*The Elizabethan titles of dignity for the perenially confused are in descending order of Nobility:
King and Queen: addressed as Sir, Madam, or Your Majesty.
Duke and Duchess: addressed as his/her Grace the Duke of etc., your Grace, or Sir.
Marquess and Marchioness: addressed as my Lord and Lady.
Earl (Count) and Countess: addressed as my Lord and Lady.
Viscount and Viscountess: addressed as my Lord and Lady.
Baron and Baroness: addressed as my Lord and Lady.
*An interesting fact is that there was only one Duke in England in his time. Shakespeare’s plays are filled with Dukes.
*Collectively these are known as Peers. -Actually only the head of each Noble family is a Peer and is entitled and privileged to a seat in the House of Lords.
*The titles of Baronet and Knight belong to those members of the Gentry who have distinguished themselves in some way or other than the above. -Their privilege is the right to put Sir before their Christian name. -The title of Baronet is hereditary and that of Knight is merely personal.
*The Gentry are those people distinguished by birth, education or riches.
*The Gentry are the first sons and grandsons of Peers, the University trained, Officers of the Army and Navy, Great Landowners (country squires), Bankers, Great Manufacturers and Merchants but not shopkeepers. -All of the above may use the title of Gentleman.
*Everybody else is known as Commoners, including the sons, brothers and sisters of Peers.
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