives of Members of the Order of The British Empire.
Members of Imperial Service Order.
Wives of Members of the Imperial Service Order.
Wives of younger Sons of Baronets.
Wives of Youger Sons of Knights.
Wives of Esquires.
Wives of Gentlemen.

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