Aussie girl needs to know about English peers of the realm?

Question

What is the order of importance with earls, viscounts, dukes and lords?

are there any others I've missed out?

How come you get 'counts' in Europe, and 'viscounts' in Britain?

is there a difference between the two?

Answer 1

cos we're great britain innit like and we gots them minty choccy viscount biscuits innit

Answer 2

The order goes:

Duke, Marquess, Earl, Viscount and Baron

You missed out the Marquess and Baron

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peerage_of_... for more info

Answer 3

Duke

Marquess

Earl

Viscount

Lord

Baron

with Duke at the top of the pile

A Viscount in UK is the same level as a Count in Europe

Answer 4

Dukes

Earls

Viscounts

Lords

Barons

Answer 5

The top level is Royal Duke.   This is not inherited but given by the King or Queen.   The wife of a Royal Duke is a Royal Duchess.

The next level is Duke. His wife is a Duchess.   The same title is applicable if a female holds the title by herself.   Her husband takes no title.

Then there is a Marquess.   His wife or a women holding a marquessate is a Marchioness.   This is equivalent to a Margrave in Germany.   Informally, Marquesses and Marchionesses are referred to as Lords and Ladies.

Then there is an Earl.  This is equivalent to a Count.   In fact, an Earl's wife, or a woman with an Earldom, is called a Countess.   Informally, Earls and Countesses are referred to as Lords and Ladies.

Next come Viscounts and the feminine form is Viscountess and is said to have a Viscountcy.   Again they are called Lords and Ladies informally.

Finally in England, there are Barons.   Females are Baronesses or Ladies (by personal choice).  Wives of barons are usually Ladies.    In Scotland, these are called Lords (or Ladies) of Parliament.   Scots who were made peers of the lowest rank since the merger of the two kingdoms in 1707 are made barons.

Some barons and baronesses can pass their title to their children.   Others are appointed for their lifetime and are known as life peers but addressed in the same way.